Co-Solvency-Based Solid Dispersion of Ibuprofen Using Tamarind Seed Mucilage: A Sustainable Approach for Solubility and Bioavailability Enhancement

Ibuprofen is tough to dissolve in water and possess a limited bioavailability. To enhance dissolution, and stability, the study explores co-solvency-based solid dispersion method involving the application of tamarind seed mucilage as a natural polymer carrier. Drug:mucilage ratios of 1:0.5, 1:1, and 1:1.5, employing ethanol as a co-solvent under a solvent evaporation method. Equivalent physical mixtures were prepared for comparison. Along with FTIR and XRD studies endorsing ibuprofen's change to amorphous nature without chemical interaction with carrier, phytochemical tests established the presence of bioactive chemicals in the mucilage. Substantial progress was demonstrated in in vitro dissolving testing; the SD (3) 1:1.5 formulation had a dissolve efficiency of 91.6% and 99.8% drug release within 60 minutes. Particle size and zeta potential measurements indicated stable surface charges and nanoscale particles, particularly for SD (3). Compared to physical blends and pure ibuprofen, solid dispersions showed improved drug content and release effectiveness throughout the semiannual stability test under 40°C, 75% relative humidity. These results illustrate how tamarind seed mucilage can be utilized in co-solvency-based solid dispersions as an effective and environmentally friendly means of increasing solubility and therapeutic effectiveness of drugs with low aqueous solubility. This approach paves the way for improved drug delivery systems through offering a sustainable, scalable alternative and encouraging more research into natural carriers for drug formulations.