Volume 16, Issue 2, 2026
Development And Evaluation Of Clitoria Ternatea Extract–Loaded Orodispersible Films As A Novel Antioxidant Delivery System
Nirmala S1*, Parthiban R2, G Jayavasavi3, Vignesh Babu Sekar4, S Dhanalakshmi5, CN Hemalatha6, G Gopi7, C Vithyasagar8, G.P. Senthilkumar9
1Department of Pharmacognosy, Peri College of Pharmacy, Mannivakkam, Chennai-48
2Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha College of Pharmacy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Thandalam, Chennai, India
3Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, VISTAS, Pallavaram, Chennai
4R&D Specialist, Adcan Pharma LLC, Abu Dhabi, Dubai
5Department of Pharmacognosy, Meenakshi Faculty of Pharmacy, Meenakshi Academy of Higher Education and Research, Thandalam, Chennai
6Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, PSG College of Pharmacy (Affiliated to Dr. MGR Medical University), Coimbatore
7Faculty of Pharmacy, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospitals Campus, Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chromepet, Chennai
8Department of Pharmacology, Apollo College of Pharmacy, Mevalurkuppam, Chennai
9Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Peri College of Pharmacy, Mannivakkam, Chennai-48
Corresponding Author: Dr. S. Nirmala, Professor and Head of Department, Department of Pharmacognosy, Peri College of Pharmacy, Mannivakkam, Chennai-48. Email: nirmala.cognosy@gmail.com
Received: 16th Dec, 2025; Revised: 8th Feb 2026; Accepted: 12th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 28th Feb, 2026
ABSTRACT
Background: Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the progression of chronic diseases by causing cellular harm through reactive oxygen species (ROS). Increasing interest has been shown in natural antioxidants as safer substitutes for synthetic compounds like butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene. Clitoria ternatea (Fabaceae), often referred to as butterfly pea, is abundant in flavonoids and anthocyanins that demonstrate strong antioxidant and neuroprotective properties.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to formulate and assess Clitoria ternatea extract-loaded Orodispersible films (ODFs) as an innovative phytopharmaceutical product aimed at improving antioxidant effectiveness, stability, and patient adherence.
Methods: Aqueous extracts from the flowers were integrated into hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) polymer matrices via the solvent casting technique. The resulting ODFs were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, mechanical strength, disintegration time, swelling index, and in vitro dissolution. Antioxidant potential was evaluated using DPPH, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Spectroscopic (UV–Vis), thermal (DSC), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were conducted to examine the structural and compatibility characteristics.
Results: The optimized films were homogeneous, flexible, and dissolved rapidly (30 ± 2 s), exhibiting excellent folding endurance (>120). Antioxidant tests indicated concentration-dependent radical scavenging activity with IC₅₀ values similar to those of the crude extract, confirming the preservation of phytochemical efficacy. DSC and XRD studies revealed that the extract was molecularly dispersed within the polymer matrix, suggesting an enhanced amorphous nature.
Conclusion: The developed Clitoria ternatea ODFs demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, stability, and rapid dissolution, indicating their potential as a novel and user-friendly delivery system for natural antioxidants in managing oxidative stress.
Keywords: Clitoria ternatea, Orodispersible film, Antioxidant activity, Phytopharmaceutical formulation, Oxidative stress
Graphical Abstract
How to cite this article: Nirmala S, Parthiban R, Jayavasavi G, Vignesh Babu Sekar V, Dhanalakshmi S, Hemalatha CN, Gopi G, Vithyasagar C, Senthilkumar GP, Development and Evaluation Of Clitoria Ternatea Extract–Loaded Orodispersible Films as A Novel Antioxidant Delivery System. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(2): 496-510; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.56
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None