Pharmaceutical evaluation of plantain peel pectin as a disintegrant in conventional tablets

Abstract

Plantain peels are a potential source of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. In Ghana, most of the pharmaceutical excipients used by local companies are synthetically produced and imported from developed countries. One such excipient is pectin, a polysaccharide used as a disintegrating agent in solid-oral-dosage forms. In this study, we assessed the pharmaceutical potential of pectin extracted from two popular plantain varieties, Apem (M) and Apantu (T), at various ripening stages (matured-green (G), half-ripe (H) and full-ripe (R)), for use as a disintegrant in immediate-release tablets. Acid (D) and alkaline (L) extraction methods were used. The suitability of the extracted pectins for pharmaceutical use was evaluated by preparing paracetamol granules using the wet granulation method and assessing their flow properties. Post-compression tests, including friability, hardness, disintegration, uniformity of weight, assay and dissolution, were conducted. All the tablets met the uniformity of weight requirement, with no deviation beyond ±5%. The hardness of all the tablets ranged between 5.57±0.15 kgF and 11.96±0.75 kgF, while the friability for all tablets was below 1%. The drug content ranged from 99.9% to 103%. Pectin from both varieties demonstrated good disintegrating properties (DT < 15 min) at concentrations of 5%w/w, 7.5%w/w and 10%w/w, with the exception of TGL, THD, TRD and TRL at all concentrations. As a result, all tablet batches met the dissolution test requirement (Diss, Q > 75%), except for those that failed the disintegration test. In conclusion, pectins derived from plantain peels have potential commercial value as pharmaceutical disintegrants at various concentrations in immediate-release tablets.

Significance:

This study highlights the significant potential of plantain peels, a common by-product of plantain processing in Ghana, as a source of pectin for use as a disintegrant in immediate-release tablets. The research demonstrates that pectin extracted from two popular Ghanaian plantain varieties at various ripening stages can meet the pharmaceutical standards for tablet production. This could reduce the reliance on imported, synthetically produced excipients, support local industries and promote sustainability. The findings open up new possibilities for the commercial exploitation of plantain peels, contributing to waste reduction and economic growth.