Preliminary evaluation of dika fat, a new tablet lubricant.

Dika fat, a solid vegetable oil extracted from the kernels of Irvingia gabonensis var excelsia has been evaluated as a lubricant on the basis of its effect on the flow rate of granules, disintegration time and dissolution rate of tablets. The fat shows a maximal effect on flow at a concentration of 2.5% w/w. It produces better disintegration and dissolution profiles than magnesium stearte at all concentrations tested. The indication is that there is less degradation of aspirin in tablets containing this oil than there is in tablets containing magnesium stearate. The use of Dika fat (m.p. 39--40 degrees C) eliminates the hydrogenation step often necessary for vegetable oils.