The role of ginger starch as a binder in acetaminophen tablets

Abstract

The rhizomes of ginger, Zingiber officinale (Roscoe; Zingiberacea) has been reported to contain up to 56.0% starch. The starch was extracted from the fresh rhizomes, evaluated for relevant properties and used as a binder to acetaminophen tablets at concentrations of 2.0 - 8.0% w/w. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight uniformity, disintegration and dissolution profiles. Acetaminophen tablets containing gelatin as standard binder were produced and assessed comparatively. Results obtained indicate that ginger starch performed as good as gelatin as a binder to acetaminophen tablets.   Key words: Ginger, Zingiber officinale, binder, zingiberacea, acetaminophen.