Release Properties of Paracetamol Granulationa Formulated with Gum from the Fresh Fruits of Theobroma Cacao

Abstract

Theobroma cacao gum, TCG was derived as a dry powder from fresh fruits of Theobroma cacao. Various granulations of paracetamol were prepared with TCG at the concentrations of 0.5 – 4% w/w. Similar formulations were prepared using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, SCMC and acacia gums as standards. In each case the release properties of the drug were studied in both 0.1 N HCl and 0.1 N NaOH. Generally, drug release showed TCG < SCMC< acacia. For example, the T20 - values in 0.1 N HCl at 4 % adhesive concentration were as follows: acacia, 17 min, SCMC, 20 min, TCG, 43 min. A change in dissolution medium from 0.1 N HCl to 0.1 N NaOH markedly increased drug release. Release in 0.1 N NaOH was in the order TCG < SCMC< acacia.

Keywords: Theobroma cacao polysaccharide, paracetamol, granulations, drug release, dissolution media

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 8 No 1 pp. 46 - 55 (September 2010)