Evaluation of the binder effect of Pentadesma butyracea gum on the mechanical characteristics of paracetamol tablets

Natural gums are widely studied as safe, affordable, and accessible pharmaceutical excipients, yet many indigenous gums remain poorly characterized, highlighting the need for locally viable binder alternatives. This study evaluated purified Pentadesma butyracea gum (PBG) as a binder for conventional-release paracetamol tablets, aiming to establish a reliable local alternative that reduces dependence on imported excipients and supports cost-effective pharmaceutical production. PBG, precipitated from crude mucilage using 96% ethanol was incorporated into the tablets at seven concentrations (0.5 – 6 % w / w ), forming formulations PB1 – PB7, with corresponding acacia-based formulations (AC1- AC7). FTIR spectroscopy assessed compatibility between PBG, paracetamol, and excipients. The granules and tablets underwent pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial evaluation. The dissolution profiles were compared using similarity ( f 2 ) and difference ( f 1 ) factors. FTIR studies showed no chemical interactions between PBG, paracetamol and the excipients. Granules from PB1, AC1, PB2, AC2 and AC3 showed fair flow, while the remaining batches demonstrated good flow properties. Most formulations met pharmacopoeial and non-pharmacopoeial standards; however, PB1, PB2, PB3, and AC1 failed friability, and PB1 and AC1 did not meet hardness requirements. AC7 also failed disintegration and dissolution tests. Increasing binder concentration improved tablet mechanical strength across batches. Comparative analysis showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between PBG and acacia formulations in hardness and tensile strength. Dissolution assessment indicated that all formulations, except PB6, were similar to their acacia counterparts ( f 2 > 50; f 1 < 15). PBG demonstrated binding properties comparable to acacia gum, indicating its utility as a promising, locally available natural binder for conventional-release tablets.