Design of Solid Dosage Form using Isolated Mucilage from Cassia fistula

Abstract

The present study was aimed to isolate and characterize mucilage obtained from the leaves of Amaltas (Cassia fistula) and to check the binding efficiency by comparing with gum acacia. Isolation of mucilage was done by hot maceration process and investigated for various physicochemical characterization and in vitro dissolution profile to check mucilage as a binding agent. Different batches (KF1 – KF4) of paracetamol tablets of different concentration of mucilage (3%, 5%, 10% and 15% w/v) were prepared by wet granulation method. All the parameters of uncoated tablets were performed and compared with tablets prepared with gum acacia in the same concentration. SEM indicated irregular shape and size of mucilage particles. Good thermal stability of mucilage was indicated by TGA and amorphous nature by P-XRD and DSC. FTIR and NMR confirmed the presence of polysaccharide. From the results, formulations KF2 and KF3 were found to be optimized as they showed 99% drug release within 20-25 min and better results were obtained when compared with existing binder gum acacia. According to the studies, mucilage isolated from the leaves of Cassia fistula showed interesting results suggesting that amaltas mucilage can be used as a promising natural excipient (binder) in preparation of conventional uncoated tablet dosage form.