A Review on Phytopharmaceutical Effervescent Tablet: A Green Approach to Gastric Acid Neutralization

Akanksha Punekar, Suraj Pathak, Saurabh Tribhuvan, Om Pawar, Nikhil Sandhan,

doi:10.5281/zenodo.17560308

Review Paper | Open Access
Volume 02 | Issue 11 | Article Id IJSRT/250311039

A Review on Phytopharmaceutical Effervescent Tablet: A Green Approach to Gastric Acid Neutralization
Akanksha Punekar* Suraj Pathak Saurabh Tribhuvan Om Pawar Nikhil Sandhan
Department of Pharmacy, JES’s SND College of Pharmacy, Babhulgaon (Yeola), India

Abstract

Effervescent tablets are specialized oral dosage forms designed to rapidly produce carbon dioxide upon contact with water, resulting in quick dissolution and enhanced drug absorption. Typically prepared by compressing active ingredients with effervescent agents such as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, these tablets offer fast onset of action and improved patient compliance compared to conventional forms. Effervescent antacid tablets, in particular, are formulated to provide prompt relief from acidity and indigestion by ensuring rapid disintegration and superior bioavailability. Increasing interest in herbal medicine has led to the incorporation of natural acid suppressants like licorice, amla, fennel, and clove into effervescent formulations, combining traditional knowledge with modern technology for safer and more effective therapy. Acidity and peptic ulcers are common gastrointestinal disorders resulting from excessive secretion of gastric acid, often linked to Helicobacter pylori infection or overstimulation of parietal cells, leading to mucosal damage. Although several synthetic antacids and antiulcer drugs are available, many cause adverse effects with prolonged use. Consequently, herbal alternatives are gaining attention due to their safety, efficacy, affordability, and holistic healing potential. The objective of herbal effervescent antacids is to neutralize gastric acid, promote mucosal protection, and alleviate symptoms such as pain and burning sensation in the oesophagus. This review highlights the formulation aspects, pharmacological properties, and evaluation parameters of herbal effervescent antacid tablets, while providing an overview of the herbal plants commonly employed for the management of acidity and peptic ulcers, along with their pharmacological activities and plant parts used.

Keywords

Phytopharmaceuticals, Effervescent Antacid, Green Chemistry, Gastric Acid Neutralization, Herbal Extracts

Introduction

Gastric acid-related disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), dyspepsia, heartburn and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) remain highly prevalent worldwide and are a major cause of morbidity and health-care utilization. Recent global analyses report substantial and regionally variable prevalence of GERD and PUD, with millions affected and persistent disease burden driven by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, tobacco, alcohol, and dietary/lifestyle contributors. [1,2] Phytopharmaceuticals standardized plant extracts or plant-derived active constituents developed with pharmaceutical rigor offer the potential to complement or partially replace conventional mineral antacids. Numerous medicinal plants and their phytochemicals (for example, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Emblica officinalis, Zingiber officinale, Musa spp. and several flavonoids and tannin-rich botanicals) show gastroprotective, mucoprotective, antioxidant and anti-Helicobacter activities in preclinical and some clinical studies; these properties may help restore mucosal defense, reduce oxidative injury and modulate ulcer healing in addition to buffering acid. Systematic reviews summarize a broad preclinical evidence base for phytochemicals with anti-ulcer activity, although the degree of clinical evidence varies and standardization remains a key requirement. [3,4]

2. Gastric Acid & Neutralization:

2.1 Gastric Acid Secretion

Gastric acid is secreted primarily as hydrochloric acid (HCl) by the parietal cells of the gastric mucosa. The secretion is tightly regulated by acetylcholine (via vagus nerve), gastrin (from G-cells), and histamine (from enterochromaffin-like cells), which stimulate the H?/K?-ATPase proton pump at the apical surface of parietal cells. This mechanism maintains an intragastric pH as low as 1.0–2.0, essential for food digestion, activation of pepsinogen to pepsin, and defense against ingested microbes [5,6]

2.2 Pathological Acid Secretion

Hypersecretion of gastric acid, combined with weakened mucosal defense, can lead to acid-peptic disorders such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, and dyspepsia. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, chronic use of NSAIDs, stress, alcohol intake, and smoking. These conditions are characterized by abdominal pain, epigastric burning, bloating, and discomfort [7,8].

2.3 Neutralization of Gastric Acid

Antacids are agents that directly neutralize gastric HCl, elevating gastric pH from highly acidic (pH 1–2) to a safer level (pH 3–4). This:

Inactivates pepsin, which becomes inactive at pH >4.
Provides rapid symptomatic relief in acidity and heartburn.
Creates a favorable environment for healing of gastric and duodenal ulcers.

The neutralization reaction typically produces water, salts, and carbon dioxide (if carbonate/bicarbonate is present). Example:

CaCO? + 2HCl → CaCl? + H?O + CO?↑\text{CaCO? + 2HCl → CaCl? + H?O + CO?↑}CaCO? + 2HCl → CaCl? + H?O + CO?↑

Systemic Vs Non-Systemic Neutralization

Systemic antacids (e.g., sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate) are absorbed into the bloodstream, may cause systemic alkalosis and have shorter action.
Non-systemic antacids (e.g., magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide) act locally in the stomach without systemic absorption but may lead to diarrhoea or constipation as side effects [9,10].

3. Phytopharmaceuticals And Their Role In Gastric Acid Neutralization:

Phytopharmaceuticals are standardized plant-derived medicines that contain active phytoconstituents responsible for specific pharmacological effects. Unlike crude herbal extracts, phytopharmaceuticals undergo scientific validation, quality control, and standardization similar to modern drugs. Their growing popularity in gastrointestinal disorders, particularly in managing gastric acid-related issues, is due to their safety, efficacy, and minimal side effects compared to conventional antacids and proton pump inhibitors. [11,12,13]

3.1 Mechanism of Gastric Acid Neutralization

Gastric acid is primarily composed of hydrochloric acid (HCl) secreted by parietal cells in the stomach. Excessive acid secretion or reduced mucosal defense leads to conditions such as gastritis, acid reflux, and peptic ulcers. Phytopharmaceuticals neutralize or regulate acid levels through:

Direct acid neutralization by alkaline constituents (e.g., carbonates, flavonoids).
Mucosal protection via increased mucus and bicarbonate secretion.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, reducing gastric mucosal damage.
Inhibition of H?/K?-ATPase enzyme, similar to proton pump inhibitors. [11,12,13]

4. Phytopharmaceutical Rationale:

4.1 Need for a Green Approach

Conventional antacids, though effective, are associated with several drawbacks such as constipation, diarrhoea, rebound hyperacidity, altered mineral absorption and systemic alkalosis with prolonged use. Furthermore, long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H? receptor antagonists has been linked with hypomagnesemia, renal complications, gut microbiota imbalance, and increased risk of infections [14,15]. This highlights the need for safer, natural alternatives that provide acid neutralization along with mucosal protection and fewer side effects.

4.2 Phytopharmaceutical Advantages

Phytopharmaceuticals, derived from medicinal plants, are increasingly explored as a green, sustainable, and biocompatible option for managing gastric acid-related disorders. The rationale is based on:

Natural Antacid & Cytoprotective Action: Many herbal extracts (e.g., Glycyrrhiza glabra, Aloe vera, Mentha piperita, Zingiber officinale) exhibit buffering effects and stimulate mucous secretion, strengthening gastric defense [16,17].

Synergistic Activity: Phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids not only reduce acidity but also possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, providing holistic protection against H. pylori and oxidative damage [18].

5. Herbal Candidates for Effervescent Antacid Formulation

1. Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice) – Mucoprotective

Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin and flavonoids that stimulate mucus secretion, enhance gastric mucosal defense, and inhibit acid secretion. It forms a protective layer on the gastric mucosa, preventing ulceration and acid-induced injury. It has been traditionally used for gastritis and peptic ulcer management [19].