Comparative evaluation of physicochemical properties of ampicillin trihydrate capsules formulated with <i>Chrysophyllum africanum</i> and <i>Daucus carota</i> peels pectin as binders

Abstract

Background and aim: Attempt has been made in this study to evaluate and compare the binding properties of two natural sources of pectin, Chrysophyllum africanum and Daucus carota peels with a standard binder, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the formulation of Ampicillin trihydrate capsules.

Methods: Pectin was extracted from both fruit peels using ethanolic (95%)- HCL (1:20, pH 2.0) under reflux at 90oC for 60 minutes. They were subjected to spectral analyses and determination of physicochemical properties for the formulation of Ampicillin trihydrate capsules using standard methods.

Results: Ampicillin trihydrate granules prepared with C. africanum peel pectin (CAPP) and D. carota peel pectin (DCPP) and Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as binders had good flow properties. Their angle of repose ranged from 55.22^o- 56.65^o (CAPP); 44.70^o- 57.99^o(DCPP) and 53.13o- 58.26^o(CMC); Hausner’s ratio 1.488^o- 1.60 (CAPP), 1.355 - 1.476 (DCPP) and 1.266o- 1.506o(CMC); Carr’s index values from 32.78-37.78 (CAPP), 21.03-33.58 (CMC) and 26.70-32.26 (DCPP). Disintegration time (minutes) were 5.31 - 5.93 (CAPP), 5.92 - 6.27 (CMC) and 4.64 - 5.24 (DCPP) respectively, and are within Pharmacopoeial limits for tablets and capsules. Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy studies showed no evidence of incompatibility of extracted pectins with other excipients or Ampicillin trihydrate in the formulated dosage forms. Dissolution studies revealed decreases in the amount of drug released with increase in pectin binder concentration of 1-5% for all formulations - CAPP (70%, 60%, 40%) and DCPP (73%, 62%, 42%). However, increases were evident at 1%w/v binder concentration from 20-60 minutes as follows: CAPP (15%, 60%75%); and DCPP (45%, 62%, 73%). All these results compared with those of standard binder.

Conclusion: Peel pectins extracted from C. africanum and D. carota fruits exhibited good binding property when compared with standard binder, Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and can thus serve as substitute binders in the formulation of Ampicillin trihydrate capsules, thereby conserving foreign exchange for the Nation and enhancing farmers’ wealth.