<i>Entandophragma angolense</i> Gum as a Novel Binder and Mucoadhesive Component in Oral Tablets

Abstract

The present work reports on the mucoadhesive and mechanical properties of the water-soluble gum obtained from Entandophragma angolense when incorporated in oral tablets. Flat-faced chlorpheniramine maleate tablets containing the gum were formulated. The potential for chemical interaction between the gum and drug was evaluated by UV spectroscopy. The mucoadhesive, mechanical and release properties of the tablets were evaluated. The rates of water uptake and erosion were determined for the tablets. The detachment time for the tablets increased from 78.71 ± 0.43 to 84.28 ± 0.75 min, and from 33.57 ± 0.48 to 79.27 ± 4.7 min as the amount of gum per tablet was increased from 2.5 to 10.0% w/w, respectively. The drug release time for all tablets increased with binder concentration. UV spectroscopy suggested the absence of chemical interactions. The novel natural gum compared favourably with established mucoadhesive polymers namely hydroxypropylcellulose and gelatin. The mucoadhesive, mechanical and release properties were a function of polymer concentration.

Key words: Entandophragma angolense, chlorpheniramine maleate tablets, mucoadhesion, mechanical properties