Friabilator

The general appearance involved measurement of size, shape, color presence (or) absence, powder taste and surface texture. Standard physical tests for the marketed Ayurveda formulation tablets were performed and average values calculated. Mass variation was determined by weighing 20 tablets individually, and the average mass and percent variation of each tablet was calculated. Hardness was determined by taking 6 tablets from each formulation using a Monsanto hardness tester (Electrolab Pvt. Ltd., India) and the average pressure (kg cm⁻²) applied to crush the tablet was determined. Friability was determined by first weighing 20 tablets after dusting and then placing them in a Roche Friabilator, which was rotated for 4 min at 25 rpm. After dusting, the total remaining mass of the tablets was recorded and the percent friability calculated. Thickness was determined by digital Vernier calipers and expressed in mm. (Leon Lachmann et al., 1987). Disintegration test was determined by inserting one tablet into each tube of basket rack assembly of disintegration apparatus and cylindrical discs were placed on the top of tablets. The apparatus was operated by using water as an impression liquid at 37 ± 2 °C. Disintegration time for both formulations was noted.

In order to determine the uniformity of mass, 20 undusted tablets were individually weighted. Their average masses and percent deviations were calculated according to the method described in the European Pharmacopoeia 7.0.
The thickness and hardness of six tablets from every batch was measured with a VK200 tablet tester (Vankel, USA). Their tensile strength (MPa) was calculated from the equation: $\text{Ts}=2F/\pi \mathit{Dh}\text{,}$ where F is the tablet hardness (N), D its diameter (m) and h its thickness (m).
The friability of all prepared formulations was measured according to the Eur. Pharm 7.0 (3). Twenty undusted tablets were weighted, put into the Roche friabilator for 100 cycles, undusted and weighted again. The percentage loss of their initial mass was calculated.

The compressed tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, weight variation, thickness and content uniformity using USP methods. Hardness (n = 10) was measured using a Dr. Schleuniger 6D hardness tester (Schleuniger Pharmatron, New Hampshire, USA) and friability (n = 10) was tested using a Roche friabilator (F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland). The dimensions of the tablets were determined using a Vernier caliper (Mitutoyo Corp, Kawasaki, Japan). Tablet weight variation was evaluated by weighing individual tablets (n = 20) and the variability (% RSD) in tablet weights was reported as percent of average tablet weight. Individual tablets (n = 10) sampled from each batch were individually assayed by a UV spectrophotometer to determine the content uniformity.

Weight variation test is carried out for the prepared tablets to determine the total differences in weight. The percentage of weight variation is obtained by taking the total weight of 20 tablets and the average weight difference with mean value of ±S.D.[18 ]
The hardness test was performed to determine the driving force required to break the tablet over an applied pressure. The hardness was obtained in kg about 3–5 kg/cm², which is palatable for uncoated tablets. The hardness test device was Monsanto hardness analyzer.[19 ]
Friability test is performed to determine the weight loss from the tablet and comparing the final weight with the original tablet. This test is important obtain the surface resistance during the packaging and transport. The device used is Roche Friabilator.[20 ]

The tablets from different batches were subjected for friability test using friabilator. Ten tablets were weighed (W₀) and placed inside the Roche friabilator. The instrument was operated for 4 min at 25 rpm. The resulting tablets after 100 falls from a height of six inches were collected; weighed (W_t) and percentage loss was calculated using following equations (W₂–W_t)/W_t×100.

Twenty minitablets were weighed and subjected to a friability test in the Roche friabilator. The pre-weighed sample was placed in a friabilator that revolves at 25 rpm for 4 minutes, dropping the minitablets a distance of 6 inches with each revolution. The formulations were evaluated for friability, and the percentage friability was calculated.16 , 17 (link), 18 , 19 (link), 20 (link), 21 (link), 22 (link), 23 (link), 24 (link)