Combination of HPMC and PEG 400 as a taste masking agent of film-coated tablets containing Momordica charantia Linn. extract

Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate and prepare film-coated tablets containing Momordica charantia Linn. to mask its bitter taste. Methods: The core tablets of Momordica charantia Linn. were prepared by wet granulation method using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na) as a binder, and then coated with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) 5%. Film coating formulation was made in 3 formulae using the additional amount of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400 as the plasticizer at 16%, 20%, and 24% concentration of HPMC weight. The obtained film-coated tablet was evaluated including organoleptic, the percentage of weight increase, surface morphology, coating thickness, disintegration time, and taste masking evaluation. Taste masking evaluation was performed on 30 respondents by giving the bitter taste level questionnaire of the three formulae film-coated tablets, core, and extract powders. Results: Film-coated tablets that coated by using 20% PEG 400 as plasticizer had 4.78% of weight increase. The surface morphology was smooth and showed±34.67 µm of coating thickness. Furthermore, it also disintegrated within 5.34±1.1 min and successfully masked the bitter taste. Conclusion: Combination of HPMC and PEG 400 20% as a plasticizer can give a good appearance and masked the bitter taste of Momordica charantia Linn.