ABSTRACT:
Mucilage from the seeds of Ocimum basilicum (family- labiatae) was separated by centrifugation. Physical characteristics of mucilage such as solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, pH, viscosity were studied. Diclofenac sodium was used as model drug for the formulation of gels and its compatibility with mucilage was proved by FTIR spectroscopy. Hydrogels were formulated with mucilage concentration ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 % and glycerin 30% as plasticizer. Evaluation of spredability parameter suggests the satisfactory rheological behavior of prepared hydrogels. Anti-inflammatory activity of prepared formulations was studied on carageenan induced rat hind paw edema model. The anti-inflammatory activity of prepared formulation was almost identical to that of marketed formulation. In vitro permeation across egg membrane was studied. The gels prepared with 0.75 and 1% of mucilage showed better release and spreadability characteristics. Stability studies of prepared hydrogels at room temperature indicate that they are quite stable.