Comparison of the natural polymer of Plantago psyllium as tablet binder and disintegrant with other common pharmaceutical excipients

Objectives: Plantago psyllium is one of the native plants in Iran and produces a kind of polymer which is non toxic and possesses no side effects for patients. Taking safety into account and high amount of the polymer produced by the plant are the most important issues that need to be addressed. In this investigation, a comparative evaluation of the polymer extracted from Plantago psyllium as tablet disintegrant and binder was made with corn starch, Ac-Disol and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in formulation of acetaminophen tablet. Methods: In this investigation the disintegration and binding properties of the polymer is compared with common pharmaceutical excipients at presence of lactose as water soluble filler or dicalcium phosphate (DCP) as insoluble filler. The best tabletting pressure of the formulation containing lactose or DCP as fillers and the polymer or starch or PVP as binder were studied. Results: The results demonstrated the best pressure with the least release time and the suitable hardness was about 100 bar. The best percentage of the polymer was achieved by formulating varied amount of it. The appropriate amount of the polymer was 5 %. Conclusion: In conclusion The natural polymer extracted from Plantago psyllium was comparable with corn starch from release time and tablet hardness points of view and even in some cases was better than starch.