Results from the Technology Study on Formulating Chun-7 into Tablet Form

Abstract

Background: In traditional scriptures, ‘Chun-7’ powder medicine has been documented as effective in treating virus-related infectious respiratory diseases. Given the need for effective herbal antiviral medicines, particularly with respiratory viral diseases constituting up to 6.6% of all infectious diseases in Mongolia, this research aims to develop ‘Chun-7’ powder into tablet form. The primary objective is to enhance consumer accessibility and convenience. This innovative approach not only simplifies usage but also opens avenues for potential entry into the pharmaceutical market. Thus, the transformation of ‘Chun-7’ powder into tablet form represents a novel advancement with significant implications for healthcare delivery and the management of respiratory illnesses. Aim: Formulation of Chun-7 into tablet form for the treatment of flu and flu-like illnesses. Materials and Methods: The formulation of ‘Chun-7’ powder medicine into tablets involved several key herbal ingredients: Sophorae flavescens Ait., Rheum undulatum L., Glehnia littoralis Fr. Schmidt ex Miq., Astragalus mongolicus Bunge., Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk., Zingiber ofÏcinale Rosc., and Aconiti kuznezofÏi radix cocta. The process involved crushing, grinding, sieving, mixing, and wet granulation. The granule parameters were determined according to the European Pharmacopoeia (EP 11th). The aconiti derivative from Aconiti kuznezofÏi radix cocta was analyzed according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (CP 2020) and the Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP 18th) using the TLC method. The total alkaloid content was determined according to the Mongolian Traditional Medicine Pharmacopoeia (MTMP 2017). Results: The tablet friability was 99.8%, the tablet breaking force was 1.06 MPa, and the disintegration time was 15 minutes ±6%, with a mean tablet weight of 0.6 g ±3%. Aconitin, benzoylaconin, benzoylhypoaconitin, and benzoylmesaconitin were identified using TLC, with Rf values of 0.54, 0.85, 0.63, and 0.56, respectively. The total alkaloid content in one tablet was found to be 1.55 mg ±10%. Conclusion: Microcrystalline cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone K-30, magnesium stearate, and 30% ethanol were chosen as suitable excipients for the Chun-7 tablet formulation. The spectrophotometry method for determining the total alkaloid content of Chun-7 tablets, as well as the TLC method for identifying aconitine derivatives, were found to be suitable. Additionally, the Chun-7 tablets met the general standards for tablet requirements.