Effect of Granule Size, Compaction Pressure and Concentration of Malva Verticillata Mucilage on the in Vitro Properties of Tablets

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of binder concentration, granule size and distance between punches on mechanical strength and drug release properties of tablets containing Malva verticillata mucilage (MVM) as a binder.Methods: Paracetamol and lactose were converted into wet coherent masses by a liquid solution containing 1-3% w/w MVM as a binder. Granules containing 2% w/w binder was used to investigate the effect of granule size and distance between punches. Compressed tablets were evaluated for crushing strength, disintegration time and in vitro drug release using pharmacopeial methods.Results: Granules containing MVM were found to be free-flowing and compatible with paracetamol. Mechanical strength and drug release properties of mucilage tablets significantly correlated with the amount of MVM binder. Tablet crushing strength was 3.54-7.12 kg/cm 2 while disintegration time 7.13-16.67 min. Compression pressure and granule size had no significant effects on drug release properties of mucilage tablets. Crushing strength of mucilage tablets were higher and significantly different (t(26) = 7.9631, p Conclusion: Properties of tablets containing 2.5% w/w MVM matched the prescribed pharmaceutical limits and hence M. verticillata root mucilage has a great potential to become a new source of tablet binder. <0.05) from acacia tablets in the tested variables. The cumulative drug release rate of mucilage tablets was also lower than that of acacia tablets in tested concentrations.

Physicochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Ficus vasta Gum as a Binder in Tablet Formulation

“…Hence, the test and the standard binders under this study enhanced the flow property of the drug powder mixture implying that Ficus gum can be used as a wet granulation tablet binder to enhance powder flow like PVP and starch. The decreased bulk and tapped densities of the granules with increasing binder concentrations indicates that the binders were capable to enlarge granules and concentrate binding bridges [ 77 ]. The difference in granule flow and compressibility properties between the different binders may be due to differences in granule density or the saturation of the binding forces at those particular binder concentration [ 78 ].…”

“…All formulations passed the weight uniformity test where not more than two tablets differed with >5% or no tablet deviated with >10% from the mean weight of each batch [ 80 , 81 ]. Friability considerably decreased with increasing binder concentration for all batches which is due to the enhanced adhesive bridge formation which can resist abrasion, shock, and capping tendencies [ 77 ]. All the formulations, except those with 4% w/w starch, complied with the BP friability specifications [ 46 ].…”

“…All tablet formulations in this study demonstrated a good hardness profile and conformed to pharmacopoeial specifications [ 46 ]. A lesser strength of tablets with Ficus gum compared to PVP may be due to the relatively higher bulk density of the granules with Ficus gum than PVP which reduces space for deformation [ 77 ]. The better strength of tablets prepared with Ficus gum than those with the commonly used starch binder suggests that Ficus gum can be used as a binder in the production of mechanically stronger tablets.…”

“…The higher dissolution rate of tablets was through the enhancement of drug solubility at lower binder concentrations. But, a lower release rate, especially at increased binder concentrations, may be due to binder hydration which leads to the formation of highly viscous and sticky films [ 77 ]. The comparative analysis implied that the higher Ficus gum concentration in the tablet composition formed a thicker and more viscous gel layer barrier than the starch bonding capacities preventing medium penetration into the entire tablet and as a result, retarding the drug release [ 87 ].…”