"Formulation and evaluation of (HPMC–EC) Microspheres loaded with Polyherbal extract"

Abstract: The shift toward polyherbal medicine is driven by lower side effects and synergistic benefits. However, herbal extracts often face issues with instability and rapid release. Polymer-based microspheres solve these problems by improving bioavailability, stability, enabling sustained delivery of bioactive compounds. The primary aim of this research was to formulate and evaluate mucoadhesive microspheres loaded with a polyherbal extract using a combination of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Ethyl Cellulose (EC). The objectives included optimizing the polymer-to-drug ratio, assessing the physical characteristics of the microspheres, and evaluating the in vitro release kinetics. The study utilized a polyherbal extract derived from a combination of botanicals known for their therapeutic properties i.e. Momordica charantia and Aegle marmelos. These plants were selected based on their high flavonoid and phenolic content, which contribute to significant antidiabetic as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Material and Methods: Microspheres were prepared using the solvent evaporation technique. HPMC was employed as the mucoadhesive polymer, while EC provided the sustained-release matrix. Results: The optimized formulation exhibited good entrapment efficiency (ranging from 65% to 76%) and a uniform spherical morphology.The study successfully created a stable HPMC–EC microsphere system for polyherbal extracts. By providing controlled release, this formulation can reduce dosing frequency and improve patient compliance, offering a standardized, modern platform for complex herbal delivery. .Keywords: Polyherbal extract, Momordica charantia, Aegle marmelos, Microspheres, HPMC, Ethyl Cellulose, Solvent evaporation, Sustained release.