Evaluation of Raphia Vinifera Gum as a Binder in Diclofenac Sodium Tablet Formulation

Student: EKOMOBONG JOSEPH AKANGUMOH (Project, 2025)
Department of Pharmacy
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State


Abstract

The binding properties of Raphia vinifera gum in diclofenac sodium tablet were evaluated. Raphia vinifera exudates were collected, air-dried and milled and further processed by dissolving in distilled water for 24hours with constant stirring every 6 hours and then strained through a calico cloth to remove insoluble debris. Raphia vinifera gum was extracted by solvent precipitation using ethanol, milled and classified (250µm). The gums were used in formulating diclofenac sodium tablets using wet granulation method. Acacia gum and gelatin gum at similar concentrations were used as binder standards. The granules and tablets obtained were evaluated using standard methods, unprocessed Raphia vinifera gum (URV) and processed Raphia vinifera gum (PRV) were comparable to gelatin gum (GG) and acacia gum (AG). PRV had an improved flow properties than URV. The granule flowed and compressed well. The tablets had acceptable weight and thickness variations and friability (6kg) and disintegration time (>15 minutes). Tablets prepared using URV performed better than those prepared using PRV and compared well with gelatin and acacia as binder in diclofenac sodium tablet formulation.

Keywords
raphia vinifera diclofenac sodium tablets binder acacia gelatin gums