Evaluation of <i>Dacryodes edulis</i> (Burseraceae) exudate as a binding agent in paracetamol matrix tablet formulation

Abstract

The binding ability of the stem bark exudate of Dacryodes edulis (Buseraceae) in paracetamol matrix tablet formulation was compared with that of Eudragit L-100. Crude exudates were purified by differential precipitation with water in acetone and petroleum ether and air-dried. Varying concentrations (1-10 %w/v) of the purified exudate or Eudragit L-100 were dissolved in acetone and used to form paracetamol matrix granules while 15 % w/v maize starch was used to form conventional granules by wet granulation. Drug excipient compatibility was carried out and the granules compressed into tablets. Tablet properties were evaluated and the data analyzed statistically using the student t-test (p < 0.05). Results showed a 71 % yield of the purified exudate. The exudate functioned perfectly as binder in the formulation of tablets at concentrations > 2.5 %w/v and compared favourably with Eudragit L-100. Tablets formed did not disintegrate within 15 min except for those formed with maize starch mucilage. The dissolution data fitted into the Higuchi equation with r²-values ≥ 0.95. Dacroydes edulis exudate extended the release profile of paracetamol up to 70 % within 5 h.

Keywords: Dacroydes edulis, exudate, binder, Eudragit L-100, tablets