Cryptolepis sanguinolenta Root Tablets: Effect of Binder Type and Concentration on the Tablet Properties

ABSTRACT The objectives of the study were to formulate Cryptolepis sanguinolenta root powder into tablets and to evaluate the effect of different binders and binder concentrations on the properties of tablets. The tablets were formulated by the wet granulation method using gelatin and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (SCMC) as binders at concentrations of 2%, 4%, 6% and 8%w/w. The tablets were evaluated using the relevant official and unofficial tests. Also the phytochemistry of the powdered root extract of C. sanguinolenta was evaluated. Phytochemical analysis showed that C. sanguinolenta root contains alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, proteins, carbohydrate, resins, reducing sugars and glycosides. Tablets formulated with SCMC significantly exhibited higher disintegration times than those formulated with gelatin (p<0.05).Tablets hardness ranged from 3.51 ± 0.12 to 5.02 ± 0.10 kgf for A1 and A4 tablets formulated with 2 and 8% gelatin and 2.00 ± 0.11 to 5.00 ± 0.17 kgf for B1 and B4 tablets formulated with 2 and 8% SCMC. All the tablet batches exhibited friability of < 1% (p<0.05). Therefore the powdered root of C. sanguinolenta could be formulated as normal release tablets using gelatin and SCMC in order to standardize the preparation and also enhance patient's compliance