DOE approach to evaluate the influence of binder concentration and particle size on hardness and disintegration time of herbal tablet

To develop traditional medicines in the modern dosage form is essential to give boost to the industry dealing with traditional systems of medicine. However, numerous difficulties are faced by the researchers while developing modern dosage form of the medicine of herbal origin. Development of modern dosage forms such as tablet assists in easy handling of dosage form along with accurate dosing, which is an important criterion for any dosage form for the safe administration of the medicine and in improving patient compliance. Terminaliachebula known as Haritaki is having enormous importance in Ayurveda as it is known to balance the three doshas. Daily consumption of Haritaki provides array of benefits to the human health. For its easy administration and dose accuracy, development of consolidated dosage form like tablet is highly preferred. Development of a tablet formulation of herbal medicine faces difficulties such as high dose, higher fiber content, poor flow and moisture sensitivity. Besides, achieving adequate hardness for herbal tablet is difficult owing to its poor compressibility. The present study evaluates the control of independent factors such as binder level and particle size of granules over the dependent factors-hardness and disintegration time of the tablet. Design of experiment approach was utilised to assess the control of independent factors over the dependent factors. The overlay plots, counter plots and 3D surface plots describes the individual as well as interactive effect of independent factors. Such studiesare helpful for development of herbal products to bring into the market.