Colon Specific Matrix tablets of Oxaliplatin combined with Curcumin: Development and Evaluation

Tablets of Oxaliplatin combined with Curcumin was prepared for colon specific delivery using guar gum as matrix carriers in varying concentrations from 40% to 65%. The drug concentration in the tablet was estimated by the newly developed and validated UV derivative spectroscopy method. In vitro drug release profile was studied in changing media method (0.1N HCl, phosphate buffer media, pH 7.4 and simulated colon fluid containing phosphate buffer pH 6.8 added with rat ceacal content). The drug release profiles from PB7.4 and simulated colon fluid were found to be dependent on the gaur gum concentration. Matrix tablets of Oxaliplatin and Curcumin combination showed ~65% of Oxaliplatin and 37% of curcumin release. The colon tissue homogenate studies conducted after oral administration of the optimized tablets showed the recovery of 167.5µg Oxaliplatin and 80µg. curcumin. X-ray Images of matrix tablets containing barium sulphate in Rabbit showed tablets to be intact in small intestine (3 hours after administration) but were diffused and spread out in large intestine and colon later confirming enzyme mediated erosion of the tablet in these regions. Keywords- Oxaliplatin, Curcumin, Matrix tablets, Guar gum, Colon specific delivery, Controlled release.