Abstract

A novel hydrogel systems were formulated using konkoli (Maesopsiseminii) galactomannan, borax as cross linking agent to encapsulate leaves powder and aqueous extracts of leaves of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera). Glucose responses of the encapsulated products were carried out by swelling studies. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels showed increase in swelling with increase in time. The swelling was highly dependent on the amount galactomannan in the formulation. Water absorbed affect the structure of the cross linked hydrogels and hence the release of the M. oleifera matrix, the swelling pattern exhibited by the hydrogels in distilled water was maintained in 10% glucose solution. At this high glucose concentration, the hydrogels showed distinct rapid swelling within 5 – 6 h with maximum swelling value above this period. The results obtained in this study shows that the hydrogel systems could act as insulin mimetics for the treatment of diabetics.