Development of a Polyherbal Antidiabetic Tablet from Traditional Medicinal Plants

The present study focuses on the development and evaluation of a sustained-release polyherbal antidiabetic tablet formulated using extracts of Momordica dioica fruit, Holarrhena antidysenterica bark, and Costus igneus leaves. The plant materials were extracted using Soxhlet extraction methanol for M. dioica and ethanol for H. antidysenterica and C. igneus and concentrated by distillation. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, while thin-layer chromatography identified quercetin, kaempferol, and conessine as key constituents associated with antidiabetic activity. UV–Visible spectroscopy validated their λmax values. In vitro antidiabetic evaluation using α-amylase inhibition and glucose uptake by yeast cells demonstrated strong, dose-dependent activity of all extracts, comparable to metformin. The sustained-release tablets were formulated by wet granulation and compressed using a 16-station rotary press, producing four formulations (F1–F4) that complied with Indian Pharmacopoeia standards. Among these, F4 exhibited superior hardness, friability, weight uniformity, drug content, and extended drug release up to 12 hours. Kinetic modelling revealed first-order release (R² = 0.977), indicating a concentration-dependent mechanism. The F4 formulation also enhanced glucose uptake by 89%, closely matching the effect of metformin. Overall, this study demonstrates that combining traditionally used antidiabetic herbs with modern formulation approaches can yield a safe, effective, and patient-friendly sustained-release herbal tablet with promising potential to improve glycemic control and enhance patient compliance.