Abstract

Context: Sauropus androgynus (L) Merr, known as a sweet leaf, contains chlorophyll, potentially an antioxidant. The selection of appropriate excipient composition affects the physical properties and therapy effectiveness of tablets from S. androgynus chlorophyll. Aims: To determine the composition of the optimum excipient with variations in magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) concentrations and evaluate the physical properties of the tablet formula of chlorophyll S. androgynus leaves. Methods: S. androgynus chlorophyll tablets were formulated using the direct compression method. The dose of S. androgynus chlorophyll was converted from the effective dose of antianaemia in rats of 0.016 mg/200 g BW to the human dose of 0.896 mg. A simplex lattice design (SLD) was adopted to optimize the eight formulations. Results: SLD can be used to optimize the concentrations of magnesium stearate and MCC in the tablet formulation from S. androgynus chlorophyll. The 5% magnesium stearate formula and 20% MCC had the highest uniformity and disintegration time. The relative concentration of magnesium stearate and MCC influence the thickness, weight, hardness, friability, and disintegration time of the tablets produced. Conclusions: The 5% magnesium stearate formula and 20% MCC had the shortest disintegration time and can be considered the optimum formula for tablets from S. androgynus chlorophyll. Further study on the beneficial and toxic effects of tablets from S. androgynus chlorophyll would be very beneficial in preventing iron deficiency anaemia.