ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the compactibility, mechanical and release properties of tramadoltablets prepared by direct compression using cissus gum, a naturally occurring plant polymer as directly compressibleexcipient in comparison with xanthan gum. Compactibility was measured by Heckle, mechanical properties by tensilestrength and friability, and release properties by dissolution profile. Student t-test with GraphPad Prism 5 was used toidentify differences between data at p < 0.05. The result showed that the Py of xanthan formulation was significantlylower than cissus formulations (p = 0.03). Onset of plastic deformation was directly dependent on the concentrationof the polymer and the properties of the active ingredient. The presence of the active ingredient retarded the onsetof plastic deformation. There was increase in crushing strength and tensile strength with decrease in friability as theconcentration of the polymer increased in all formulations. The mechanical properties of cissus gum and xanthan gumformulations were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Tramadol dissolution decreased as the concentration of thepolymers increased. Cissus gum has some properties that would make it suitable as direct compressible excipient inmatrix systems for extended-release.