ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study is to formulate a standard dose of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves into tablets and to determine a suitable binder for the formulation. Methodology: Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was extracted and formulated using different binders which included Maize Starch, Gelatin and Micro-crystalline Cellulose (MCC) to find out which one produce better tablets of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Formulations were characterized using various parameters such as physicochemical properties (bulk density, tapped density, moisture content, Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s index, ash value), strength (friability and crushing strength) and release properties (disintegration and dissolution times tests). The result showed that tablets formulated with Gelatin as a binder has lowest friability and disintegration time compared to those formulated with either MCC or maize starch. The crushing strengths were all within the acceptable limit (3 – 6 KgF) except maize starch which was higher. Conclusion: Moringa oleifera tablets were successfully formulated and based on experiments conducted, Gelatin is preferable in the formulation of Moringa oleifera tablets.
ABSTRACT
Starch is the commonest disintegrant used in tablet formulation. Modified starches, also called starch derivatives, are prepared by physically, enzymatically or chemically treating native starch, thereby changing the properties of the starch. The aim of the study was to investigate the disintegrant property of Pregelatinized and Phosphate modified sweet potato starches in comparison with the native sweet potato starch and maize starch BP in paracetamol tablet formulation.Pregelatinized starch was prepared by drying 8% (w/v) sweet potato starch mucilage whilestarch phosphate was prepared by phosphorylation of sweet potato starch with monosodium phosphate dehydrate solution. The starches were evaluated for moisture content, swelling capacity, hydration capacity and flow properties while the tablet were assessed for disintegration time and dissolution rate using standard methods. Results obtained showed 82.22% yield of Pregelatinized starch and 83.33% of starch phosphate. The modified starches showed hydration capacities of 2.36 and 2.05 and swelling capacities of 6.25 and 4.48 respectively for PGS and SP, values that doubled those produced by unmodified sweet potato starch and maize starch B.P. The tablets formulated using 5.0%w/w concentrations of phosphate starch, pregelatinized starch, unmodified sweet potato starch and maize starch BP as disintegrant, respectively, disintegrated at 0.53min, 0.82min, 1.06min and 1.26min. Phosphate starch and Pregelatinized starch derived from sweet potato displayed superior disintegration properties than the unmodified starch and maize starch B.P.
ABSTRACT
Abstract: Five prescriptions used in the treatment of epilepsy amongst the Hausa/Fulani tribe of Northern Nigeria were collected from traditional healers. The five prescriptions containing eight plants were reviewed as in literature to ascertain scientific basis of their use in treatment of epilepsy. Securidaca longipedunculata (family Polygalaceace) was reported to have such property; Mitragyna inermis (family Rubiaceae) has alkaloids structurally similar to clinically useful anticonvulsant. Celtis integrefolia (family Ulmaceae) was reported to contain gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) that its deficiency may lead to convulsions. The remaining plants were basically helpful in alleviation of associated symptoms of epilepsy except Centaurea praecox (family Asteraceae) which was reported to have neurotoxic substances that may worsen the disease