Property of Dual-purposed Maca Powder as Medicine and Food

[Objective] The aim was to research property of maca and three plants＇ powders and process parameters of compound maca direct compression. [Method] Based on analysis data from SAS, bulk density, tap density, angle of repose and swelling of powders were studied as per single factor method and orthogonal exper- imental design. [Result] The test indicated that fillibilities of plant A and B, and maca powders are better and flowability plays an important role in fractional close of compound maca powder; plant A and B powders have a significant effect on bulk density of maca （P=0.0125）, an extremely significant effect on swelling volume ratio （P=0.008 9） and little effect on tap density （g/ml）; the optimal process condition of compound maca powder is as follows： A at 0.15 share; B at 0.10 share; C at 0.05 share; the optimal swelling volume ratio is at 2.459. [Conclusion] The technology is reasonable in formulation and satisfactory in fillibility, swelling ability, flowability, and it could serve as theoretical basis for the industrial production of maca tablets.

Characterization and Utilization of Starches Extracted from Florencia and Waxy Maize Hybrids for Tablet Formulation: Compaction Behaviour and Tablet Properties

The aim of this work is to analyze the particle characteristics, such as shape, roundness and size, of starches extracted from Florencia and waxy maize hybrids. The micromeritics and structural properties of the samples were examined. The evaluation of flow properties, densification and compression behaviour of the powders was carried out. Physical parameters and swelling characteristics of tablets containing Florencia and waxy maize starch were also studied. Starch samples were compared with respect to their applicability as excipients in tablet formulation. The samples exhibited identical structure and similar particle characteristics. Maize starch extracted from the Florencia dent hybrid showed better flowability and compressibility in tableting experiments, which resulted in better mechanical tablet properties. With regard to utilization as a disintegrant, Florencia starch indicated rapid and intensive swelling and proved to act more effectively in the swelling process than waxy maize starch.

Development and characterization of amoxicillin loaded floating microballoons for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric ulcer

The current communication reports in vitro characterization of the optimized hollow floating microballoons of amoxicillin on the basis of micromeritic properties and in vitro minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC).Amoxicillin loaded hollow microballoons were prepared by emulsion solvent diffusion method.The morphological characterization was done on the basis of scanning electron microscopy(SEM).Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR)was used to investigate drugepolymer interactions.The correlation between the in vitro buoyancy of microballoons and their physical properties,e.g.density and porosity were elucidated.The results of FTIR spectroscopy revealed the absence of any drugepolymer interactions.The porosity values of more than 69%and diameter to thickness ratio greater than 2.90,proved a high cavity volume within the microballoons in all size ranges.The spherical shape of microballoons with hollow internal cavity was confirmed from SEM photomicrographs.The in vitro MIC results showed a sustained drug effect from the microballoons.In conclusion,it can be said that the developed microballoons can be used for the effective treatment of Helicobacter pylori induced gastric ulcer.