Abstract

Emeje Martins*, Ihimekpen Omoyeme, Isimi Christiana, Sabinus Ofoefule and Kunle Olobayo

Afzelia gum was obtained from the bark exudates of Afzelia africana plant, characterized and evaluated for its compaction properties in hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations. Compressional properties of the formulations were analyzed using density measurements and the Heckel equation as assessment parameter. Formulations containing Afzelia gum as a binder show a slower onset and lower extent of plastic deformation than those containing the 2 standard binders, tragacanth and gelatin. While retative density Db values for formulations containing tragacanth and gelatin generally increased with increased concentration up to 3% w/w, those containing Afzelia gum were at variant with the binder concentrations. Formulations containing Afzelia gum were also found to exhibit higher degree of packing than those containing tragacanth and gelatin. Yield values for formulations containing Afzelia gum was also found to be at variant with the binder concentration. The values decreased between 1 and 3% w/w and increased at 4% before decreasing again at 5% w/w. Afzelia gum improved the fluidity of hydrochlorothiazide granulation better than tragacanth and gelatin. This study suggests that Afzelia gum has good physicochemical properties that would make it a useful binder in hydrochlorothiazide tablet formulations.