Material and Excipient Properties of Ceiba pentandra Mucilage in Diclofenac Matrix Tablets doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v6i3.18

Abstract

Ceiba pentandra (CP) is a useful native plant with desirable therapeutic properties. However, its potentials as pharmaceutical excipient have not been extensively reported. In this study, mucilage from leaves of CP was evaluated with the aim of comparing its material and release properties with that of sodium starch glycolate (SSG), as disintegrants in diclofenac tablet formulations. Mucilage was extracted from the dried leaves of Ceiba pentandra, using standard method. Characterization of mucilage was carried out using angle of repose, Carr’s index, XRD, Hausner’s ratio, density measurements, viscosity, swelling index, photomicrography, pH, and moisture content. Mucilage and SSG were incorporated as exodisintegrant and endodisintegrant in diclofenac tablet formulations using wet granulation method. Mechanical and release properties of tablets were determined. Mucilage had good swelling capacity, poor flow and high viscosity; the viscosity reduced with increasing temperature. Photomicrographs showed that the mucilage had larger, translucent particles which were well spaced. X-ray diffractometry revealed that mucilage is amorphous. Tablet properties showed that formulations made with CP mucilage had higher crushing strength and lower friability than formulations that contained SSG. Dissolution profile showed that mucilage had better drug release property than SSG and that mucilage is capable of sustaining release of the API for 9 hours with drug release of 95–98%. The formulations had their drug released by swelling and diffusion. Mucilage of Ceiba pentandra possessed desirable physicochemical and release properties. The mucilage compares well as a disintegrant with SSG, has a longer disintegration time and better release profile when applied as endodisintegrant.