Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the suitability of okro gum as a binder for pharmaceutical tablet formulations. A comparative evaluation of Abelmoschus esculentus (okro) gum as a binder in the formulation of thiamine hydrochloride granules and tablets was performed. Gelatin, acacia and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were employed as standard binders for comparison. The properties of granules and tablets evaluated were; flow rate, angle of repose, density, weight uniformity, hardness, friability, disintegration time and dissolution rate. The granules had good flow properties. However, binder concentration influenced flow characteristics. Okro gum gave the highest hardness/friability ratios. It also prolonged disintegration time and dissolution time and dissolution rate. Hence, okro gum may not be useful as a binder in conventional tablet formulation. Nevertheless it could be a good candidate for evaluation as a binder or hydrophilic polymer in sustained release tablet formulation.

Key words: Abelmoschus esculentus gum, binder, granules, tablets.