Preformulation and Physical Properties Study of Fast Disintegrating Tablets from Thai Traditional Formula

Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a tablet formulation of Wat Pho hypnotic formula, a classical Thai traditional hypnotic drug. In addition, a preformulation study and physical properties of the finished products were investigated to select the best formulation for further study. Methods: Tablets of the six formulations (D1-D6) were prepared by the direct compression method. The preformulation studies were investigated including angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, compressibility index, and Hausner ratio. The suitable formulas were compressed into tablets and then were evaluated for physical properties following the United State Pharmacopeial method including weight variation, friability, thickness, hardness, and disintegration time. Results: The D3 formula contained 500 mg of herbal mixture, 137 mg of avicel PH 102, 6.5 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide, and 6.5 mg of magnesium stearate per tablet. It was the best formulation as it showed good flowability (angle of repose was 35o, compressibility index was 21%, and Hausner ratio was 1.26); weight variation was narrowed and friability was less than 1%, hardness was 5.69 kiloponds, and the tablets completely disintegrated in 1.31 minutes. Conclusion: The finished products showed less weight variation, less friability due to appropriate hardness and thickness. The tablet completely disintegrated within a few minute. Further studies of this formulation are necessary to evaluate other physical properties and chemical properties of the formulations.