Introduction: Tablets are solid pharmaceutical dosage forms administered orally, composed of granules subjected to compression. They can be formed from particles (excipients and active ingredients) that deform under pressure. There are several naturally derived particles from agricultural products that are malleable and could potentially be used as excipients in tablet formulation. However, there is a research gap regarding the use of these agricultural products in tablets. This study explored the potential of using chemically unmodified Ipomoea batatas and Artocarpus altilis granules as excipients in tablet formulation.
Method: The research evaluated physical properties and solubility under varying conditions, including cutting methods, binder addition, and compression forces. The experimental process involved drying, milling, binder mixing (Polyvinylpyrrolidone), and tablet compaction. Particle characterization included size distribution, density, morphology, and porosity, while compacted material analysis focused on hardness, friability, disintegration time, and solubility times.
Results: I. batatas particles were spherical with a D50 of 420 µm and 50%-60% porosity. A. altilis particles were irregularly shaped with a D50 of 120–200 µm and 75%-80% porosity. Compacted I. batatas had hardness >4 kgf, friability <1%, disintegration 8-15 min, and solubility 14-18 min. A. altilis had hardness >4 kgf, friability <2%, disintegration 2.5-5 min, and solubility 5-9 min.
Conclusions: Binder addition and compression forces reduced weight loss and increased hardness, disintegration, and solubility times. The carbohydrate (mainly starches) composition significantly affected solubility time, while cutting technique influenced drying time, but not the final product behavior. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using granular materials obtained from natural agricultural products to form compressed products.
