Evaluation of the Disintegrant and Binding Properties of Avocado Seed Starch in Paracetamol Tablet Formulations

Starch is one of the most commonly used excipient as binder and disintegrant in tablet formulation. This study aims to investigate the disintegrant and binding properties of starch isolated from avocado (Persea americana) seeds in paracetamol tablet formulations. Starch extracted from avocado seed was used to prepare batches of paracetamol granules in varying amounts as disintegrant (2.5 - 15%w/w) and binder (5.0-15%w/v) using the wet granulation method. Granules formulated were assessed for their flow properties and drug-excipient interaction studies using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy before compression into tablets. The formulated tablets were assessed for their tablet properties. All the batches of granules exhibited fair to good flow properties with Carr's indices ≤ 31.80%, Hausner's ratios ≤ 1.47 and angles of repose ≤ 30.26°. The formulated tablets were uniform in weights with hardness values ≥ 6.0 kp, friability values ranging from 0.14 - 1.56% and disintegration times from 0.25 - 1.66 min as well as variable drug release (72.78 - 90.67%) in 1.0 h of dissolution testing. Drug-excipient studies showed the absence of interaction between paracetamol and test starch. Tablets formulated with avocado (Persea americana) seed starch met pharmacopoeial specifications in their tablet properties and were also fast disintegrating. The starch may be a viable local source of a super-disintegrant.