Formulation and Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Seed Oil Suppositories

authors:

avatar Olusola I. Aremu 1 , 2 , * , avatar Kokonne E. Ekere 1 , avatar Yetunde C. Isimi 1 , avatar Victoria C. Nwaogu 1 , avatar Olawale G. Agbaje 1 , avatar Olubunmi J. Olayemi 1 , avatar Musiliu O. Adedokun 1 , 3 , avatar Martins O. Emeje 1 , 4

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria
Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
Centre for Nanomedicine and Biophysical Drug Delivery, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria

how to cite: Aremu O I, Ekere K E, Isimi Y C, Nwaogu V C, Agbaje O G, et al. Formulation and Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) Seed Oil Suppositories. J Rep Pharm Sci. 2019;8(2):e147388. https://doi.org/10.4103/jrptps.JRPTPS_16_19.

Abstract

Background: Neem seed is very vital because of its rich lipid content and bitter constituents. 
Aims: This study was designed to provide a scientific rationale for the preparation and use of Neem seed oil as suppositories using dika fat (DF), and macrogol (MG), as bases. 
Materials and Methods: The suppositories which were prepared by fusion method using a pre-calibrated mould, were characterized using parameters like appearance, crushing strength, weight variation, melting point, pH, liquefaction time and in-vitro release according to standard procedures. 
Results: Results show that, the suppository strengths were in the order; bland, MG (25.00 ± 1.50N) > DF (12.90 ± 0.72 N), while those containing medicaments were NSM1 (20.00 ± 1.92) > NSD1 (12.90 ± 0.94) > NSM2 (12.70 ± 1.24 N) > NSD2 (10.00 ± 1.35 N). The pH of medicated formulations were NSM1 (6.50 ± 0.01), NSM2 (6.54 ± 0.03) > NSD1 (5.73 ± 0.04) and NSD2 (5.07 ± 0.03). Melting point values show that, macrogol base had mean values of 36.80 °C ± 0.62 and 36.40 °C ± 0.46 for NSM1 and NSM2 respectively, whereas, those with DF gave an average melting point values of 32.10 °C ± 0.87 and 30.90 °C ± 0.79 for NSD1 and NSD2 respectively. 
Conclusion: Results obtained showed that suppositories prepared with Macrogol (MG) base exhibited better physicochemical properties than Dika fat (DF) base suppositories, therefore water soluble bases may be bases of choice in the delivery of neem seed oil.