Evaluation of Binding Properties of Selected Natural Mucilages

Abstract

Mucilages from <i>Asparagus racemosus </i>and <i>Cassia sophera </i>were isolated by maceration technique using water as solvent and precipitated by the addition of acetone, used as non-solvent. The percentage yields of mucilages front the selected sources were 11 and 20 per cent, respectively. Both the mucilages were evaluated for their granulating and binding properties in tablets, using paracetamol as model drug. The mucilages were used at three different concentrations, i.e., 8, 9 and 10 per cent, respectively. Wet granulation technique was used for preparation of granules. The prepared granules were evaluated for percentage of fines, particle size, and flow properties. The properties were compared with starch. The tablets were punched by using a Cadmach single punch machine and were evaluated for content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time, and <i>in vitro </i>dissolution profiles. The tablets had good physical properties and the drug release was more than 90 per cent within 3 h. The tablets prepared using 10 per cent mucilage as binder exhibited more hardness than 8 and 9 per cent batches. Hence, 8 and 9 per cent concentrations can be considered as ideal concentrations for preparation of tablets.