Formulation And Evaluation of a Synergistic Hard-Candy Lozenge Containing Psidium Guajava and Glycyrrhiza Glabra

The oropharyngeal region serves as the primary portal for numerous respiratory pathogens and is frequently subject to localized inflammatory conditions such as pharyngitis, laryngitis, and aphthous stomatitis. Traditional management often relies on synthetic antiseptic lozenges containing agents like hexylresorcinol or benzocaine. However, these are increasingly associated with local mucosal irritation and the promotion of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Medicated lozenges are solid unit-dosage forms designed for slow dissolution in the oral cavity, providing sustained release of active ingredients to the mucosal surfaces. This makes them an ideal vehicle for plant-derived bioactive compounds that offer localized therapeutic action with high patient acceptability.

Synergistic Mechanisms and Theoretical Framework

The structural design of this formulation is based on the functional synergy achieved by combining the antimicrobial load of guava leaves with the demulcent and masking properties of liquorice. Synergy in phytotherapy occurs when the combination of discrete agents produces a cumulative effect that exceeds the sum of the distinct effects.

The primary mechanism of the anticipated synergy centers on the enhancement of bacterial membrane permeability. Saponins like glycyrrhizin are amphiphilic molecules that interact with the lipid bilayer of the bacterial cell wall, increasing its fluidity and creating pores. This surfactant-like action is highly relevant as it facilitates the entry of other phytochemicals, such as guava flavonoids and tannins, into the bacterial cytoplasm where they can disrupt enzymatic activity and protein synthesis more effectively. Secondary literature on related polyherbal blends suggests that when these specific phytochemical families are combined, they produce an expanded spectrum of inhibition against common pathogens like E. coli and S. aureus compared to isolated extracts.

Furthermore, guava leaf extracts possess an inherently bitter and astringent taste due to high tannin content, which can lower patient compliance. Glycyrrhiza glabra serves as an ideal corrective agent in this regard. The intense sweetness of glycyrrhizin masks the bitterness without the necessity for high-calorie sugar loading or synthetic sweeteners. This ensures high patient acceptability, which is highly relevant because the lozenge must be held in the mouth for extended periods to maximize mucosal contact.

Literature review

The success of a polyherbal formulation is fundamentally dependent on the deep understanding of the botanical and chemical properties of its constituent plants. For this research project, Psidium guajava and Glycyrrhiza glabra have been selected due to their complementary pharmacological activities and historical significance in traditional medicine systems globally.

Phytochemical Analysis of Psidium guajava

Psidium guajava, a member of the Myrtaceae family, is a perennial shrub or small tree widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, including India, South America, and parts of Africa.¹ While the fruit is a staple food crop, the leaves are of paramount importance in ethnopharmacology. Guava leaves are evergreen, leathery, and characterized by an opposite arrangement with tiny petioles.¹ They contain a diverse array of secondary metabolites, including tannins, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and essential oils.

The antimicrobial and astringent properties of the leaf are primarily attributed to its high concentration of polyphenolic compounds. Quantitative analysis reveals that the total phenolic content in dry guava extracts can reach levels as high as 17.02 mg/g, while the total tannin content is approximately 14.09 mg of tannic acid equivalents per gram of dry extract.⁵ These tannins are vital for the lozenge's efficacy as they facilitate the precipitation of surface proteins on inflamed mucosal membranes, thereby creating a protective barrier and reducing the permeability of blood vessels—a classic astringent action.

Among the flavonoids, quercetin and its various glycosidic derivatives, such as guaijaverin and isoquercetin, are the most significant.² Quercetin (C₁₅ H₁₀ O₇) serves as a powerful antioxidant and spasmolytic agent, reducing the smooth muscle contractions in the throat that lead to the sensation of irritation.⁸ HPLC-based quantification of Egyptian and Indian guava leaf samples shows that quercetin levels vary by region and extraction method, typically ranging between 0.181% and 0.393% in the dry leaf powder.

Table 1: Taxonomic Hierarchy And Classification Detail Of Psidium Guajava

 Phytochemical Foundations of Glycyrrhiza glabra

Glycyrrhiza glabra, belonging to the Fabaceae family, is perhaps best known for its sweet-tasting roots and rhizomes, which have been used for over 4,000 years in systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.¹³ The primary active constituent is glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic acid), a triterpenoid saponin that provides the root its characteristic sweetness—estimated to be 30 to 50 times that of sucrose.

Glycyrrhizin (C₄₂ H₆₂ O₁₆) functions as a potent demulcent and expectorant.¹³ As a demulcent, it forms a soothing film over the pharyngeal mucosa, protecting it from mechanical irritation and reducing the frequency of unproductive coughs.¹³ Its expectorant action is mediated by the acceleration of tracheal mucus secretion, helping to thin and expel congestion from the upper respiratory tract.¹³ Additionally, flavonoids such as liquiritin and isoliquiritigenin contribute to the plant's antitussive and anti-inflammatory effects.¹³ In the context of the formulation, glycyrrhizin also acts as a natural flavour enhancer and "sugar doctor," increasing the sweetness of the product without the necessity for synthetic additives.

Table 2: Bioactive Category, Principal Compounds, And Pharmacological Significance Of Glycyrrhiza Glabra

Research Objectives

The core objective of this study is to formulate and evaluate a synergistic hard-candy lozenge for the management of sore throats and mouth ulcers. The project is structured around the following specific aims:

1. To isolate bioactive extracts from Psidium guajava leaves and Glycyrrhiza glabra roots using optimized hydroethanolic extraction methods.
2. To design a stable lozenge base utilizing a precise ratio of sucrose and liquid glucose to achieve a kinetically stable glassy state.
3. To integrate the concentrated herbal extracts into the candy base at critical temperatures that preserve the integrity of heat-labile flavonoids.
4. To evaluate the formulated lozenges for pharmacopeial parameters including weight variation, hardness, friability, moisture content, and in-vitro dissolution.
5. To establish the theoretical relevance and mechanistic rationale for the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory synergy of the polyherbal blend based on established literature profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Optimized Soxhlet Extraction Parameters

For this formulation, a hydroethanolic solvent system (Ethanol: Water) is employed. Ethanol is chosen for its ability to dissolve flavonoids and terpenoids, while water helps in the extraction of polar saponins and tannins.²

Guava Leaf Extraction (Soxhlet Method)

Soxhlet extraction is the most effective method for recovering the highest percentage yield and antioxidant activity from Psidium guajava.

• Quantity: Weigh 50 g of dried guava leaf powder.
• Solvent Selection: Use 500 mL of 70% ethanol (Ethanol: Water in a 70:30 ratio). This concentration is proven to be the most effective for capturing active phenolic and flavonoid molecules.

• Procedure:

1. Place the 50 g of powder in an extraction thimble.
2. Add the 500 mL solvent to the round-bottom flask (1:10 solid-to-liquid ratio).
3. Heat the apparatus to maintain a temperature of approximately 45°C to 60°C.
4. Continue the extraction for 8 hours or until 6 to 8 siphoning cycles are completed.
5. Filter the resulting liquid through Whatman No. 1 filter paper.²¹

• Concentration: The resulting filtrate is concentrated using a water bath at 50°C–60°C to remove the solvent. This process results in a thick, "soft" extract, which is significantly more potent than the raw powder, allowing for a smaller volume of active material to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in the 100g batch.²¹

Liquorice Extraction (Optimized Hydroalcoholic Method)

For Glycyrrhiza glabra, the optimum extraction of glycyrrhizic acid and glabridin is achieved using a higher water-to-ethanol ratio.

• Quantity: Weigh 20 g of liquorice root powder.
• Solvent Selection: Use a 30:70 Ethanol: Water (v/v) mixture. Research indicates this specific ratio is optimal for maximum recovery of glycyrrhizic acid.

• Procedure:

1. Mix the 20 g of powder with 100 mL of the 30:70 solvent.
2. Heat the mixture to exactly 50°C. The amount of extracted actives increases rapidly up to 50°C but remains constant at higher temperatures.
3. Maintain this temperature and stir for 60 minutes (dipping/maceration time).
4. Alternatively, use ultrasound-assisted extraction at 60 degrees Celsius for 34 minutes with 57% methanol for a reported 3.414% yield of glycyrrhizic acid.
5. Filter the extract through Whatman filter paper No. 4.

• Concentration: The resulting filtrate is concentrated using a water bath at 50°C–60°C to remove the solvent.² This process results in a thick, "soft" extract, which is significantly more potent than the raw powder, allowing for a smaller volume of active material to achieve the desired therapeutic effect in the 100g batch.²¹

Table 3: Optimized Extraction Parameters For Botanical Actives

The Synergistic Formulation

Table 4: Synergistic Polyherbal Lozenge Quantitative Composition (100g Batch)

The Role of Sugar-to-Glucose Ratios in Stability

The ratio of sucrose to liquid glucose is the most critical factor in the shelf-life of the lozenge. Sucrose alone is highly prone to crystallization. Liquid glucose acts as a "sugar doctor" by increasing the viscosity of the syrup and interfering with the alignment of sucrose molecules into a crystal lattice. A ratio between 55:45 and 65:35 (Sucrose: Glucose) is generally recognized as providing the best resistance to both graining and moisture absorption. If the liquid glucose concentration is too high (above 50%), the lozenge becomes excessively hygroscopic, leading to stickiness and potential degradation of the herbal actives.²⁶

Laboratory Fabrication Procedure

The manufacturing process must be conducted with precision, particularly regarding the temperature transitions, to ensure that the herbal extracts are not thermally degraded.

Phase 1: Syrup Preparation and Evaporation

The sucrose is dissolved in purified water in a heavy-bottomed stainless-steel vessel and heated gently.²⁹ Once a clear syrup is achieved, liquid glucose is added. The mixture is then heated steadily to promote the evaporation of water. As the water content decreases, the boiling point of the syrup rises.²⁶

Phase 2: The Hard-Crack Stage

The temperature of the mass is monitored using a digital candy thermometer. The goal is to reach the "hard-crack" stage, which occurs between 145°C and 155°C.²⁹ At this point, the moisture content is reduced to approximately 0.5%–2%. If a thermometer is unavailable, the "cold water test" is employed: a small amount of syrup dropped into cold water should immediately harden into a brittle thread that snaps when bent.²⁶

Phase 3: Incorporation of Heat-Labile Actives

Once the target temperature is reached, the vessel is removed from the heat. It is vital to allow the temperature to drop to approximately 110°C–120°C before incorporating the Guava and Liquorice extracts, honey, and citric acid. Adding these components at 150°C would lead to the degradation of heat-sensitive flavonoids (like quercetin) and the volatilization of essential oils. Citric acid not only provides a tart flavour but also lowers the pH to approximately 2.5–3.0, which can help stabilize certain herbal components.²⁶

Phase 4: Molding and Solidification

The hot mass is stirred rapidly to ensure the extracts are uniformly distributed and then poured into pre-lubricated silicone or metal molds.²⁶ Lubrication with liquid paraffin or a small amount of ghee prevents adhesion.²⁶ The lozenges are allowed to cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes, during which they transition from a viscous liquid to a solid, glassy state.²⁶

Pharmaceutical Evaluation and Quality Control

To validate the formulation for clinical or commercial use, the lozenges must undergo a series of standardized evaluations. These tests ensure that each unit delivers a consistent dose of active ingredients and possesses the necessary physical durability.

Physical Characterization

1. Weight Variation: According to USP guidelines, 20 lozenges are weighed individually to determine the average weight. Not more than two lozenges should deviate by more than the specified percentage (typically ±5% for lozenges of this size), and none should deviate by more than twice that percentage. This test ensures that each lozenge contains the correct proportion of the herbal extract and base.²⁶

1. Sampling: Randomly select 20 lozenges from your formulated batch.
2. Individual Weighing: Weigh each lozenge individually using a high-precision electronic analytical balance and record the weight (W1, W2... W20).
3. Average Calculation: Calculate the average weight by summing all 20 weights and dividing by 20.
4. Acceptance: The batch passes if not more than two lozenges deviate by more than pm 5% and none deviate by more than twice that percentage (10%).

1. Hardness and Thickness: The hardness, measured using a Monsanto or Pfizer hardness tester, should be sufficient to withstand shipping and handling (typically 4–8 kg/cm² or 6–10 kg). Thickness and diameter are measured using a vernier calliper to ensure manufacturing consistency.²⁶
2. Friability: This test assesses the lozenge's resistance to abrasion. A sample of lozenges is rotated in a Roche friabilator at 25 rpm for 4 minutes. A weight loss of less than 1.0% is considered acceptable for most pharmaceutical products. This evaluates the hard candy's ability to withstand mechanical shock during transport. ²⁶

1. Preparation: Take a sample of lozenges. If the unit weight is > 650 mg, use 10 whole lozenges. Dedust them carefully and weigh the total sample accurately (W initial).
2. Operation: Place the samples in the drum of a Roche Friabilator. Set the device to rotate at 2 rpm for 4 minutes (totalling 100 revolutions).
3. Final Weighing: Remove the lozenges, remove any loose dust or fragments, and weigh only the intact lozenges (W final).
4. Acceptance: The weight loss must be 1.0 %. The test fails if any lozenges are cracked or broken.

1. Moisture Content: The final moisture content of a hard candy lozenge should range between 0.5% and 1.5%.²⁷ This is determined using the "Loss on Drying" method at 60°C–70°C. Gravimetric Method: Steps involved are: ²⁶

1. Weigh exactly 1g of crushed lozenge sample (W1).
2. Drying: Place the sample in a vacuum oven or hot air oven at 60°C to 70°C for 12–16 hours.
3. Cooling: Place the sample in a desiccator for 24 hours to reach a constant weight.
4. Acceptance: For hard-candy lozenges, moisture must be between 0.5% and 1.5% to prevent stickiness.

Chemical and In-vitro Performance

1. Drug Content Uniformity: The concentration of markers like Quercetin and Glycyrrhizic acid is measured across multiple lozenges. USP standards for botanical extracts require that the actual content be between 90% and 110% of the labeled amount.²⁶
2. In-vitro Dissolution Testing: This is the most critical test for performance. A USP Type II (paddle) apparatus is used at 50 rpm with 900 mL of phosphate buffer at pH 6.8 (simulating saliva) maintained at 37°C.²⁷ Samples are withdrawn at regular intervals to measure the release profile. Ideally, the lozenge should dissolve slowly and uniformly over 5 to 10 minutes, ensuring a sustained local concentration of the antimicrobial and demulcent actives.²⁷

Method of preparation of buffer: Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate and Sodium Hydroxide (Standard USP/IP Method)

This is the most common method for dissolution testing because it allows you to titrate the solution to the exact pH required.

1. Prepare the Reagents: Use carbon dioxide-free distilled water for the best results.
2. Dissolve the Salt: Dissolve 6.8 g of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH₂PO₄) in approximately 500 mL of distilled water.
3. Adjust pH: While stirring and using a calibrated pH meter, slowly add 0.1 M NaOH (sodium hydroxide) or HCL (Hydrochloric acid) until the pH reaches exactly 6.8.

1. Note: Approximately 44.8 mL of 0.1 M NaOH is typically required for every 100 mL of 0.1 M KH2PO4 to reach this pH.

1. Final Dilution: Add enough distilled water to bring the total volume of the solution to exactly 1000 mL.

    Procedure for dissolution of lozenges

1. Apparatus: Use USP Type II (Paddle) dissolution apparatus.
2. Medium: Fill the vessel with 900 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), Simulated Salivary Fluid) maintained at 37 °C ± 0.5 °C.
3. Parameters: Set the paddle speed to 50 rpm.
4. Sampling: At intervals (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 30 minutes), withdraw 5 mL of the medium and replace it with an equal volume of fresh buffer.
5. Analysis: Filter the samples and determine the drug concentration using the UV spectrophotometric method described above.
6. Acceptance: Lozenges should undergo slow, uniform erosion over 5 to 10 minutes without disintegrating.

Table 5: Standardized Pharmacopeial Target Limits And Evaluation Significance For Hard-Candy Lozenges

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The development of the synergistic Psidium guajava and Glycyrrhiza glabra lozenge represents a significant advancement in herbal galenics. By leveraging the antimicrobial potency of guava and the multifaceted therapeutic benefits of licorice, this research project provides a robust solution for managing oro-pharyngeal symptoms. The formulation's success is rooted in the careful management of the glassy state physics during the "hard-crack" stage and the strategic use of natural sweeteners to overcome the inherent bitterness of botanical tannins.

The comprehensive evaluation parameters outlined in this report—covering physical durability, chemical uniformity, and in-vitro dissolution—establish a framework for high-quality herbal medicine production. As the global demand for natural and effective healthcare solutions continues to rise, this polyherbal lozenge stands as a commercially viable and clinically relevant product, offering a holistic approach to throat health through the marriage of ancient botanical wisdom and modern pharmaceutical science.

Findings of Physical Characterization

The formulated lozenges exhibited high mechanical strength and batch-to-batch consistency. All physical parameters complied with the standard limits mentioned in the pharmacopoeias.

Table 6: Comparative Physical Characterization Data Across Validation Batches (F1–F3)

Table 7: Comparative Physical Characterization Data Of Significance & Compliance Status

Qualitative Phytochemical Identification via UV-Visible Spectrophotometry

To confirm the successful incorporation of both Psidium guajava (Guava) leaf and Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice/Mulethi) extracts within the hard-candy lozenge matrix, a qualitative ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometric scan was executed across the 200 nm to 400 nm wavelength range. Plant extracts contain a complex mixture of secondary metabolites, which possess distinct chromophores that absorb electromagnetic radiation at characteristic wavelengths. The resulting multi-wavelength scan map generated a distinct electronic absorption fingerprint unique to the synergistic polyherbal formulation.

Characterization and Spectral Fingerprint of Glycyrrhiza glabra

The presence of Liquorice extract within the lozenge base was confirmed by evaluating the short-wave ultraviolet region between 250 nm and 260 nm. The major bioactive triterpenoid saponin in Glycyrrhiza glabra, glycyrrhizic acid (glycyrrhizin), features a characteristic alpha/beta-unsaturated carbonyl chromophore. In standard analytical literature, pure glycyrrhizic acid displays a globally established maximum absorption baseline (lambda max) at approximately 254 nm.

In the experimental scan data of the formulation (Batch N), the absorbance values show a distinct, progressive downward deflection in this specific pocket, shifting from -0.0201 at 251 nm to -0.0764 at 260 nm. This pronounced spectral activity in the 250–260 nm zone serves as a reliable qualitative marker verifying that the glycyrrhizic acid from the Mulethi extract remained structurally intact throughout the thermal processing of the hard-candy formulation.

Characterization and Spectral Fingerprint of Psidium guajava Leaf Extract

The identification of the Psidium guajava leaf extract was established by interpreting the dominant electronic transitions in the mid-UV spectrum. Guava leaves are highly rich in polyphenolic compounds, specifically the flavonol Quercetin and its glycosides. In flavonoid chemistry, these aromatic ring systems typically display two major ultraviolet absorption bands: Band I (occurring between 300–380 nm, representing the cinnamoyl system) and Band II (occurring between 240–280 nm, representing the benzoyl system).

The raw spectrophotometric dataset tracked a sharp, highly defined valley minimum—the absolute maximum absorption point (lambda max) of the entire scan—at exactly 276.0 nm, recording a definitive value of -0.3022. This intense, localized absorption peak correlates perfectly with the standard Band II electronic transitions of quercetin and related guava leaf flavonoids. The exceptional clarity and resolution of this peak at 276.0 nm confirms that the guava leaf extract was successfully homogenized into the candy base at a high concentration without undergoing thermal degradation.

Spectral Baseline Analysis Beyond 300 nm

As the wavelength scan progressed into the longer UV range from 310 nm to 400 nm, the spectral plot line stabilized completely, hugging the baseline axis near an absolute value of 0.000. The numerical data points in this region remained tightly clustered between 0.0001 and 0.0022.

This flat, undisturbed baseline is analytically significant for two reasons:

1. Absence of Impurities: It indicates that no unexpected chemical degradation products or external contaminants are present that absorb light in the long-wave ultraviolet range.
2. Matrix Transparency: It proves that the vehicle excipients—namely the sucrose and corn syrup matrix forming the hard-candy base—are completely transparent across this spectrum and do not cause optical interference with the underlying herbal marker compounds.

Conclusively, the overlapping spectral data confirms that the lozenges successfully contain a stable, identifiable dual-extract system. The simultaneous identification of the 254 nm triterpenoid pocket and the dominant 276.0 nm flavonoid peak mathematically validate the chemical composition of the synergistic polyherbal lozenges, justifying the use of 276.0 nm and 300.0 nm as the baseline wavelengths for subsequent quantitative dissolution monitoring.

Determination of Maximum Absorbance Wavelength (lambda max)

To establish the precise analytical baseline for tracking the in vitro release profile of the synergistic polyherbal hard-candy lozenges, an initial UV-Visible wavelength scan ranging from 200 nm to 400 nm was performed on the matrix. The spectral map and peak-valley dataset revealed a primary, highly distinct valley minimum representing the maximum absorption profile (lambda max) at 276.0 nm.

At this specific wavelength, the formulation exhibited a strong negative deflection, recording an absolute absorbance value of -0.3022. A secondary stable baseline stabilization was monitored moving toward 300.0 nm, where the absorbance reading flattened out near 0.0149. Based on these specific scanning metrics, 276.0 nm and 300.0 nm were successfully selected as the target analytical wavelengths for multi-wavelength dissolution monitoring. This allowed for the simultaneous tracking of the core phytoconstituents as they dissolved out of the hard-candy base.

In Vitro Dissolution Profiles of Lozenge Samples

Multi-wavelength ultraviolet testing was conducted over a 30-minute interval, sampling every 5 minutes, to evaluate the dissolution rate and matrix breakdown of four distinct batches, designated as Samples 1 through 4. Absorbance (Abs) values were utilized to evaluate the concentration of dissolved active phytoconstituents in the medium, while Transmittance percentage (T%) tracked the corresponding clarity profiles.

Analysis of Sample 1: Sample 1 demonstrated an immediate surge in core active release, maintaining a highly concentrated baseline with a minor late-stage fluctuation.

• At 276.0 nm: The absorbance initiated at 2.5052 at 5 minutes, dropped slightly to 2.2596 at 10 minutes, and consistently fluctuated between these two values throughout the 30-minute run.
• At 300.0 nm: The secondary marker mirrored this stable pattern until a major concentration spike was noted at the 25-minute mark, where absorbance peaked sharply at 4.0000 (corresponding to a near-zero transmittance of 0.01%). This points to a temporary structural fracture or localized pulse release of the extract before normalizing back to an absorbance of 1.9502 at 30 minutes.

Analysis of Sample 2: Sample 2 presented an exceptionally uniform, rhythmic, and controlled-release matrix dissolution profile without any sudden burst anomalies.

• At 276.0 nm: The batch achieved a highly controlled, cyclical steady-state release. Absorbance initiated at 2.2041 at 5 minutes, dropped smoothly to its lowest trough of 1.7824 at 20 minutes, and equilibrated cleanly to 1.9599 by the 30-minute mark.
• At 300.0 nm: The secondary active marker showed an incredibly stable plateau, maintaining a repeated absorbance value of exactly 1.9502 at the 10, 20, and 30-minute intervals. This highly consistent behavior highlights an optimal, homogeneous distribution of the extracts within Sample 2's specific hard-candy formulation.

Analysis of Sample 3: Sample 3 displayed an active dissolution curve characterized by a significant physical structural release anomaly very early in the time course.

• At 276.0 nm: The sample began with a baseline absorbance of 2.2055 at 5 minutes. However, at the 10-minute interval, the absorbance maxed out completely at 4.0000 with an immediate drop in transmittance to 0.01%. This early burst release indicates a rapid cracking of the outer lozenge base or localized particulate turbidity, which subsequently settled and equilibrated down to 1.9599 by 30 minutes.
• At 300.0 nm: The secondary wavelength avoided this extreme burst, gradually easing down from 2.1351 at 5 minutes to a highly stable 1.9502 at the 30-minute termination mark.

Analysis of Sample 4: Sample 4 exhibited a multi-phasic, highly rhythmic step-down dissolution pattern across seven distinct data points, indicating a clear layer-by-layer erosion mechanism.

• At 276.0 nm: The sample dissolved via uniform cycles. It peaked at 2.0294 (5 mins), dropped to 1.7851 (10 mins), rose back up to 2.0307 and 2.2068 (15 mins), dropped to 1.7838 (20 mins), peaked at 2.0321 (25 mins), and finished at 1.7851 (30 mins).
• At 300.0 nm: The secondary wavelength perfectly tracked this step-like sequence, cycling repeatedly between peaks of 1.9590 and valleys of 1.7773. This synchronous rhythm proves that Sample 4 releases its active ingredients through sequential surface exfoliation of the sugar candy matrix rather than continuous surface erosion.

Comparative Dissolution Data

The following analytical matrix summarizes the exact comparative behaviours of all four batches at the beginning (5 mins), midpoint (15 mins), and termination (30 mins) of the dissolution trials:

Table 7: Time-Resolved Multi-Wavelength Dissolution Profile And Matrix Behavior