Paracetamol Tablet Formulation Research Articles

Potential and Comparative Tablet Disintegrant Properties of Pectin Obtained from Five Okra Genotypes in Ghana.

Okra pectin has been studied as a potential excipient in tablet formulations for pharmaceutical industries. Okra is widely grown and available in Ghana and other parts of the world. The prospective use of pectin from okra genotypes grown in Ghana as tablet disintegrants has not been reported. This study aims to determine the potential and comparative disintegrating properties of pectin from five okra genotypes (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in Ghana using uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablet formulations. The yield of the pectin from the various genotypes ranged between 6.12 and 18.84% w/w. The extracted pectins had pH ranging from slightly acidic to almost neutral (6.39–6.92). Pectin from the various genotypes exhibited good swelling indexes (˃200%), varying solubility in different solvents, and low moisture content (˂20%). Elemental analysis of the extracted pectin from the various genotypes revealed very low levels of toxic metals and micronutrients. Pectin from the various genotypes was evaluated as disintegrants within concentrations of 5–10% w/w (F1–F18). Their disintegrating properties were compared to that of maize starch BP. All the formulated batches of uncoated immediate release paracetamol tablets (F1–F18) passed the following: uniformity of weight test, uniformity of dimensions, hardness, friability (˂1%), and drug content (95–105%). Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between the hardness of the maize starch tablets and tablets formulated from pectin of the various genotypes. Pectin from all genotypes other than PC5 exhibited good disintegrating properties (DT ˂ 15 min) and subsequently passed the dissolution profile test (≥70% release in 45 minutes). Tablets formulated with PC5 as disintegrants at all concentrations (5% w/w (F5), 7.5% w/w (F11), and 10% w/w (F17)) failed the disintegration and dissolution tests. Ultimately, pectins extracted from PC1, PC2, PC3, and PC4 can be commercially exploited as disintegrants in immediate release tablets.

Assessment of the binding properties of methyl starch obtained from Ipomoea batatas in paracetamol tablet formulations

Purpose: The study assessed the binding property of methyl starch obtained from Ipomoea batatas starch compared to maize starch BP (MS). Methods: Ipomoea batatas starch (IBS) was extracted and reacted with dimethyl sulphate to obtain methyl starch (IMS). The physicochemical and micromeritic properties of the starches were determined using standard methods prior to formulation of paracetamol tablets with the starches and maize starch BP as binder. The formulated tablets were assessed for their weight variation, crushing strength, friability, disintegration and drug release profile. Results: The degree of substitution of IMS produced was 0.6 and the reaction efficiency was 20%. The swelling and hydration capacities of IMS and IBS were 34.52, 14.38% and 1.66, 1.88%, respectively. The micromeritic parameters; bulk density (0.53 g/mL), tapped density (0.55 g/mL), Carr’s index (3.64%), Hausner’s ratio (1.04), true density (2.11 g/mL) and powder porosity (2.30) of IMS were superior to those of IBS. The crushing strength and friabilityof the paracetamol tablets formulated with IMS were mechanically stronger than those of IBS and MS. Drug release from tablets formulated with IMS was however lower than those of IBS and MS. Conclusion: The result of quality assessment of the tablets produced established IMS as suitable binder in comparison to IBS and MS in the formulation of paracetamol tablets in view of its improved crushing strength and reduced friability. Keywords: Methyl starch, binder, tablet formulation, Ipomoea batatas

Evaluation of the Direct Compression Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from Cassava Fermentation Waste in Paracetamol Tablet Formulations

Background: Natural materials have gained a lot of significance in the field of drug delivery because of their cost effectiveness and ready availability.Purpose: The study aimed at evaluating the direct compression property of microcrystalline cellulose from cassava fermentation waste in directly compressed paracetamol tablet formulations.Methods: Alkali delignification of the dried cassava fermentation fibres, followed by bleaching and acid depolymerisation was employed in the extraction of α-cellulose and conversion to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The MCC obtained and Avicel® were used at different concentrations (5.0-15 %w/w) to formulate batches of paracetamol tablets by directed compression. A comparative evaluation of the formulated paracetamol granules and tablets properties were undertaken.Results: The paracetamol granules formulated showed good flowability with Hausner’s ratios of 1.15-1.25, Carr’s indices of 13.10-20.00 % and angles of repose ≤ 34.41°. The formulated tablets showed good hardness (> 5.0 kgf) and disintegration time within 10 min. Only tablets containing 5.0 and 7.5 %w/w of the test MCC failed the BP dissolution test specification for tablets which stipulates that at least 70 % of the drug should be in solution after 30 min.Conclusion: This study has shown that the extracted MCC has direct compression ability evidenced in the mechanical strength of the formulated paracetamol tablets. The tablet properties of the formulated paracetamol tablets revealed pharmaceutically acceptable tablets though they were not comparable with Avicel® at all concentrations and the MCC may serve as an alternative local source for direct compression excipient.
 Keywords: Cassava, microcrystalline cellulose, direct compression, paracetamol, tablets

Evaluation of super-disintegrant potential of acid-modified starch derived from <i>Borassus aethiopum</i> (Aracaceae) shoot in paracetamol tablet formulations

Purpose: To evaluate the super-disintegrant potentials of acid modified Borassus aethiopum starch (AMS) in comparison with native starch (NS) and commercial disintegrant sodium starch glycolate (SSG).
 Methods: Compatibility of AMS with paracetamol powder was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. Seven batches of paracetamol granules and tablets were prepared by wet granulation. AMS and NS were employed as disintegrants at concentrations of 2.43, 4.86 and 9.72 %w/w, respectively while 4.86 %w/w SSG was used as standard disintegrant. All the batches of the granules were compressed under the same compression settings. The properties of the granules as well as those of the tablets were assessed.
 Results: AMS was compatible with paracetamol powder as no noticeable interaction was observed in FTIR study. The paracetamol tablets formulated using AMS as disintegrant demonstrated satisfactory friability, weight uniformity, hardness, and superior disintegration characteristics to the formulations containing NS and SSG as disintegrant. Even at a lower concentration (2.43 %w/w), AMS possessed better disintegrant property than NS and SSG. AMS and NS had dimensionless disintegrant quantity of 1.447 and 0.005, respectively. As expected, increase in AMS concentration showed a decrease in disintegration time.
 Conclusion: AMS could be a potential low-cost super-disintegrant in formulation of paracetamol tablets.
 Keywords: Acid modified starch, Borassus aethiopum, Disintegrant, Compatibility

Binder and Disintegrant Performance of Native and Thermally Modified Dioscorea cayenensis Starches in Paracetamol Tablet Formulations

Binder and Disintegrant Performance of Native and Thermally Modified Dioscorea cayenensis Starches in Paracetamol Tablet Formulations

Evaluation of the Disintegration Properties of Khaya senegalensis Gum Using Paracetamol Tablets

Background: Disintegrants are essential in the formulation of solid dosage forms such as tablets because they aid in the release of the active drug for therapeutic action. Disintegrating agents such as starch are currently posing challenges such as tablet softening and slow disintegration. In the quest for alternatives that are cheaper, readily available and possessing same or better disintegrating property, Khaya senegalensis gum was considered. Currently, there is no available literature pertaining to its disintegrating property.
 Objective: To investigate the disintegrating properties of Khaya senegalensis gum using paracetamol tablets.
 Methods: K. senegalensis gum was obtained by making an incision on the stem bark of the mahogany tree. The dried purified K. senegalensis gum was employed in the formulation of granule I whiles Tragacanth gum was used in formulating granule II using the wet granulation technique. The flow properties of both granules were subsequently determined and compared. Paracetamol tablets were then produced with the formulated granules I and II. Friability, hardness, weight uniformity and disintegration testing were performed on the paracetamol tablets formulated with both granules.
 Results: The results showed granule I had a better flowability with angle of repose 31.63°C, Hausner’s ratio 1.24 and Carr’s index 19.57 as compared to granule II with angle of repose 34.72°C, Hausner’s ratio 1.31 and Carr’s index 23.84. The study also revealed, paracetamol tablets formulated with granule I (K. senegalensis gum) passed the hardness test (6.57 Kg.f), disintegration time (2.44 min), weight uniformity test (2.2% standard deviation) and friability test (0.69%). Paracetamol tablets formulated with granule II (Tragacanth gum) also passed the hardness test (8.20 Kg.f), disintegration time (7.69 min), weight uniformity test (1.6% standard deviation) and friability test (0.86%).
 Conclusion: Khaya senegalensis gum can therefore be explored as an alternative disintegrant in the formulation of paracetamol tablets for improved bioavailability.

COMPARATIVE QUALITY EVALUATION OF TWO BRANDS OF PARACETAMOL TABLETS OBTAINED FROM THE MARKET

Introduction: Paracetamol tablets are very common over the counter (OTC) products among the patients as a good analgesics s. It is the drug of choice in patients that cannot be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), such as people with bronchial asthma, peptic ulcer disease, hemophilia, salicylate-sensitized people and children under 12 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the quality of the paracetamol tablet formulations those are locally available in India pharmaceutical market manufactured by various pharmaceutical companies with pharmacopeia standards. Materials and Methods: The two popular brands (A & B) of paracetamol conventional tablet of 500 mg strength were chosen. The paracetamol tablets were obtained from the local medical shops. To compare the quality of tablet formulations of different brands various official parameters like friability, hardness, weight variation, disintegration time and dissolution were performed as per the standards mentioned in pharmacopoeia. Result and Conclusion: The result of all these parameters of different brands was in the Pharmacopoeial limits so it could be concluded that marketed pharmaceutical tablets of paracetamol of these brands are safe, effective and efficacious.

Evaluation of xerogels of cassava and cocoyam starches as dry granulation binders and disintegrants in directly compressed paracetamol tablet formulations

The physicochemical properties of excipients play vital roles in the process of tablet manufacture. A comparative evaluation of the binding and disintegrant properties of xerogels of cassava and cocoyam starches with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) in paracetamol tablet formulations was investigated. Cassava and cocoyam starches were extracted from their tubers following standard procedures. Xerogels of both starches were prepared and used to prepare batches of paracetamol granules for direct compression into tablets at concentrations of 3.8, 7.6 and 11.4 %w/w and with 7.6 %w/w MCC for comparison. Granules were analysed for their flow properties and drug-excipient compatibility and the tablets were evaluated for their tablets properties. The paracetamol granules prepared with the xerogel powders were comparable in flow properties with those made with MCC. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses revealed no interaction between the xerogel powders and paracetamol. Increase in concentrations of the xerogel powders led to an increase in hardness, wetting time, water sorption, disintegration time, drug release and a decrease in friability of the tablets. Tablets formulated with the starch xerogel powders met compendial requirements at 7.6 %w/w concentration. The study confirms the potentials of xerogels of cassava and cocoyam starches as dry granulation binders/disintegrants. Tablets made with the xerogel powders are superior to those made with MCC in terms of disintegration time but MCC produces harder and less friable tablets, as a superior binder.

Characterization and application of Borassus aethiopum (Arecaceae) shoot pregelatinized starch as binding agent in paracetamol tablets

Aims: The study sought to characterize the physicochemical properties and assess the binding properties of pregelatinized starch (PGSb) derived from Borassus aethiopum shoot at various concentrations in paracetamol (PCM) tablet formulation. Methods and Materials: PGSb was obtained by suspending 100g of the native starch (NS) in 100ml of deionized water at 55°C for 10min. PGSb was characterized using different techniques and compared with a commercial brand of pregelatinized starch (PGSs). The compatibility of PGSb with PCM powder was evaluated using Fouriertransform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques. Three batches of PCM granules containing different concentrations of the PGSb as test binder were formulated and compared with two batches containing 1.78% polyvinylpyrrolidone and 1.78% NS as binder, respectively. Results: The evaluated parameters of PGSb were comparable to PGSs. PGSb had improved solubility, lower gelatinization temperature, and better hydration capacity properties compared to the NS. FTIR and DSC studies confirmed the modification of the NS and its compatibility with PCM powder. The tablets formulated were within acceptable limits for the parameters evaluated (tablet thickness, uniformity of weight, hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution profile) except the batch that contained NS as binder that failed uniformity of weight and friability tests. All the batches released more than 70% of the active drug at 30min. The dissolution study indicated that there were variations in the drug release profiles among tablets formulated with different binding agents. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that PGSb has desirable physicochemical and binding properties.

STUDY TO UNDERSTAND FACTORS GOVERNING DISSOLUTION OF PARACETAMOL TABLETS USING DESIGN EXPERT® SOFTWARE

In vitro testing is of paramount importance both in formulation development and in optimization of any pharmaceutical dosage form. Dissolution testing is a quality control test used to check batch to batch variability The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of various parameters like volume of the buffer used, the rotational speed of the paddle and temperature over the percentage drug release in a particular time frame. The collected data was analyzed using Design Of Experiments (DOE) software in order to optimize the dissolution parameters for the marketed paracetamol tablet formulation. A marketed batch of paracetamol tablets was used for the present study. The obtained results showed that the standard percent cumulative drug release was maintained even when the dissolution parameters were refashioned and thus provided a substantial waiver of exploitative use of water resources for the in vitro dissolution testing for paracetamol tablets making it a greener method.

Evaluation of the Binding Potential of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Gum in Paracetamol Tablet Formulation

Evaluation of the Binding Potential of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed Gum in Paracetamol Tablet Formulation

The Disintegrant Property of a Hydrophilic Cellulose Polymer Derived from the Tubers of Ipomoea batatas in Paracetamol Tablet Formulation

The Disintegrant Property of a Hydrophilic Cellulose Polymer Derived from the Tubers of Ipomoea batatas in Paracetamol Tablet Formulation

Evaluation of the Disintegrant Properties of Native Starches of Five New Cassava Varieties in Paracetamol Tablet Formulations.

The disintegrant potential of native starches of five new cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) varieties developed by the Crops Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) was studied in paracetamol tablet formulations. The yield of the starches ranged from 8.0 to 26.7%. The starches were basic (pH: 8.1–9.9), with satisfactory moisture content (≤15%), swelling capacity (≥20%), ash values (<1%), flow properties, and negligible toxic metal ion content, and compatible with the drug. The tensile strength (Ts), crushing strength (Cs), and friability (Ft) of tablets containing 5–10% w/w of the cassava starches were similar (p > 0.05) to those containing maize starch BP. The disintegration times of the tablets decreased with increase in concentration of the cassava starches. The tablets passed the disintegration test (DT ≤ 15 min) and exhibited faster disintegration times (p > 0.05) than those containing maize starch BP. The disintegration efficiency ratio (DER) and the disintegration parameter DERc of the tablets showed that cassava starches V20, V40, and V50 had better disintegrant activity than maize starch BP. The tablets passed the dissolution test for immediate release tablets (≥70% release in 45 min) with dissolution rates similar to those containing maize starch BP.

Evaluation of pearl millet starch as tablet disintegrant

AbstractObjectives: This study aims to evaluate a novel tablet excipient obtained from local sources, Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum starch of family Poaceae which is used locally as food because of its high carbohydrate content. It was thought that the starch of Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum may serve as a tablet disintegrant. Methods: The excipient properties of Pearl millet starch as well as the pregelatinized form were studied in paracetamol tablets produced by wet and dry granulation methods of massing and screening and compared with maize starch BP. Results: Wet method showed superiority in all properties of both granules and tablets. Using wet method granulations Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum starch and maize starch BP have similar angle of repose, Carr′s index, tapped density, bulk density, and Hausner′s ratio, however, Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum starch has shown advantageous in some properties such as moisture content and swelling index. Tablet produced with Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum starch disintegrated almost the same of those produced with maize starch BP at all concentrations employed. It was also found that when used as a disintegrant, the pre-gelatinized form provide tablets with better hardness and friability values than maize starch BP. Conclusion: This study confirmed the suitability of Pearl millet Pannistumamericanum starch as an alternative to maize starch BP as a tablet disintegrant, particularly, in paracetamol tablet formulation.

A comparative investigation of the disintegrant efficiency of &lt;i&gt;Musa paradisiaca&lt;/i. L. and &lt;i&gt;Musa sapientum&lt;/i&gt; L. starches in paracetamol tablet formulations

The disintegrant properties of unripe banana (Musa paradisiaca) and plantain (Musa sapientum) starches in comparison with maize starch BP in paracetamol tablet formulation was investigated. Starch from the unripe fruits was extracted with distilled water. The starch powder properties were evaluated. Paracetamol granules and tablets were formulated with the starches as endo- and exo-disintegrants at concentrations of 5 and 10 %w/w using wet granulation. Granules and tablet properties were evaluated. Compatibility studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also carried out. The flow properties of the granules rank in the order: banana starch &gt; maize starch BP &gt; plantain starch. DSC and FTIR analyses revealed no interaction between the starches and paracetamol. Increase in concentration of starch disintegrants led to an increase in hardness and a decrease in disintegration time and friability of the tablets. Tablets containing banana and plantain starches when compared with those made with maize starch BP produced comparable tablet properties with no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05). All tablet parameters met compendial requirements at 10 % w/w disintegrant concentration. Results revealed that banana and plantain starches were comparable with maize starch BP and these starches can be used as substitutes to maize starch BP as disintegrant in tablet formulation.Keywords: Banana; Plantain; Starch; Characterisation; Tablets

Evaluation of tablet disintegrant properties of microcrystalline cellulose obtained from cassava fermentation waste

This study was aimed at exploring the application of microcrystalline cellulose from cassava fermentation waste as a disintegrant in the formulation of paracetamol tablets for immediate release. Alkali delignification of the dried cassava fermentation fibres, followed by bleaching and acid depolymerisation was employed in the extraction of α-cellulose and conversion to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The MCC obtained was evaluated for some of its physicochemical properties. Thereafter, a comparative evaluation of paracetamol granules and tablets formulated using the MCC and Avicel ® PH 101 as disintegrants was undertaken. Drug-excipient interaction was also investigated using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results showed a 48% yield of α-cellulose from the waste material. The MCC powder was off-white in colour, insoluble in water and gritty in texture. It showed negative reaction to the presence of starch, sugar and lignin but positive to cellulose. It exhibited a moisture content and swelling capacity of 2.1 and 63.3%, respectively. The paracetamol granules formulated showed good flowability with angles of repose ≤ 31 °, Hausner’s ratios of 1.07 - 1.18 and Carr’s indices of 6.58 - 16.00%. The formulated tablets showed good hardness (> 7 kp) and friability values (≤ 0.7%). Two batches of tablets containing 7.5 or 10% (w/w) of the MCC and three batches of tablets containing Avicel® (5, 7.5 and 10% (w/w) disintegrated within 15 min. The tablets containing 5 - 10% (w/w) of the MCC or Avicel® passed the dissolution test for tablets which specifies that at least 70% of the drug should be in solution after 30 min. FTIR and DSC analyses revealed no interaction between the excipients and paracetamol. MCC from cassava fermentation waste may serve as an alternative substance to explore as a pharmaceutical excipient in solid dosage form even though its tableting parameters are not as good as those of Avicel® PH 101. Keywords: cassava, microcrystalline cellulose, disintegrant, paracetamol granules, tablets

Chrysophyllum albidum mucilage as a binding agent in paracetamol tablet formulations

Chrysophyllum mucilage obtained from the fruit of Chrysophyllum albidum (Family Sapotaceae) has been characterised and evaluated as a binding agent in comparison with methylcellulose in paracetamol tablet formulations. Chrysophyllum mucilage was characterised using elemental and proximate analyses as well as material properties. The Heckel and Kawakita plots were used to assess the compressional properties and the tablet properties were evaluated using tensile strength, friability, disintegration and dissolution times. The results showed the presence of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc and absence of heavy metals from the mucilage. The mucilage exhibited excellent flow and swelling properties, but poor water solubility. The viscosity of chrysophyllum mucilage increased with decrease in temperature in a similar manner with methylcellulose. C. albidum mucilage when used as a binder in paracetamol tablet formulation induced faster onset of plastic deformation and higher amount of total plastic deformation than methylcellulose. The results of the tablet properties showed that the tensile strength, disintegration and dissolution times, increased with increase in binder concentration while friability decreased. Tablets containing chrysophyllum mucilage as binder also had lower tensile strength, disintegration and dissolution times but higher friability values than those containing methylcellulose. However, tablets containing chrysophyllum mucilage at low concentrations conformed to pharmacopeial standard on disintegration indicating its potential usefulness as binder for immediate release tablets. Thus, C. albidum mucilage could be used as an alternative binding agent in pharmaceutical tablets.

Durio Zibethinus L. (Malvaceae) Seed Gum: Extraction, Characterization, And Evaluation As Paracetamol Tablet Binder

Durio zibethinus L. (Malvaceae) also known as “Durian” in the Philippines is an evergreen tropical tree found mainly in the regions of Mindanao and Sulu. One-fourth of the fruits' mass is composed of seeds which is usually discarded [1]. This study aimed to determine the binding efficacy of extracted Puyat variety of Durian seed gum in Paracetamol tablet formulation. Durian seed gum was extracted consecutively using petroleum ether, ethanol and 1% acetic acid. Yielded seed gum extract was characterized in terms of its physicochemical properties. An acute oral toxicity study was done. Differential scanning calorimeter was used to test the compatibility of Durian seed gum with Paracetamol and its excipient. Different batches of Paracetamol tablet was formulated using Durian seed gum, PVP K-30, Acacia, and Corn starch as binder. Physical evaluation was done on the Paracetamol granules and comparative analysis showing the effectiveness of Durian seed gum in contrast with standard binders was evaluated through quality control tests like hardness, friability, disintegration, and dissolution test. The result of the study showed that Durian seed gum possesses good physicochemical properties. It is non-toxic and compatible with Paracetamol and its excipient. The formulation containing 9% w/w of unheated Durian seed gum as binder showed good binding efficacy with a friability of 0.74%. It displayed the highest dissolution rate (101.3%) and shorter disintegration time (10.96 minutes) compared with Acacia (40.44) and PVP K-30 (41.35). The results suggest that it can be used as binder in immediate released tablets. Whereas, 9% w/w heated Durian seed gum exhibited highest binding efficacy with a friability of 0.15% and a hardness of 184.87 N. The result shows that it can be used as a binder for sustained released tablets.

Lubricating Properties of Co-processed Coconut Oil in Paracetamol Tablets Formulation

Objective: Lubricants are additives which reduce friction and so essential components of drug formulation. This piece of work was initiated to evaluate coconut oil as a co-processed lubricant in the formulation and compression of paracetamol tablets in comparison with magnesium stearate-talc as standard lubricant. Methods: Various concentrations 0.5, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5% w/w lubricant mixtures of magnesium stearate-talc (MT), coconut magnesium stearate-talc (CMT), magnesium stearate (M), coconut oil alone (C) respectively; and without lubricant (None) which served as control were thoroughly mixed with granules (200 mg) prepared from the basic formula for paracetamol tablets which contained 85% w/w, 5% w/w and 10% w/w of paracetamol powder, corn starch and lactose respectively. The mechanical properties of tablets produced were evaluated using crushing strength, friability and crushing strength -friability ratio while the release properties of tablets were evaluated using disintegration and dissolution tests. Results: Granules lubricated with coconut oil co-processed with magnesium stearate had excellent flow. The crushing strength obtained for all the paracetamol tablets had acceptable values ranging from 4.82 to 6.85 kgf except for tablets lubricated with coconut oil alone. Generally, as the crushing strength values increased the friability decreased. Friability values for all the tablets generally decreased with increasing tablet lubricant concentrations of 2.0% w/w and 2.5% w/w though falling within range considered for conventional tablets. The disintegration time increased with increase in lubricant concentration as all the tablets had acceptable values. Tablets lubricated with coconut oil mixed with magnesium stearate-talc showed the highest CSFR/DT ratio. As the concentration of lubricant increased, there was a general decrease in the rate and extent of the drug release from the formulation. Conclusion: Coconut oil is an effective lubricant which can be processed with magnesium stearate and talc for an effective lubrication of granules before compression into pharmaceutical tablets.

Evaluation of the disintegrant properties of native and modified forms of fonio and sweet potato starches

The effects of acid modification on the disintegrant properties of two native starches obtained from Digitaria exilis (white fonio) and Ipomea batatas (sweet potato) were evaluated in comparison with official corn starch in paracetamol tablet formulations. The starches were extracted from grains of white fonio and tubers of sweet potato, and modified by acid hydrolysis using 6% w/w hydrochloric acid for 48 h. The native and modified forms of the starches were employed as exo‐disintegrants in paracetamol tablet formulations at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0% w/w. The disintegrant properties were assessed using crushing strength (Cs), friability (Fr), disintegration time (DT), disintegrant efficiency ratio (DER), and the dimensionless quantity DERc. The results showed that crushing strength and friability of the tablets appeared to depend on the type, concentration, and nature of disintegrant used. Disintegration time generally decreased with increase in disintegrant concentration and the values complied with the pharmacopoeial standard for uncoated tablets (≤15 min). Tablets containing acid modified starches showed longer disintegration times than those containing the native starches although there were no significant differences (p &gt; 0.05) in the values. Acid modification generally increased the disintegration efficiency ratio (DER) of the formulations while the values of DERc indicated that sweet potato starch would be the most efficient disintegrant with greater ability to enhance the balance between the mechanical and disintegration properties of the tablet. Thus, the experimental starches compared well with corn starch as disintegrants and could be useful for commercial tablet formulations.