African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (19), pp. 2208-2211, 4 October 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Evaluation of the binder effects of the gum mucilages of Cissus populnea and Acassia senegal on the mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets

Eichie, F. E.* and Amalime, A. E.

Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: eichiefe@yahoo.com.

Accepted 3 August, 2007

A comparative study has been carried out to investigate the binder effects of the gums of Cissus populnea and Accasia senegal on the mechanical properties of paracetamol tablets. Tablet mechanical properties evaluated include the packing fraction (P_f), the tensile strength (T) and the brittle fracture tendency (BFI). Varying concentrations of the gum mucilage ranging from 1 - 15% (w/v) was prepared and their relative viscosities determined. Each concentration was used to wet massed paracetamol powder to form granules. Tablets of paracetamol (500 ± 6.5 mg) were compressed at a constant compression load (7 arbitruary units on the scale). The tablets were equilibrated for 24 h before evaluation. At all binder concentrations A. senegal gum produced harder and more consolidated tablets than C. populnea as reflected by the higher T and P_f values respectively. For instance, the T and P_f values of the tablets at binder concentration of 10% (w/v) were 0.69 MNm^-2 and 0.47 (A. senegal) and 0.57 MNm^-2 and 0.23 (C. populnea), respectively. On the contrary, an increase in binder concentration generally resulted in a decrease in BFI values and this decrease was more marked with C. populnea. The study showed that A. senegal mucilage displayed better tableting characteristics and higher tendency for ameliorating capping tendency. Both mucilages have the potentials for substitution as binder for the more expensive starches in tablet formulation.

Key words: Cissus populnea, Acassia senegal gum, paracetamol tablet, tensile strength, brittle fracture index, packing fraction, binder effect.