Publication

Abstract : Water soluble mucilage was isolated from the seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Euphorbiaceae). The physical Characteristics of the gum such as solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, PH, viscosity and microbiological properties were studied. The gum was found take non-toxic when evaluated for acute toxicity in mile [LD50>5 gm/kg body weight P.O]. The mucilage was evaluated for their granulating and binding properties in tablets, using Diclofenac Sodium as model drug. The mucilage were used at 4 different concentrations viz. 4,6,8 and 10% w/w. Wet granulation techniques was used for preparation of granules. The prepared granules were evaluated for % fines, average particle size, Bulk density and Angle of repose. These properties were compared with starch, which was used as a standard binder at 10% concentration. The tablets were punched by using a cadmach single punch machine and were evaluated for weight variation, Hardness, friability and Disintegration time. The Caesalpinia pulcherrima mucilage was found to possess excellent binding property and could be used as a binder in conventional tablet formulation.