Preparation and Evaluation of Capsules containing Standardized Extract of Wild Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus)

Abstract

Wild Hawthorn (Crataegus azarolus) is a popular medicinal plant, rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, and has been associated with many beneficial properties including anticancer, cardioprotective, and antidepressant effects. This study aimed to prepare a standardized aqueous-alcoholic extract of the deried ariel parts of C. azarolus using two different extraction methods ((Magnetic mixer (MA), and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (Us)), determine the total phenolic and flavonoid content of the obtained extracts, and compare it with the international product, and prepare capsules containing this extract to investigate the effect of different types and concentrations of disintegrating agents on the release profile of this capsules. The findings showed that the yield obtained by both extraction methods is almost the same (MA: 19.9 %, US: 18.4 %) we obtained the flavonoids of the following components (MA extract: powder of the externally marketed drug: prepared dry drug powder) used at a concentration (10 : 350: 352) mg on (36.95: 4.56: 2.299) as a percentage of flavonoids Four different formulations were filled in the hard gelatin capsules using 120 mg of the prepared extract as an active ingredient. The effect of three types of superdisintigrant (croscarmellose Sodiuom ccNa, Microcrystallin cellouse 101, Sodiuom Strach Glycolate SSG) on the dissolution rate of the active ingredient was then investigated. The study showed that the formulation without superdisintigrant released its content faster than others, but all formulations release their content after 45 min. A comparison dissolution test was performed between the Capsules containing the best formulation and the capsules containing a powder of the local Crataegus plant as well as international marketed capsules containing the powder of the Crataegus plant. The study showed that the capsules filled wih the extract released it’s content better than the other after 45 min.