Design, Formulation and Tableting Properties of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Moringa oleifera

Aim: The aim of this study is to formulate a standard dose of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves into tablets and to determine a suitable binder for the formulation.

Methodology: Aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves was extracted and formulated using different binders which included Maize Starch, Gelatin and Micro-crystalline Cellulose (MCC) to find out which one produce better tablets of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera leaves. Formulations were characterized using various parameters such as physicochemical properties (bulk density, tapped density, moisture content, Hausner’s ratio, Carr’s index, ash value), strength (friability and crushing strength) and release properties (disintegration and dissolution times tests). The result showed that tablets formulated with Gelatin as a binder has lowest friability and disintegration time compared to those formulated with either MCC or maize starch. The crushing strengths were all within the acceptable limit (3 – 6 KgF) except maize starch which was higher.
Conclusion: Moringa oleifera tablets were successfully formulated and based on experiments conducted, Gelatin is preferable in the formulation of Moringa oleifera tablets.