Original Articles
Olubunmi Jumoke Olayemi, Habib
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of Sesamum radiatum leaf gum as a potential excipient for modifying the release of potassium chloride tablets. The gum was precipitated from the aqueous maceration of the leaves and then characterized to determine some of its physicochemical properties. Potassium chloride granules were prepared by the wet granulation method of massing and screening using 30 %w/w each of Sesamum radiatum gum, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and 1:1 concentration of both polymers. The granules were analysed for flow parameters and then compressed into tablets in the ErwekaAR 400 single punch laboratory tableting machine using the 12mm punch and die assembly. The tablets were evaluated for uniformity of weight, tablet diameter and thickness, friability, crushing strength and disintegration time. In-vitro studies on the tablets was carried in acid medium (0.1 N HCl) and alkaline medium (phosphate buffer 7.4). The results showed that tablets containing Sesamum radiatum gum were able to modify/sustain the release of potassium chloride for up to 9 h, the gum was also able to offer barrier to drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract (acidic medium). The kinetics of drug release was observed to be zero order which was controlled by swelling and subsequent erosion.