Fast-disintegrating tablet formulation of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) extract using coprocessed excipient of pre-gelatinized cassava starch-acacia gum

Objective: Fast-disintegrating tablets (FDTs) are tablets that disintegrate and/or dissolve rapidly in the mouth, thereby helping patients who have difficulty in swallowing tablets. Ginger extract contains gingerol and is generally known for its antiemetic property. This study aimed to obtain and use coprocessed excipients of pre-gelatinized cassava starch (PCS) with acacia gum (AG) in FDT formulations of ginger extract. Materials and Methods: In this research, five types of PCS-AG coprocessed excipients (Co-PCS-AG) were prepared by mixed PCS and AG with the following ratios mass of PCS and AG were 5:5, 6:4, 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1. The prepared Co-PCS-AG excipients were characterized in terms of morphology, particle size distribution, moisture content, pH, flow-ability properties, and swelling index. Based on the results, three types of Co-PCS-AG excipients, which were 7:3, 8:2, and 9:1, were selected for use in FDT formulation of ginger extract. The FDTs were then examined for tablet hardness, tablet friability, wetting time, and disintegration time. Results: The results indicated that Co-PCS-AG 9:1 was ideal excipient to be used in FDT formulation, as it revealed good flow properties and swelling index compare to the other ratios. The Co-PCS-AG excipients were formulated into tablets and evaluated. Analysis of the ginger extract FDTs revealed that the FDT prepared using Co-PCS-AG 9:1 excipient had the best performance with tablet hardness, friability, wetting time, and disintegration time of 0.7 kp, 2.12%, 93 seconds, and 134 seconds, respectively. Conclusions: Co-PCS-AG 9:1 excipient is a potential excipient with ideal binder, disintegrant, and filler properties for use in FDT formulation.