Assessment of Albizia zygia gum as a binding agent in tablet formulations.

Albizia gum has been evaluated as a binding agent in tablet formulations in comparison with gelatin BP. Compressional properties were analyzed using density measurements and the compression equations of Heckel and Kawakita as assessment parameters, while the mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the crushing strength and friability of the tablets. Drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration time and dissolution time as assessment parameters. Formulations containing Albizia gum as a binding agent show a faster onset and higher amount of plastic deformation under compression pressure than those containing gelatin. The crushing strength, disintegration and dissolution times of the tablets increased with increased binder concentration while their friability decreased. Albizia gum produced tablets with better mechanical properties and longer disintegration and dissolution times than those containing gelatin BP. This suggests that Albizia gum could be useful as a binding agent especially when high mechanical strength and slower release rates are desired.