Prunus armeniaca and Prunus domestica Gums: Exploring their Synergistic Binding Potential in Tablets

This study aimed to explore synergistic binding potential of Prunus armeniaca (PAG) and Prunus domestica (PDG) gums with comparison to PVP K30 in tablets formulations. Acute and sub-acute effects of gums on organs showed no significant difference as compared to controls. Histopathological sections of the liver and kidney of a high dose (1000 mg/kg (b.wt) treated animal PAG and PDG plant gums animals did not produce any adverse toxicological effects on these tested vital organs. Phytochemical evaluation showed that both gums contain carbohydrates, proteins, and saponins. Physicochemical evaluation (pH, solubility, swelling index, viscosity, ash content) showed that both gums are appropriate for use in uncoated tablets. Diclofenac sodium tablets (eight batches) were prepared by wet granulation technique by dispersing both gums and PVP K30 in water in different concentrations alone and in equal combination using PVP K30 as standard binder. The granules of batched showed bulk density 0.497 +/- 0.01 to 0.594 +/- 0.01 g/mL, tapped density 0.582 +/- 0.01 to 0.681 +/- 0.01 (g/mL), Carr's index 08.93 +/- 0.26 to 15.33 +/- 0.18, Hausner's ratio 1.09 +/- 0.01 to 1.17 +/- 0.00 and angle of repose 30.94 +/- 1.55 degrees to 35.32 +/- 1.94 degrees. Tablets were compressed to hardness 6.76 +/- 0.46 to 7.46 +/- 0.76 kg/cm(2). The tablets showed 0.43 +/- 0.02 to 0.67 +/- 0.01% friability and 8.20 to 13.20 min disintegration time. Post-compressions evaluation of granules revealed that parameters assessed were all found within the pharmacopoeial limits. Among the formulations, P-5 and P-6 showed slow release as compared to batches P-7 and P-8. The results (hardness, disintegration and dissolution) proved that both plant gums have better binding capacity for preparation of uncoated tablet dosage form when used in equal combination as compared to PVP K30.