Formulation and Evaluation of Mouth Dissolving Strips from Opuntia dillenii

Mouth dissolving strips are an innovative oral dosage form that quickly disintegrates and dissolves in the mouth, allowing for rapid drug release and better absorption.These strips are especially useful for patients who struggle with swallowing tablets or capsules, such as elderly individuals and children.Opuntia dillenii, commonly known as prickly pear cactus, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.Native to America and Mexico, it is rich in bioactive compounds like betalains, flavonoids, and polyphenols, which may help prevent various diseases and improve overall health.This study focuses on preparing mouth dissolving strips using Opuntia dillenii extract.HPMC is used as the polymer, glycerol as the plasticizer, mannitol as the sweetener, and citric acid as the saliva stimulant.The strips were tested for quality parameters such as folding endurance, weight uniformity, flexibility, disintegration time, and drug release.Results showed good pharmacological activity, particularly in managing blood sugar levels and inflammation.