Page 74 - journal-8-2-S-Full

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PP-25

Preparation and Evaluation of Chewing Gum Containing

Vernonia cineria (L.) Less. Extract as Smoking Cessation Aid

Supannapak Ngamwong, Pattaraporn Daewan, Narong Mulsri, Ornlaksana Paeratakul

Faculty of Pharmacy, Srinakharinwirot University, Nakhon Nayok 26120, Thailand

Rationale: Tobacco smoking is recognized as a major health problem worldwide. For smokers, it is
essential to overcome the withdrawal symptoms for a successful smoking cessation. Gum chewing was re-
ported to be helpful in managing levels of withdrawal symptoms and lessening craving. In Thailand, Vernonia
cinerea (L.) Less. (VC) has been used in traditional and complementary medicine as an aid in smoking cessation
treatment. With regard to the method of delivery, VC has generally been administered in the dosage form of
herbal tea (herbal infusion) or a decoction.
Objectives: To prepare and evaluate the chewing gums containing water-soluble extract of VC for their in
vitro drug release and texture properties. Selected gum formulations were assessed by volunteer smokers for
their organoleptic properties, physical appearance, and applicability as smoking cessation aid.
Methods: Crude extract of VC was prepared by freeze drying an aqueous macerate of powdered herb.
Medicated gums containing water-soluble VC extract were prepared by incorporating the extract and additives
into the molten gum base. Gum formulations consisted of VC extract (active ingredient), xylitol (sweetener),
sorbitol and glycerin (softener), peppermint oil (flavoring agent) and a gum base. In vitro drug release properties
of the prepared gums were evaluated with respect to drug (extract) loading, chewing frequency, and prepara-
tion temperature, using a modified dissolution test. Texture parameters (peak force, negative peak force, area
under the force-time curve) of the gums were measured using a texture analyzer. Selected gum formulations
were assessed for their organoleptic properties (taste, color, odor, texture/mouthfeel) by healthy volunteer
smokers.
Results: The release of VC extract from medicated chewing gums increased with increasing extract
loading and chewing frequency (number of chewing strokes). With varying extract loadings (100 to 300 mg/
strip) and intermittent chewing, the amount of extract released from the gums ranged between 43.7-51.6% and
55.2-76.8% in 30 min. and 60 min., respectively. Higher preparation temperature resulted in a slightly higher
drug release which was probably due to a more loosened structure of the gum. The gumûs texture was depen-
dent primarily on the type and concentration of softeners (glycerin and sorbitol). However, the type and concen-
tration (0.05-0.20 g/strip) of softeners had a minimal effect on the release profiles. Negative peaks were observed
in all samples indicating an inherent adhesiveness of the gum base. The VC extract-containing chewing gum
was well received by most of the volunteer smokers when compared to herbal infusion (tea) due to its ease of
administration and carrying convenience.
Conclusion: Medicated gums containing VC extract were prepared and evaluated for their in vitro release
and texture properties. The VC extract-containing chewing gums could offer an attractive alternative to cur-
rently available preparations as an aid in relieving withdrawal symptoms in smoking cessation treatment.
Acknowledgments: This research work was supported by a grant entitled çFormulation development of
pharmaceutical preparations containing Thai herbs for smoking cessationé from Srinakharinwirot University
under the research plan çThe Development of Herbal Products for Smoking Cessation Aidsé (Grant #020/2550).