Metformin hydrochloride is used in the treatment of noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Its biological half life is 2.5 to 3 hours. Due to its short biological half life and narrow absorption window, it is incompletely absorbed in the small intestine. It is a strong base (pK a = 11.5), protonated depending on the physiological pH of the human body. It is also poorly absorbed in the colon. However, reduction of gastrointestinal motility enhances the drug absorption. Most of the drug is excreted unchanged in urine while accumulation in the body causes toxicity. Bioavailability is 50 to 60 % due to its site specific absorption in the body (1). Conventional oral dosage forms are the preferable route of administration because of its reasonable cost, ease of administration and patient compliance (2). Its disadvantages are that it delivers the drug to systemic circulation without The present work envisages utilisation of biodegradable and biocompatible material from natural sources for the development of controlled release microspheres of metformin hydrochloride (MetH). Natural polysaccharides extracted from Dillenia indica L. (DI), Abelmoschus esculentus L. (AE) and Bora rice flour were used in fabricating controlled release microspheres. The microspheres were prepared by the emulsion solvent diffusion technique with different proportions of natural materials and were studied for entrapment efficiency, particle size, particle shape, surface morphology, drug excipient compatibility, mucoadhesivity and in vitro release properties. The prepared microspheres showed mucoadhesive properties and controlled release of metformin hydrochloride. The study has revealed that natural materials can be used for formulation of controlled release microspheres and will provide ample opportunities for further study.

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