Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF HERBAL MICROSPHERES LOADED WITH PAPAYA LEAF AND GUDUCHI STEM EXTRACT FOR ANTI THROMBOCYTOPENIC ACTIVITY

Challa Sravanthi*, Madharam Swapna, Garuda Karthik, G. Tulja Rani

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a hematological disorder characterized by a reduced platelet count, which increases the risk of bleeding and other serious complications. Herbal medicines have gained considerable attention as safer and cost-effective alternatives due to their diverse pharmacological properties. The present study aims to formulate and evaluate herbal microspheres containing Carica papaya leaf and Tinospora cordifolia (Guduchi) stem extracts for their potential antithrombocytopenic activity. The herbal extracts were incorporated into microspheres using the ionotropic gelation echnique with sodium alginate as the polymer. The prepared microspheres were evaluated for percentage yield, particle size, entrapment efficiency, swelling index, surface morphology, and in vitro drug release. Their antioxidant potential was assessed using the membrane stabilization studies were performed to investigate their anti-thrombocytopenic potential, which is associated with protection of blood cells. The optimized formulation demonstrated satisfactory physicochemical characteristics, sustained drug release, and promising antioxidant and membrane stabilization activities. These findings suggest that microsphere-based delivery of papaya leaf and Guduchi extracts may improve the efficacy and controlled release of phytoconstituents, thereby enhancing their therapeutic potential. Overall, this study highlights the promise of herbal microspheres as an effective drug delivery approach for the management of thrombocytopenia and provides a foundation for future in vivo and clinical investigations.

Keywords: Thrombocytopenia, Herbal Microspheres, Carica Papaya Leaf Extract, Tinospora Cardifolia, Ionotropic Gelation, Membrane Stabilization Assay.