The main objective of the present study was to develop matrix tablets of Diclofenac sodium with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves mucilage and to study its functionality as a matrix forming material for sustained release tablet formulations. Physicochemical properties of dried, powdered mucilage of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves were studied. Various formulations of Diclofenac sodium Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves mucilage were prepared. The formulated matrix tablets found to have better uniformity of weight and drug content with low SD values. The swelling behavior, release rate characteristics and the dissolution study proved that the dried Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves mucilage can be used as a matrix forming material for making Sustained release matrix tablets. The drug release from selected DHR-5 formulation was by zero order kinetics. Thus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis leaves mucilage can be used as an effective matrix former, to sustain the release of Diclofenac sodium.
