Evaluation of Flowability and Compressibility Characteristics of Composite Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf and Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Bulb Powder Granules and Tablets

Abstract

In this study, an effort was made to evaluate the flowability and compressibility characteristics of moringa leaf powder (MLP) and jackfruit bulb powder (JBP) granules and tablets. Three distinct formulations (F2 = 63%MLP + 5%JBP, F3 = 58%MLP + 10%JBP, and F4 = 53%MLP + 15%JBP) were developed alongside a control formula (F1 = 68%MLP + 0%JBP) to evaluate the impact of JBP incorporation as an excipient on the tablet quality. The powders derived from Moringa oleifera leaf and jackfruit bulb underwent thorough material property analysis. JBP exhibited fair flowability regarding compressibility index (CI = 17.57) and Hausner ratio (HR = 1.21) while MLP demonstrated poor flowability (CI = 31.33, HR = 1.45). However, the incorporation of JBP, especially up to 10%, maintained the excellent flowability of the granule formulations (CI < 10, HR = 1–1.11) without causing any deterioration in material properties. The addition of JBP increased the lightness and reduced the greenness of the granules. Quality parameters of the formulated tablet, for example, hardness and disintegration time, consistently increased from F1 to F4, while the friability of the tablets decreased. Moreover, tablet hardness and disintegration time exhibited positive correlations (p < 0.01) with JBP incorporation and negative correlations (p < 0.05) with friability. In conclusion, this study advocates the incorporation of JBP, up to 10%, as an excellent binder, enhancing both the tablet’s quality and nutritional value.