Characterization and compatibility of dry extract from Annona muricata L. and pharmaceutical excipients

The aim of this study was to characterize and evaluate the compatibility of the dry extract (DE) of leaves of Annona muricata L. with pharmaceutical excipients usually used in the manufacturing of medicines. Characterization of the DE and binary mixtures of the extract and excipients was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry (TG) and Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflection spectroscopy. Spray drying technique produced extract to form spherical and hollow particles revealed by SEM, with four stages of mass loss in the TG curve. Pre-formulation study showed compatibility between the extract and microcrystalline cellulose, lactose, croscarmellose sodium and sodium starch glycolate. New medicines containing herbal drugs enter the market every year, and our study demonstrates that thermoanalytical techniques can be used in the development and quality control of herbal medicines.