Abstract

The objective of the present study was to develop formulations of Triphala. Tablet formulations were developed using wet granulation and direct compression techniques. With a view to reduce the total dosage size and to incorporate more amounts of actives, it was decided to develop formulations containing alcoholic extract of Triphala. Addition of different diluents like, di-calcium phosphate, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose and co-crystallized lactose-microcrystalline cellulose were studied for improving the flowability and compressibility. Binders such as starch paste and alcoholic polyvinyl pyrrolidone were used for optimization of the formulation. Dried starch powder was used as a disintegrating agent. Pre and post formulation parameters were studied for all the batches. Co-crystallized lactose-microcrystalline cellulose and alcoholic polyvinyl pyrrolidone proved to be the best diluent and binder, respectively. The results showed that direct compression method is a better alternative technique than wet granulation since it minimizes the processing steps involved in the tabletting. Tablets of Triphala powder showed high friability compared to tablets of Triphala extract. In the dissolution study also Triphala extract tablets exhibited better performance, 95% of total tannins were released. This study suggests that Triphala extract tablets are superior to triphala powder tablets due to higher actives, ease of formulation, elegance and dissolution performance.