RESUMEN
Objective: To investigate the correlations between raw material powders, wetting mass and the formability of Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) pellets. Methods: PNS powder mixed with different proportions of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), lactose, and starch were made into the pellets by extrusion-spheronization. Particle size, span, density, compressibility, Hausner ratio, specific surface area, pore volume, hygroscopicity, critical relative moisture, and angle of repose were used to evaluate the properties of mixing powders. Liquid solid ratio, plasticity index, liquid point, plastic point, and consistence were used to evaluate the properties of wetting mass. Feret diameter, aspect ratio, yield, density, and friability were used to evaluate the properties of the PNS Pellets. The correlations between the raw materials and the formability of their pellets were analyzed by cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least squares regression analysis. Results: The properties of PNS pellets had no direct correlation with the properties of material powders; The liquid solid ratio, liquid points were positively correlated with the pore volume of powders and were negatively correlated with density, diffusion rate, and span of material powders; The density of the pellets was positively correlated with water content of wetting mass; The dissolution rate was positively correlated with PV and was negatively correlated with the constant ka. Conclusion: There are certain correlations between the formability of PNS Pellets and the physical properties of raw materials.