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

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.