Formulation and evaluation of mastic in antacid preparations

ABSTRACT

Mastic, as a herbal material having antiulcer activity, was investigated as a binder for tablets containing the antacid; namely, calcium carbonate or magnesium trisilicate. The tablets were evaluated with regard to physical st and ards and antacid efficacy. The data were compared with those obtained from tablets containing the traditionally used binders and some commercial antacid tablets. The results revealed that the use of mastic at high concentrations [15 and 20%] produced tablets with good mechanical properties [6-9.4 kg] and with a short disintegration time [up to 4 minutes] that satisfied the FDA requirements for this kind of tablets. In addition, the antacid efficacy of magnesium trisilicate was very slightly affected, while the antacid efficacy of calcium carbonate was markedly reduced. Both pHs of simulated gastric fluids were suitable for the digestive enzymes activity in the stomach after the addition of mastic-containing antacid tablets