Moringa oleifera

This research was aimed to study the functionalities of gelatin (G), polyvinylpyrrolidone (P), and corn starch BP (CS) on the wet granulation of M. oleifera leaf powder. Granules of the leaf powder were formulated using the binders at various concentrations: 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0% w/w (G and P); 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% w/w (CS); and CS at 10.0% w/w and 12.5% w/w as disintegrant. The micromeritic and pharmaceutical qualities of the granules and leaf powder were studied. Results revealed that, the mean particle diameter for the non-granulated leave powder (MOP) was 192 µm, while those of the granules ranged between 194 µm and 275 µm. The particle densities ranged from 1.12 g/ml to 1.36 g/ml with significant difference (p < 0.05). The poorest flow characteristics were observed in MOP. Granule friability ranged from 0.20% to 10.83%; while disintegration time ranged from 17.74 ± 2.244 min to 55.06 ± 1.288 min. Capsule disintegration time ranged from 10.59 ± 3.062 min to 22.75 ± 0.412 min. The release profile for the capsules within 30 min depicted about 100%, 70%, 70% and 60% release of the herbal principles by MOP, granules formulated with povidone or gelatine at 1% w/w, or corn starch BP at 5% w/w respectively. Granules formulated with gelatin 1% w/w as binder and cornstarch BP 10% w/w as disintegrant displayed the best micromeritic and acceptable pharmaceutical qualities and are suggested to be given choice consideration in the formulation of M. oleifera granules.