Evaluation of In vitro Antacid Activity of Two Evolvulus Spp. and Formulation of a Novel Drug Delivery System Using the Crude Plant Powder

The study investigates the pharmacognosy and in vitro antacid activity of Evolvulus alsinoides (L.) L. and Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. plant species, that would be used in the formulation of a stable antacid dosage form. Pharmacognostic analyses, phytochemical screenings, and in vitro gastric acid-neutralising activity assay were performed on both of the species. Formulated E. alsinoides chewable granules were subjected to stability assessments under accelerated conditions. E. alsinoides and E. nummularius resulted in more fibres and more crystals in the respective powder samples. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of both plants produced positive results for common phytochemicals (e.g., flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics, etc.), but cardiac glycosides were absent in aqueous extracts. Antacid activities of E. alsinoides and E. nummularius were statistically significant (p