Formulation and Evaluation of Phanera variegata Linn. Mucilage as a Pharmaceutical Binder in Solid Dosage Form

Objectives: The present study is aimed to isolate, evaluate the mucilage obtained from the leaves of Kachnar (Phanera variegata) and to compare the binding efficacy of the isolated mucilage with acacia gum. Methods: Extraction and isolation of mucilages from the leaves of Phanera variegata were carried out by the maceration method. The isolated mucilage was analyzed for phytochemical, microbial andvarious physico-chemical properties for acceptability as a novel excipient for the formulation of tablets. Uncoated paracetamol tablets of different batches (F1–F4) were prepared by preparing granules (different concentrations) of isolated mucilage (3%, 5%, 10% and 15% w/v respectively) using wet granulation technique.The formulated tablets were evaluated: pre-compression (Micromeritics properties) and post-compression parameters (size, hardness, friability, weight uniformity, content uniformity, disintegration and in vitro dissolution profile.) For comparison purposes, acacia gum was used as a binder and different batches of tablets (A1 – A4) were prepared similarly and evaluated for pre-compression and postcompression parameters. Results: The formulated tablets using isolated mucilage had a good appearance, on increasing the concentration of binder hardness of tablets were also increased, all the formulations fall within the limit for friability and disintegration according to official standards, in vitro dissolution profile of optimized formulation F2 showed 98.28% drug release within 20 min. Conclusion: According to the observation, isolated mucilage can opt as an alternative natural excipient (binding agent) for the formulation of uncoated tablets. Phanera variegata is a novel plant with less or almost no reported data.