FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF FAST DISSOLVING HERBAL FILM CONTAINING RESERPINE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF PULMONARY ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disease of the pulmonary vasculature that is defined by a high pulmonary vascular resistance, which ultimately causes a failure of the right heart. Reserpine is a biologically active compound that is derived from Rauwolfia serpentina. It is known for its potent antihypertensive activity. Therefore, reserpine can be considered a new way of treating pulmonary arterial hypertension. The objectives of the study were to formulate and evaluate the Fast Dissolving Films (FDF) of reserpine using the newly developed polymeric delivery system. Methods: Reserpine FDFs were prepared using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose K-15 as the polymeric film former and propylene glycol as the plasticizer using the solvent casting method. Various physicochemical parameters like pH, weight variation, folding endurance, disintegration time, content uniformity, and in vitro dissolution were carried out. Compatibility analysis was carried out using FT-IR. Compatibility between the drug and the polymer was analyzed using Differential Scanning Calorimetry. Results: These films were transparent, flexible, strong, evenly 0.12-0.17mm thick, with surface pH range compatible with that of the oral cavity (6.0-6.7). The values of folding endurance were above 50 cycles, which shows very strong tensile strength. The disintegration time ranges from 15-66 sec, with the optimized formula (F6) having 97.5% release of the drug in 40 minutes. The DSC scans showed molecular distribution of reserpine with slight reduction of the drug's peak at 63.90°C, thus ensuring the drug is dissolved without degrading to ensure increased bioavailability. Conclusion: The FTIR spectrogram proves that reserpine is chemically stable in the polymer matrix. Prepared films possess the optimal physico-chemical properties, disintegration times, and dissolution profiles. Hence, the formulation approach demonstrates immense promise for the systemic delivery of the herbal antihypertensive in the treatment of PAH. Peer Review History: Received 22 December 2025; Reviewed 9 January 2026; Accepted 17 February; Available online 15 March 2026 Academic Editor: Dr. A.A. Mgbahurike, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria, amaka_mgbahurike@yahoo.com Reviewers: Dr. Mrinal Kanti Bhoumik, Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceutical Inc., mrinal_bhoumik@yahoo.com Dr. Neelam H. Zaidi, Fiji National University, Fiji, drneelamzaidi@gmail.com