Using Disintegrants in Andrographis Paniculata Capsules

You are experiencing slow dissolution with your Andrographis paniculata extract capsules. Adding a disintegrant like Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP, Crospovidone) is a good approach to help the powder disperse faster when it comes into contact with liquid.

Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP, Crospovidone)

Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), also known as Crospovidone, is a highly effective superdisintegrant. It works by absorbing water and swelling, which helps to break apart the powder mass inside the capsule, allowing the dissolution medium to reach the drug particles more easily.

Recommended Usage:

While the exact optimal amount depends on your specific formulation (particle size of the extract, other excipients used, etc.), a typical starting concentration for Crospovidone in capsules is often between 1% and 5% of the total capsule fill weight. You may need to experiment within this range to find the percentage that provides satisfactory dissolution for your specific extract and formulation.

Other Recommended Disintegrants

Besides Crospovidone, another commonly used and effective superdisintegrant for oral solid dosage forms like capsules is:

• Croscarmellose Sodium: Similar to Crospovidone, Croscarmellose Sodium is a superdisintegrant that swells in water to break up the capsule contents.

Both Crospovidone and Croscarmellose Sodium are excellent choices for improving dissolution.

Finding the Right Amount

To determine the best percentage for your formulation, it is recommended to prepare small test batches using different concentrations (e.g., 1%, 3%, 5%) and perform dissolution testing to see which level provides the desired result. Factors like the particle size and nature of your Andrographis extract will significantly influence the required amount of disintegrant.