ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 3 (1), pp. 001-008, January, 2012. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Isolation, characterzation and compaction properties of Afzelia africana gum exudates in hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations
Emeje Martins1*, Ihimekpen Omoyeme1, Isimi Christiana1, Sabinus Ofoefule2 and Kunle Olobayo1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) Idu, P. M. B. 21 Garki - Abuja, Nigeria.
2Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria.
Accepted 02 December, 2011
Abstract
Afzelia gum was obtained from the bark exudates of Afzelia africana plant, characterized and evaluated for its compaction properties in hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations. Compressional properties of the formulations were analyzed using density measurements and the Heckel equation as assessment parameter. Formulations containing Afzelia gum as a binder show a slower onset and lower extent of plastic deformation than those containing the 2 standard binders, tragacanth and gelatin. While retative density Db values for formulations containing tragacanth and gelatin generally increased with increased concentration up to 3% w/w, those containing Afzelia gum were at variant with the binder concentrations. Formulations containing Afzelia gum were also found to exhibit higher degree of packing than those containing tragacanth and gelatin. Yield values for formulations containing Afzelia gum was also found to be at variant with the binder concentration. The values decreased between 1 and 3% w/w and increased at 4% before decreasing again at 5% w/w. Afzelia gum improved the fluidity of hydrochlorothiazide granulation better than tragacanth and gelatin. This study suggests that Afzelia gum has good physicochemical properties that would make it a useful binder in hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations.
Key words: Afzelia gum, tragacanth, gelatin, hydrochlorothiazide, Heckel equation, compaction characteristics.