Description

Abstract Brachystegia eurycoma seed mucilage was evaluated for use as a tablet binder in metronidazole formulations in comparison with gelatin. The granules were formulated by the wet granulation method using the extracted mucilage and gelatin as binder at 1, 2, 4, 6%w/w concentrations. The granules were found to possess good flow property as indicated by the angle of repose, Hausner’s ratio and Carr’s index. The formulated tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight, thickness, tablet hardness, friability, disintegration times, drug assay and dissolution profile. Generally, the tablets formulated from Brachystegia eurycoma seed mucilage were softer than those of gelatin, had good uniformity of weight and disintegrated within the official specified times for uncoated tablets. The tablets had a rapid dissolution rate which indicates the efficacy of Brachystegia eurycoma seed mucilage as a binder where fast release of a drug is desired
Keywords:Brachystegia eurycoma seed mucilage, binder, wet granulation method, dissolution rate, metronidazole