Effects of the method of preparation on the compression, mechanical, and release properties of khaya gum matrices.

A study has been made of the compression properties of khaya gum matrices and the effects of drug concentration and method of preparation of the material on the compression, mechanical and the drug release characteristics of the matrices. Khaya gum matrix tablets were prepared by direct compression and wet granulation methods. The compression properties of the formulations were assessed using the equations of Heckel and Kawakita. The mechanical properties of the tablets were evaluated using crushing strength and friability of the tablets, whereas the release properties of the tablets were evaluated by using the disintegration and dissolution times. The results obtained show that khaya gum deformed mainly by plastic deformation. The compression properties of the formulations were affected by the concentration of the drug and the method of preparation of the materials for compression. Tablets prepared by wet granulation showed faster onset and higher amount of plastic deformation during compression than those prepared by direct compression. Tablets containing dicalcium phosphate showed higher mechanical strength and disintegration and dissolution times. Wet granulation also increased the mechanical strength of the tablet without significantly affecting the drug release characteristics from the matrix tablets. Thus, the wet granulation method could be useful in the preparation of khaya gum matrix tablet with acceptable mechanical properties and drug release properties.