Exploration of Neem Gum, Acrylamide Grafted Neem Gum and Carboxymethylated Neem Gum as Retardant in Tablet Formulation

Background: In the previous study, investigators have synthesized acrylamide grafted and carboxymethylated derivatives of neem gum and evaluated their potential in the formulation of nanoparticles. In continuation of previous work, authors have evaluated neem gum polysaccharide (NGP), acrylamide grafted neem gum polysaccharide (NGP-g-Am) and carboxymethylated neem gum polysaccharide (CMNGP) as binding agent in the tablet dosage form. Methods: Diclofenac sodium was used as a model drug while microcrystalline cellulose and talc were used as excipient in the preparation of granules employing wet granulation technique. NGP, NGP-g-Am and CMNGP were utilized as binding agent in the preparation of granules. Prepared granules were characterized for various pre-compression and post-compression parameters. Results and Discussion: Binding agents were used in the concentration of 4-24%w/w. NGP incorporated granules showed more bulk density and lower values of tapped density, Carr’s index, bulkiness, Hausner’s ratio and angle of repose as compared to NGP-g-Am consisting granules. NGP-g-Am consisting tablets showed more hardness and zero friability as compared to NGP based tablets. Drug content was found lower for the tablets having grafted polymer in place of NGP. CMNGP were also utilized to prepare granules but granules were not be able to compress keeping all the compacting parameters same as used in the case of NGP and NGP-g-Am consisting granules. NGP and NGP-g-Am were able to sustain drug release up to 6 and 8 h, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that NGP-g-Am induces better properties when used as a binder in the tablet formulation than native polymer, while CMNGP cannot be utilized as a binding agent in the preparation of a tablet.