The promising role of hydrogel in reducing the acidic effects of aspirin in human stomach

Aspirin, 2-Acetoxybenzoic acid, has been widely used for its ability to treat pain, migraines, fever, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. In the acidic medium of human stomach, aspirin is dissociated rapidly and causes a stomach irritation, ulcer, and stomach and intestine bleeding, especially in elderly people. The rapid dissociation of aspirin in human stomach leads to a significant loss in its original dose that is supposed to be absorbed in small intestines, where the maximum absorption of medicines occurs. Based on the superior chemical and physical properties of hydrogels in absorption and retention the aqueous solutions of medicines, a natural hydrogel was prepared, and its ability in reducing the rapid release and loss of aspirin in conditions similar to human stomach; pH=2 and temperature=37 °C. Our results showed that the addition of hydrogel to an aqueous solution of aspirin has reduced the amount of lost aspirin. The correlation analysis between the concentration of retained aspirin and the amount of hydrogel was significant P < 0.05. The maximum obtained retention ratio to aspirin was 60%, which was achieved with 1:2 w/w of aspirin /hydrogel. The retention ability of hydrogel has led to decrease the loss in aspirin due to its rapid release in the acidic medium of stomach and consequently increase absorbed aspirin in the small intestines. The hydrogel was made from natural products by using a green method; therefore, the ability of gel to reduce aspirin releasing levels in stomach, increase the retention to aspirin, and the therapeutic activity of aspirin with the hydrogel should be tested on patients.