Preliminary evaluation of Cassia auriculata seed mucilage as binding agent

Abstract

Cassia auriculata is a tropical tree locally belonging to the family Caesalpiniaceae found widely in India. Seeds of plant contain gluco-mannose hence attempt to evaluate the seeds for suitability as tablet binder is considered and the present investigation reports the isolation of mucilage of Cassia auriculata seed. The DSC and FTIR thermograms of drug and gum indicated no chemical interaction. Phytochemical characteristics of mucilage, such as carbohydrate, protein and flavanoids etc. were studied. Physiochemical characteristics of mucilage, such as solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, viscosity, hydration capacity, powder porosity, microbiological properties and pH were studied. The mucilage was evaluated for its granulating and binding properties in compressed tablet, using Diclofenac sodium as model drug. Mucilage was used in four different concentration i.e. 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0% w/v. The granules were prepared by wet granulation process. The prepared granules were evaluated for percentage of fines, average particle size, compressibility index and flow properties. The properties were compared with Guar gum, which was used as standard binder at 1.00% w/v concentration. The tablet were prepared and evaluated for content uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and in vitro dissolution profile. The tablets had good physiochemical properties, and the drug release was more than 85% within 3 hour. It was observed that increasing the concentration of mucilage increases hardness and decreases the disintegration time. All the formulations (F1, F2, F3, F4 and F5) were subjected to stability studies for three months at 25° C/60% RH, 30° C/65% RH and 40° C/75% RH as per ICH guidelines, only F1 and F2 showed stability with respect to release pattern and other parameters which confirm the use of mucilage as excipient. © 2009 Phcog.net.