Abstract

Olibanum and its resin and carbohydrate fractions were evaluated as rate controlling matrix materials in tablets for controlled release of diclofenac. Diclofenac matrix tablets were formulated employing olibanum and its resin and carbohydrate fractions in different concentrations and the tablets were evaluated for various tablet characters including drug release kinetics and mechanism. Olibanum and its resin component exhibited excellent retarding effect on drug release from the matrix tablets even at very low concentrations, 1 and 2% w/w in the formula. Diclofenac matrix tablets formulated employing olibanum and its resin component provided slow and controlled release of diclofenac over more than 24 h. Drug release from the matrix tablets was by Fickian diffusion and followed first order kinetics. Diclofenac release from some of the formulated tablets was comparable to that of Voveran SR tablets.