Compaction and mechanical properties of cissus populnea gum

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the compaction characteristics of cissus gum extracted with two different solvents (acetone and water) as binder in direct compression tablet formulations in comparison with xanthan and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC). 400 mg of each of the adhesives was compressed into a compact on a hydraulic single press hand machine at six different compression pressures with a dwell time of 30 seconds. Direct compression method was employed in compact preparation. The compaction characteristics of the gums were evaluated using Heckel and Kawakita equations. Crushing strength and friability were used to assess mechanical properties. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism 5 software. Cissus and xanthan gums had a quicker onset of plastic deformation and exhibited higher degree of plastic deformation compared with sodium carboxymethylcellulose. Xanthan gum compact had higher crushing strength than cissus gum and SCMC (p < 0.05). Also, water extract of cissus gum (CW) compact had higher crushing strength than acetone extract of cissus gum (CA) compact (p < 0.05). Cissus gum formed a cohesive compact with a fast onset of plastic deformation and a high amount of plastic deformation which compares well with xanthan gum. It could therefore be used as binder in tablet formulations.