Pectin, beta-cyclodextrin, chitosan and albumin based gastroprotective systems for piroxicam maleate: Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation.

In order to optimize drug action, new drug formulations have been developed based upon the prodrug approach. This study was inspired by the increasing interest in the field of macromolecular prodrugs and Piroxicam maleate was used as a model drug. A total of five prodrugs were synthesized using beta cyclodextrin, chitosan, pectin, egg albumin, bovine serum albumin. The synthesized conjugates were characterized on the basis of UV, IR and NMR techniques. In-vitro hydrolysis studies were carried out at pH 1.2, pH 7.4, pH 9.0 and in 80% human plasma followed by in-vivo evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcerogenic potential. The extent of hydrolysis was found to be proportional to increase in pH. Beta cyclodextrin conjugate was found to possess significant analgesic activity whereas chitosan conjugate was found to be the best anti-inflammatory. Pectin conjugate provided maximum protection against ulcers.