INTRODUCTION:
Drugs or molecules that are pharmacologically active are often manufactured into a range of dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, injectables, inhalers, ointments and more. This formulation method considers a number of essential variables, including the drug's physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters and different biopharmaceutical elements.1,2,3
Every dose form is made to maximize medication
distribution and accomplish the intended therapeutic outcome. Interestingly,
chewable gummies has shown to be an important delivery system for
pharmacological and nutraceutical compounds, going beyond its customary use as
a confection. 
When it comes to medicine distribution,
chewable gummies has different advantages, particularly for some kinds of
drugs. Chewing promotes medication release and absorption4, the oral
administration offers a practical and non-invasive method for administration.
Furthermore, there are advantages in using chewing gum as a medication delivery
process, namely bypassing first-pass metabolism and offering a faster onset of
effect5. Chewing gum's ability to operate as both a confection and a
method of administration for pharmaceutical or nutraceutical substances
highlights its promise as a novel and patient-friendly dosage form6.
An interesting field of pharmaceutical research is devoted to the development
of chewing gum, formulations for medication administration with the goal of
enhancing patient compliance and overall treatment success. Chewing gum evolved
into a practical and adaptable delivery method that may be used with a wide
range of active ingredients. A number of medicinal drugs can be conveniently
ingested through the oral mucosa. When compared to conventional oral dose
forms, formulations such as chewable gummies, chewable tablets and lozenges can
provide speedier therapeutic action for medicines that demonstrate considerable
buccal absorption7,8,9 Among parents, chewable pills and chewing gum
are particularly liked for giving medication to kids whose teeth have properly
grown.
The simplicity of usage and possible rise in patient compliance are what make it appealing. When compared to oral liquids and standard pills, chewable gummies may be a more convenient way for children in particular to take medicines. This inclination could be explained by the fact that chewing is a more pleasant habit for young people and chewing gum is sweeter.10
Consequently, then application of chewable gummies as a medicine delivery method enhances patient satisfaction and therapeutic efficacy, especially in case of younger patients. Chewable gummies with treatment has been shown to be a practical therapeutic option for both systemic and localized illnesses of the oral cavity. These chewable gummies with medicines are single-dose, solid formulations with a gum base that is meant to be chewed rather than ingested. They include one or more active substances in their formulation, which are released during chewing. These medicated chewable gummies are designed to serve two distinct roles: first, they may be used to treat oral disorders locally, directly addressing issues that arise in the mouth; second, they can help with systemic distribution by promoting absorption via the buccal mucosa. This drug delivery approach combines both local and systemic medicinal benefits11, providing a novel and efficient means of medicine dosage. Herba Taraxaci extract is used in anti-inflammatory chewable gummies for preventing or treating the purposes of the syndromic pharmaceutical composition of asthenopia in preparation. Pharmacological investigations have revealed that Taraxacum crude extracts and chemical compounds contain antimicrobial infection, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidative properties. Taraxacum’s anti-inflammatory mechanism may be connected to its capacity to decrease the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in a dose dependant manner. Taraxasterol could exert anti-inflammatory effects by regulating the phosphorylation levels of p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs and by inhibiting the expression of inducible nitrous oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2).12
Advantages:
Chewable gummies offer several advantages that enhance patient acceptability and treatment effectiveness. Their convenient and portable format promotes higher patient compliance, especially since they do not require water for administration. This makes them ideal for use. They are particularly suitable for individuals with swallowing difficulties, such as the elderly or those with certain medical conditions. The pleasant taste of gummies further improves the patient experience, especially when compared to unpleasant-tasting traditional dosage forms. Additionally, chewing stimulates saliva production, which helps in preventing dry mouth and related conditions like oral candidiasis. Another key benefit is the quicker onset of action due to increased surface area and faster drug disintegration during chewing.13
Disadvantages:
There are some disadvantages. Ensuring uniformity in the drug content of each gummy can be technically challenging, which is critical for safe and effective dosing.14 The gum base is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the environment, potentially compromising product stability over time. Furthermore, this dosage form is not suitable for medications that require high doses, as it may be difficult to incorporate large quantities of active ingredients into a single gummy15.
Materials:
Taraxaci Extract obtained form leaves of taraxaci plant, Gelatin, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, Sucrose, Polysorbate 80, Polaxamer 188, Citric Acid, Orrange Essensce, Purified Water.
Equipment:
Appropriate Sieves, Electronic Balances, Hot Air Oven, USP Dissolution Apparatus II of Electrolab, Double Beam UV Spectrophotometer, Heating Mantle, Reflux Condensor, Filtration Assembly, Rotary Evaporator, Refrigerator, pH Meter were used to perform the research work.
METHOD:
Extraction Procedure:
The dried plant material was extracted by reflux using 70% ethanol as the solvent, maintaining a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20. This extraction process was carried out for 3 hours at a temperature of 80°C to ensure efficient extraction of the desired compounds.16 Following extraction, the mixture was filtered through cellulose filter paper to remove solid residues and obtain a clear filtrate. The obtained filtrate was then concentrated using a rotary evaporator under reduced pressure at 45°C to gently remove the ethanol solvent without degrading the extract components. After concentration, the extract was dried using refrigeration methods to obtain a stable dry powder.17 The overall extraction process yielded 24.7% of the powdered extract relative to the initial weight of the dried plant material.18,19,20
Fig. 1: Extraction Procedure
Formulation Procedure:
Total 2 (two) formulations (A1 and A2) were prepared by varying the amount of the sucrose and polysorbate 80.
Table 1: Formulation Batches of Chewable Gummies.
|
Excipient |
A1 |
A2 |
|
|
Qty/Gummies |
|
|
Taraxaci Extract |
1.00 gm |
1.00 gm |
|
Gelatin |
11.50 gm |
11.50 gm |
|
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) |
1.00 gm |
1.00 gm |
|
Sucrose |
44.70 gm |
45.00 gm |
|
Polysorbate 80 |
6.00 gm |
5.70 gm |
|
Poloxamer 188 |
0.65 gm |
0.65 gm |
|
Citric Acid |
0.30 gm |
0.30 gm |
|
Orange Essence |
0.40 gm |
0.40 gm |
|
Purified Water |
Q.S |
Q.S |
1. Dispense extract and polysorbate 80 and add into purified water under continuous stirring in glass beaker.
2. In another glass beaker, dispense sugar and add it into purified water, boil it and allow to stand for cool. After cooling of sugar syrup, add citric acid under continuous stirring.
3. Dispense gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in another beaker, add purified water to it under continuous stirring.
4. Dissolve polaxamer in sufficient quantity of purified water and add into beaker containing gelatin and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.
5. Add sugar syrup containing citric acid in step 1 and boil it.
6. Cool the above mixture and add solution of step 4 to it under continuous stirring. Transfer it into molds.
RESULT AND DISCUSSION:
Organoleptic Evaluation of Chewable Gummies:
Sensory evaluation was conducted to assess the taste of the formulation. A group of 20 volunteers were selected for the study. Each participant was instructed to chew the gummies, enabling the evaluation of taste acceptability and overall palatability.21,22,23
Table 2: Organoleptic Evaluation of Chewable Gummies.
|
Parameter |
Gummies |
|
|
A1 |
A2 |
|
|
Description |
Green colour star shaped gummies |
|
|
Color |
Dark Green |
Dark Green |
|
Taste |
Sweet |
Sweet |
Physical Evaluation of Chewable Gummies:
1. Thickness24,25:
The thickness of gummies was measured with vernier callipers. Ten gummies were chosen at random and used to measure the thickness.
2. Weight Variation:
Twenty gummies were weighed individually for the purpose of studying weight variance. Then, their mean, standard deviation, and average weight were computed and compared to the benchmarks. To make sure the gummies contains the prescribed amount of medication, its weight was measured26.
3. Diameter:27
The diameter of gummies was measured with vernier callipers. Ten gummies were chosen at random and used to measure the diameter.
Evaluation of Physical Characteristics of Chewable Gummies:
Table 3: Evaluation of Physical Characteristics of Chewable Gummies.
|
Name |
Weight Variation (%) |
Thickness (mm) |
Diameter (mm) |
|
At Room Temperature |
|||
|
Chewable Gummies |
10.33 |
12.80 |
27.00 |
|
At Refrigerator (2-4°C) |
|||
|
Chewable Gummies |
6.00 |
13.13 |
27.00 |
Evaluation of Taraxaci Extract:
Based on collected data in the UV spectrophotometer, calibration curves were constructed for taraxaci extract, as shown in table 4.
Data for Calibration Curve of Taraxaci Extract in 0.1 N HCl
Table 4: Standard Calibration Curve of Taraxaci Extract in 0.1N HCl
|
Concentration (µg/ml) |
Absorbance (285 nm) |
|
0 |
0.000 |
|
20 |
0.043 |
|
40 |
0.060 |
|
60 |
0.084 |
|
80 |
0.101 |
|
100 |
0.134 |
|
200 |
0.179 |
|
300 |
0.292 |
|
400 |
0.376 |
|
500 |
0.445 |
|
1000 |
1.289 |
Evaluation of Chewable Gummies:
The developed chewable gummy formulations were assessed for various evaluation parameters28. The In vitro drug release studies29,30 demonstrated that batches A1 and A2 exhibited rapid release profiles, with drug release ranging from 80.46% to 106.92% within 80 to 110 minutes. Among these, batch A2 achieved the highest drug release of 106.92% in 90 minutes. Formulation A2 was chosen for the gummies due to its good dissolving properties. Table 5 and 6 displays these outcomes.
In-vitro Drug Release Data of Chewable Gummies.
Table 5: In-vitro Drug Release Data of Chewable Gummies in Purified Water and 0.1N HCl
|
Time Points (min) |
% Drug Release |
|||
|
Batch |
A1 |
A2 |
A1 |
A2 |
|
Media |
Purified Water |
0.1N HCl |
||
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
10 |
9.00 |
25.25 |
13.38 |
10.04 |
|
20 |
10.67 |
41.08 |
20.88 |
22.33 |
|
30 |
14.63 |
55.04 |
31.08 |
30.25 |
|
40 |
23.38 |
60.08 |
40.67 |
45.25 |
|
50 |
28.38 |
69.83 |
48.58 |
61.50 |
|
60 |
35.46 |
75.20 |
55.67 |
75.80 |
|
70 |
38.79 |
81.92 |
61.50 |
84.83 |
|
80 |
42.33 |
88.79 |
63.17 |
90.67 |
|
90 |
61.08 |
91.92 |
75.13 |
106.92 |
|
100 |
66.08 |
Not Performed |
84.67 |
Not Performed |
|
110 |
80.46 |
92.56 |
||
Fig 2: In-vitro Drug Release Data of Chewable Gummies in Purified Water
Fig 3: In-vitro Drug Release Data of Chewable Gummies in 0.1N HCl
The above data reflects that, the chewable gummy formulations show significant drug release in both the media (i.e. Purified Water and 0.1N HCl) and A2 Batch shows more than 90% release in both the media within 90 minutes31,32.
CONCLUSION:
As this investigation on anti-inflammatory chewable gummies concludes, it is imperative to consider the potential future directions within this domain. With continuous progress in pharmaceutical research and formulation technology, these gummies are anticipated to evolve into more effective and patient-compliant therapeutic options for the management of asthenopia syndrome. Future advancements are likely to emphasize the refinement of organoleptic properties specifically, improving taste and texture to enhance patient acceptability and adherence. Moreover, ongoing exploration into novel active pharmaceutical ingredients and innovative drug delivery systems may significantly broaden the therapeutic scope of chewable gummies. Such developments hold promise for optimizing the efficacy, safety and overall utility of anti-inflammatory formulations aimed at alleviating symptoms associated with ocular fatigue.
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Received on 07.07.2025 Revised on 08.11.2025 Accepted on 16.02.2026 Published on 01.07.2026 Available online from July 04, 2026 Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(7):3194-3198. DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00454 © RJPT All right reserved
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