TABLET BINDING ACTIVITY OF SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED

FROM Sargassum polycystum (SAMO) ALGAE

CLARISSA MAE A. AGOT

EDNIE CAITLEN R. ALBENDA

MARY ANGELOU E. BERSALONA

BRANDON WILLIAM L. FERMIN

JAMILLAH LOVELY R. SARIP

MAE QUENIE T. PONTANAR, RPh, MSc

Research Mentor

CEBU DOCTORS’ UNIVERSITY

Mandaue City

Marcher 9, 2019
 ii

TABLET BINDING ACTIVITY OF SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED

FROM Sargassum polycystum (SAMO) ALGAE

A Thesis Proposal Presented

To the

College of Pharmacy

Cebu Doctors’ University

In Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

by

Agot, Clarissa Mae A.

Albenda, Ednie Caitlen R.

Bersalona, Mary Angelou E.

Fermin, Brandon William L.

Sarip, Jamillah Lovely R.

ii
 v

APPROVAL SHEET
This thesis proposal entitled “TABLET BINDING ACTIVITY OF
SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED FROM Sargassum polycystum
(SAMO) ALGAE” was prepared and submitted by Agot, Clarissa Mae A.,
Albenda, Ednie Caitlen R., Bersalona, Mary Angelou E., Fermin, Brandon
William L., Sarip, Jamillah Lovely R., to the Proposal Committee for
Proposal Hearing as endorsed by:

Mae Quenie T. Pontanar, RPh, MSc Dell C. Canangca-an, RPh, MATMRS

Research Mentor Research Coordinator

PROPOSAL HEARING COMMITTEE

Jennilyn C. Corvera, MSPharm, Ed.D

Chair, Technical

Dell C. Canangca-an, RPh, MATMRS Kevin Christian Dela Cruz, RPh

Panelist, Member Panelist, Member

ACCEPTANCE OF APPROVAL
This thesis proposed entitled “TABLET BINDING ACTIVITY OF
SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED FROM AND Sargassum polycystum
(SAMO) ALGAE” in accordance with the approval of the PROPOSAL
HEARING COMMITTEE with a grade of PASSED is hereby accepted for
implementation in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.

Jennilyn C. Corvera, MSPharm, Ed.D

College Dean

March 9, 2019
Mae Quenie T. Pontanar, RPh, MSc
Research Mentor
ii

Table of Contents
Page
TITLE PAGE ii
APPROVAL SHEET iii
LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES vi
CHAPTER
1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Rationale 1
Theoretical Background 4
Review of Related Studies 10
Conceptual Framework 15
THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem 16
Significance of the Study 17
Scope and Limitation 18
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design 19
Research Environment 19
Research Subject 20
Research Instruments 20
Research Procedure 21
Gathering of Data 21
Treatment of Data 27
DEFINITION OF TERMS 29
2 PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION 30
AND ANALYSIS OF DATA
 ii

3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION

AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
Conclusion
Recommendations

REFERENCES
APPENDICES
A TRANSMITTAL LETTERS 34
B TIMETABLE OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES 36
C RESEARCH BUDGET 38
D DATA SHEET 39
E CALCULATIONS 41
F RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS 43
CURRICULUM VITAE 44
 vi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title Page

1.0 Sargassum polycystum (Samo Algae) 5

Stem, Root, Leaves

2.0 Theoretical Framework 9
3.0 Schematic Diagram of the Study 15
4.0 Percent Weight Loss Formula 26

Chapter 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
 Tablets, together with capsules, are known to be one of the most

used oral dosage form. These are solid medicaments that are intended to

be taken orally. Other than the active pharmaceutical ingredient, it is

comprised of several non-reactive excipients that give the tablet its

particular shape, and resistance against physical and chemical

degradation. One of those excipients is called tablet binders.

Tablet binder is an essential component of any tablet formulation

because it holds together all ingredients in a cohesive mixture, ensuring

an intact and compact product after the compression (Shailendra et al.,

2012). Fluidity is another desired property that can be improved by adding

binders prior to granulation process of the powder. Good fluidity results in

consistency in weight and uniformity in strength. Tablet binders could

either be a natural polymer, a sugar, or a synthetic or semisynthetic

polymer (Gohesh, n.d.).

Natural polymers have certain advantages over synthetic or

semisynthetic polymers since these substances are extracted from widely

available plants or animals, the source is renewable, can be cultivated

sustainably, and therefore does not pose as a threat to the environment. In

addition, naturaly sourced binders are often water soluble, biodegradable,

generally non-toxic, and are less expensive to create.

 2

One such natural binder is Sodium Alginate, which is a purified

hydrophilic carbohydrate sodium salt of Alginic acid extracted from the cell

walls of various species of brown seaweed (USP 27, NF 22, 2004).

Biomedical and pharmaceutical industries have shown much

increased interest in the use of natural in recent years. The naturally

occurring alginate polymer has a wide variety of potential uses in drug

formulations based from their extensive application in food industry and

their recognized lack of toxicity (Karlsen & Tonnesen, 2002). This trend

urged us to delve more into the idea of finding proof of another source of

natural binders.

The Philippines is an archipelago blessed with a rich marine

ecosystem. Among its abundant produce are algae of varied colors. Brown

algae (phylum Ochrophyta: class Phaeophyceae) in particular have

gained our interest. Brown seaweeds or brown algae have gained

popularity as a great source of Iodine, aids in digestion, for body

detoxification, dental care, and most importantly, as a pharmaceutical

excipient (Organic Facts, 2018). Yet despite these, brown seaweeds

appear to have fewer studies concerning them and their possible uses.

Many lower-class Filipinos living in coastal areas are fond of

cultivating and selling various seaweeds as a source of income, except for

the Sargassum spp. locally known as “samo”. It is commonly seen as a

free- floating seaweed; its movement depending on the sea current. Samo

serves as a shore plant fertilizer and it binds the sand and dunes, but to
 3

the locals and beach-goers, it is generally regarded as a waste and is

greatly avoided due to its notoriety for being irritating to the skin. As a

result, it accumulates along the shoreline, waiting to be picked up by shore

cleaners or left to rot under the sun (Kay, 2015).

As fourth year graduating students of Cebu Doctors’ University in

the College of Pharmacy, the researchers hope to contribute to the

pharmaceutical industry by offering a more feasible option among other

available excipients. Upon validation, this could become a viable source of

a binding agent that is cost effective and sustainable.

Lastly, this could raise awareness concerning the varied uses of

sodium alginate and other Alginic salts.

Alginates are in fact established as the most versatile biopolymers

and can be tailor-made for whatever instance it is used and has a massive

potential to compete with commercially existing expensive polymers as

binders in tablet dosage form (Karlsen & Tonnesen, 2002).

 4

Theoretical Background

Brown Algae are the most familiar large seaweeds belonging to the

family of Phaeophyceae, which are dominantly produced on temperate

and polar rocky coasts. Many brown algae are relatively large, and are

mostly unicellular or colonial. It is principally confined to warmer seas in

the tropical zone and is commonly known as ‘gulf weed’. Sargasso weed

has spherical air bladders that keep the small, leaf-like blades afloat at the

sea surface. Most species grow on rocks, but later on floats offshore in

huge masses (McConnaughey, n.d.).

The color varies from olive green to dark brown in color due to a

predominance of yellow-brown pigments, particularly fucoxanthin, and

chlorophyll (Castro & Huber, 2008). The chlorophyll in the chromatophores

is being masked by fucoxanthin or other carotenoids. Carbohydrate and

laminarin are the primary food reserve that is dissolved in the cell sap. The

reproductive cells, both zoospores and gametes, are motile and have two

laterally inserted, unequal flagella. All of the Phaeophyceae are

multicellular and are either filamentous or have a complex, thallus-like

portion, the stipe, and a basal boldfast that is often root-like in

appearance. For the most part they are found near shore in water not

more than 20 meters deep (McConnaughey, n.d.).

Sargassum, a very common genus richly represented in the marine

micro benthic algal flora of the Philippines, holds one of the most
 5

important polysaccharide — Alginic Acid. It is found mainly in the middle

lamella and occurring in both the intracellular regions and the cell wall.

This polysaccharide exists mainly for structural and ion-exchange

purposes (Aponte de Otaola, Diaz – Piferrer, & Graham, n.d.).

Figure 1.0

Sargassum polycystum (Samo) stem, root, leaves

In the

Philippine archipelago, specifically in the western section comprising the

frontier island of Palawan and numerous islands with in the vast Sulu Sea

basin is home of the vast majority. This Sargassum polycystum spp. is

among the easiest to identify on the basis of vegetative morphological

grounds, particularly its rough and spinous main branches which make

field identification rather easy (Modelo & Umezaki, 1995). Most authors

working in the Indo-Pacific region have highlighted the muricate nature of

the main branches, described as beset with short spines (Tsutsui, et al.

2005) which are simple or Y-shaped (Trono, n.d.).

 6

It was Chiang and his colleagues who first studied the details of

these surface protuberances and found that they are elongate

cryptostomata. Kraft (2009) gave a more detailed description of these

ostiolate structures leading to shallow pits containing trichothallic hairs.

These unique cryptostomata are issued radially (Kraft, 2009) or alternately

(Ohba et al., 2007) from the main branches. The most distinctive features

of this species is the “existence of creeping branches of rhizoidal system”

issued from the lower portion of the main axis and used to attach the

mature thalli secondarily (Belleza et al., 2013). This species are locally

distributed in Pangasinan, Palawan, Bataan, Ilocos Norte, Batangas,

Mindoro, Quezon, Sorsogon, Samar, Biliran, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, and

Zamboanga in the Philippines (Trono, n.d.).

Alginates are known natural binders. Binders are added to the

tablet formulation to impart plasticity as well as increase inter-particulate

bonding strength and cohesiveness to the granules. This ensures that the

tablet remains intact after compression (LFA Tablet Presses, n.d.). These

natural polysaccharides have the ability to form stable gel due to the

carbohydrate functional groups (Bergret et al., 2018), and display

favorable swelling properties when wetted due to the hydrophilic functional

groups present (Ciosek et al., 2016).

Sodium salt of alginate in particular, when added to a formulation in

20-50% shows a significant retardation in the rate of drug release from the

tablet (El-Gamal & Salib, n.d.). When introduced to gastric juices, the free
 7

carboxyl of Sodium Alginate allows the polymer to interact with mucin by

hydrogen and electrostatic bonding thus exhibiting good muco-adhesive

property. Muco-adhesive dosage forms have enhanced retention of

dosage form at the site of application. With this property, Samo can be

utilized in tablet formulation (Andrews et al., 2014). Sodium alginate acts

similarly with many natural binders; in fact, it can substitute natural binders

such as Starch. Starch has been long known as a great suspender,

emulsifier, and a tablet binder. In a formulation of Acetaminophen tablets,

Corn starch acted as the binder (Ciosek et al., 2016). The formulation of

Acetaminophen from US Pharmacopeia is as follows:

Each tablet Quantity

Acetaminophen………………………………..0.300 g
Lactose………………………………………..0.6175 g
Gum Arabic…………………………………….0.225 g
Alcohol 97%, USP…...…………………………4.5 mL
Talc……………………………………………...0.135 g
Stearic acid……………………………………....0.09 g

To test the tablet binding capacity of Sodium alginate, 3 tests are to

be performed namely Disintegration test, Friability test and Hardness test.

For the Disintegration Test, start the test with 6 tablets by placing

them inside vessel; the vessels must be introduced into the basket in the

basket assembly at the same time. The immersion fluid will be purified

water with a maintaining temperature of 37° Celsius with an allowance of

+/- 2° Celsius. As the disintegration process begins, the basket assembly

will ascend and descend within the immersion fluid for a specified amount

of time, in the case for uncoated Acetaminophen tablets, 30 minutes.

 8

If one or to tablets fail to disintegrate within the 30 minutes, and then

repeat the test on another 12 tablets. The total amount of tablets will then

be 18. At least 16 of 18 tablets should disintegrate in 30 minutes to accept

the batch otherwise the batch should be rejected.

For Friability Testing, weigh 10 tablets together for the initial weight.

Place the 10 tablets carefully in the drum of the friabilator and adjust the

instrument at 25 rotations per minutes for 4 minutes. After 4 whole

minutes, de-dust and weigh the tablets as a group for the final weight. The

collective weights will be used in the calculation of weight loss with the

formula as follows:

% weight loss = ( Initial Weight−FinalWeight

InitalWeight ) x 100

The sample fails the test if any of the 10 tablets is cracked, cleaved

or broken. If the weight loss is more than 1.0%, the test is to be repeated

two more times and the mean of three tests is calculated. If the mean of

the three tests is not more than 1.0%, the batch is considered acceptable.

For Hardness Tester, it is performed on 5 random samples by

purposefully crushing the tablets by measured force. The force applied will

be measured in kilograms. A US Pharmacopeia standard exists stating, 5

kilograms will be the minimum applied force and 8 kilograms will be the

maximum applied force. When all tablets are crushed, an average of all

the weight will be tabulated as the final data.

 9

Samo (Sargassum polycystum) is under the class Phaeophyceae,

order Fucales, family Sargassaceae, from the kingdom Plantae. To obtain

Sodium Alginate, the procedure uses stems, leaves, and root of the algae.

Phaeophyceae

Fucales

Sargassaceae

Sargassum

polycystum

Stem Leaves Root

Sodium Alginate

Tablet Binding Activity

Figure 2.0

Theoretical Framework
These plant parts shall undergo drying and transformation into fine

powder. The powdered form of the algae shall undergo extraction to obtain

the Alginic acid, which will then be treated with alkaline to garner Sodium

alginate which has the potential to become a tablet binder.

 10

Review of Related Studies

According to the study made by Basha et al. (2011), in the

preliminary investigation on Sodium Alginate extracted from Sargassum

subrepandum as a tablet binder, the sodium alginate extracted from S.

subrepandum as a binder showed acceptable binding efficiency and

properties using a model drug acetaminophen in optimum formulation and

also compares favourably with the standard binder, hydroxypropyl

methylcellulose (HPMC) using various parameters like the crushing

strength, friability and disintegration time. It is evident from the present

study that the S. subrepandum could be utilized as a good natural source

of binders in pharmaceutical industry. Also, it has been derived from the

experimentation of the study that sodium alginate which is a polymer of

natural origin of the Sargassum spp, has immense potential to replace the

commercially existing expensive polymers as binders in tablet dosage

forms.

In addition, the study has demonstrated the extraction of sodium

alginate from the seaweed, S. subrepandum by using the two methods, (i)

room temperature alkaline extraction and (ii) high temperature alkaline

extraction and conducted several tests to point out binder influence on the

properties of tablets, response variables such as tablet hardness (H),

friability (Fr), and disintegration time (DT) which were selected from the

study. All of these tests were done according to the U. S. Pharmacopeia

standard.
 11

A study was conducted by Babavalian, et al. (2015), about

extraction methods of Sodium alginate from the brown alga Sargassum

spp. showed how reagents affect the yield of Sodium alginate. Six different

reagents were employed for the extraction of the alginate from Iran

seacoast algae. In one set of extraction, Hydrochloric acid, Sulfuric acid

and Calcium chloride was used. Another group of reagents included

Hydrochloric acid with EDTA, Sulfuric acid with EDTA, and Calcium

chloride with EDTA, as the extraction reagents.

By the end of the study, the tabulation of results showed that there

is a higher percentage yield in Sodium alginate in those algae samples

that included EDTA in their extraction reagent. A yield of 16.52% dry

weight of Sodium alginate was obtained using EDTA and Sulfuric acid

compared to the 12.13% dry weight of Sodium alginate obtained using

Sulfuric acid alone. On the other hand, 16.51% dry weight of Sodium

alginate was obtained using EDTA with Hydrochloric acid compared to the

obtained 13.5% dry weight of Sodium alginate using Hydrochloric acid

alone. Calcium chloride with EDTA as the extraction reagent had the

highest percentage of 30.01% dry weight of Sodium alginate compared to

the 25.0% dry weight of Sodium alginate (Babavalian, Latifi, & Nejad,

2015).

In 2009, another study about extraction showed another variation of

the alginic yield due to the variation of the extraction method. The study

utilized species of brown seaweed obtained from Port Dickson, Malaysia.

 12

The alginates were extracted via two different methods: the hot

method and the cold method.

The cold method begins with 2 groups of 20 grams of air-dried

seaweed samples previously soaked in 300 milliliters of 1% Calcium

chloride solution at 27° Celsius overnight for about 18 hours. The

seaweeds afterwards were washed thrice with 300 milliliters of distilled

water, and then soaked in 5% Hydrochloric acid solution for 1 hour and

250 milliliters of distilled water was added into the mixture before it was

left alone to stand overnight.

The resulting viscous mixture needed was separated from its

residue via centrifuge at 14,000 x gram then was added with water-

ethanol mixture (1:1 volume per volume). A resulting precipitate is filtered,

washed again with ethanol, dried in air, and then finally dried in a vacuum

oven.

The hot method is similar to the cold method except the storage

time will only be for 3 hours in 50° Celsius.

The results showed that there was a 6.175% higher yield of

alginates from the hot method having obtained an average of 39.175%

over the 33% average yield using the cold method.

According to US Pharmacopeia, there are two procedures for

Sodium alginate confirmatory Tests. For the first procedure, a 5 milliliters

of Sodium alginate-distilled water solution (1 gram of Sodium alginate is to

100 milliliters of distilled water), add 1 milliliter of Calcium chloride TS;

 13

a presence of a voluminous, gelatinous precipitate is indicative of a

positive result, while for the second procedure, a 10 milliliters of Sodium

alginate-distilled water solution (1 gram of Sodium alginate is to 100

milliliters of distilled water) add 1 milliliters of Sulfuric acid 4 Normality; a

heavy, gelatinous precipitate is an indication of a positive result.

The principal use of seaweeds can be source of human food and

as a source of gums (phycocolloides). Agar-agar, Alginic acid and even

Carrageenan are primarily constituents of brown algal cell walls and are

used in industry. Some studies, investigators found out some various

extensive use of Sargassum weed in the treatment of goiter, renal colic,

and lithiasis, and are anthelmintics, lipolytic, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant

and hypoglycemic (Wijesekera, n.d.).

Sodium alginate is used in a variety of oral and topical

pharmaceutical formulations. In tablet formulation, it may be used as both

a binder and disintegrant and has also been used in the preparation of

sustained-release oral formulations. For the topical formulations, the

Sodium alginate is widely used as a thickening agent and suspending

agent in a variety of pharmaceutical products such as creams, gels, and

even pastes and also as a stabilizing agent for oil-in-water (O/W)

emulsions (Basha et al., 2011).

Sulfate polysaccharides, a component of sodium, had great blood-

compatibility or even anticoagulant activity. In a recent study, a Low

molecular mass Potassium alginate (L-PA) which is found as one of the

 14

major polysaccharides that is extracted from brown algae has the ability of

decreasing the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in impulsive hypertensive

rats (Basha et al., 2011). And Calcium cross linked Sodium alginate has

been implanted in both animals and humans as a haemostatic wound

dressing material (Basha et al., 2011).

A toxicity test by Food Addit Contam was conducted to determine

human reactions towards high lever intakes of Sodium alginate. Five

random male volunteers participated in a 23-day control period having to

consume a weight of Sodium alginate corresponding to 175 milligram per

kilogram body weight for straight 7 days, followed by 200 milligram

Sodium alginate per kilogram body weight for a further 16 days. The

overall result showed that Sodium alginate only acted as a fecal bulking

agent for all volunteers. No allergic responses were reported throughout

the controlled period and had no significant effect on (a) hematological

indices, (b) plasma biochemistry parameters, (c) urinalysis parameters,

and (d) blood glucose and plasma insulin concentrations. The only effects

observed were those commonly associated with a polysaccharide bulking

agent (Anderson et al., n.d.).

 15

Conceptual Framework

Samo leaves, stems, and root

(Sargassum polycystum)

Tablet Formulation

Binding Activity in the Acetaminophen

Tablet tested by the Following
Parameters:

Friability Hardness Disintegration

Figure 3.0

Schematic Diagram of the Study

The conceptual framework shows the researchers aim to extract

the Sodium alginate from the Samo leaves, stems, and roots, which would

then be tested for its binding activity through three parameters:

Disintegration, Friability and Hardness.

 16

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to measure the binding activity of Sodium alginate

extracted from Sargassum polycystum (Samo) when added as an

excipient in the formulation of Acetaminophen tablets.

Specifically, the study aimed to answer the following statements:

1. To determine the state of disintegration of the prepared

Acetaminophen tablets between the two groups.

2. To compare the weight loss among Acetaminophen tablets

expressed in percent using Percent weight loss (%).

3. To measure the hardness of the prepared Acetaminophen tablets

between the two groups using Force (Kg).

 17

Significance of the Study

This study aimed to measure the binding effect of Sodium alginate

extracted from Sargassum polycystum (Samo) in a tablet formulation.

Sargassum species are conspicuous marine macro-benthic floral

elements that thrive in the rockiest shores of the Philippines and are

cheap sources of viscofiers and thickeners. But despite their economic

importance, it is one of the poorly known and least studied genera

(Santiañez & Trono, 2013). This study promoted another use of the specie

which benefited the following:

The Government. To answer their call on more research concerning

Philippine Plants and to promote further studies.

The Pharmaceutical Manufacturer may use this study as a

reference for the development of tablet binders sourced form seaweeds.

The Community especially those living in coastal areas may benefit

economically as it can open a market for brown seaweeds (Sargassum

polycystum).

The Pharmacy Students this study shall supplement their

knowledge about tablet binders and marine sources thereof.

Future Researchers may use this as a reference data for future

research on Sargassum polycystum.

 18

Scope and Limitations

Our study focused on the evaluation of Sodium Alginate extracted

from Sargassum polycystum (Samo) as a tablet binder. However, certain

factors have been considered which have posed probable limitations on

the results of the study.

Sargassum species are principally confined to warmer conditions,

such conditions can be influenced by surrounding factors. These factors

can include the water and climate conditions with respect to temperature.

These factors could alter the composition and quantity of the bioactive

constituents present.

Other limitations were considered in the Samo samples such as the

specific place in which it grew. Different environment setting also posed an

effect on the outcomes of the study. Lastly, the human factor errors such

as in weighing, measuring and extracting posed a factor in obtaining the

specific results wanted.

 19

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Pre-formulation study design was utilized. A control group was set

up and was used as a comparative material in the evaluation of the

binding activity of Samo.

Research Environment

Samo was collected exclusively from Marigondon Beach,

Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City. Aside from its recreational feature

Marigondon beach is also a home to a variety of seaweeds. The obtained

seaweeds were placed in dark plastic bags along with seawater to avoid

dehydration and decomposition.

The preparation and extraction of the alginate from the brown algae

was done in the Pharmaceutical Testing Laboratory in Cebu Doctors’

University, North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu. The laboratory

is efficiently equipped for testing having a sufficient space, proper

ventilation and lighting.

The compression of the formulated Acetaminophen tablets as well

as two out of the three tests to determine the binding activity of Samo

namely the Friability test and Hardness test was conducted in Herbanext

Laboratories, Bago City, Negros Occidental.

Moreover, the Disintegration test was conducted in the

Pharmaceutical Testing Laboratory in Cebu Doctors’ University as the

apparatus handles bigger capacity of test subjects.

19
 20

Research Subjects

This study used 300mg Acetaminophen tablets. The test subjects

were assigned into two groups (experimental group and positive controlled

group) based on the binder incorporated into the formulation. The

assigned experimental group have Sodium alginate as its binder whereas,

the assigned positive controlled group have Gum Arabic as its binder.

Research Instruments

For the evaluation of the binding activity, Disintegration apparatus

was used to purposefully disintegrate the tablets at a given time period.

The disintegration state of the previously subjected tablets was evaluated

by a quantitative one variable statistical tool with values from 1 to 3.3

assigned as “Incomplete Disintegration”, 3.31 to 6.6 assigned as “Partial

Disintegration”, and 6.67 to 10 assigned as “Complete Disintegration”.

A Friabilator was also used to test for the friability of the tablets and

determine the weight loss through the use of an analytical balance.

Lastly, determination of the hardness of the tablets, was assessed

through a Hardness tester, where the apparatus itself readily gave data on

the force needed to break a tablet expression in kilograms.

A data sheet was used for proper tabulation and comparison of all

data obtained from all the tests.

 21

Research Procedure

Gathering of Data

Preliminary Procedures

A letter of transmittal was sent to the Dean of the College of

Pharmacy, Cebu Doctors’ University for a request of permission to conduct

this study. Another transmittal letter was sent to the President of

Herbanext Laboratories, Bago City, Negros Occidental to request

permission to use apparatuses and equipments in the said institution.

Collection of Plant Material

A total of 2 kilograms of free floating Samo was collected fresh from

the sea, as these have higher Alginic yield as compared to those found on

the shore (Jayasankar, n. d.).

For the authentication of the identity of plant species (S.

polycystum), all collected plant material was subjected for checking by a

faculty of the Marine Biology Department of the University of San Carlos,

Talamban Campus, Cebu City.

Preparation of Plant Extracts

The following method of extraction was based off on the

preparation of Sodium alginate by Basha et al, in a study conducted in

2011. The collected fresh algae was washed with purified water to remove

traces of salt water and other impurities, and then dried and grinded into

fine powders. In every 2 grams of the powdered plant materials, 50

 21

milliliters of 2% w/w Sodium carbonate was added. The mixture was

allowed to stand for about two hours and then filtered using muslin cloth.
 22

To the filtrate obtained from the previous step, 75 milliliters of

Hydrochloric acid 0.2 Normality was added to precipitate the insoluble

Alginic acid, which was filtered out to dry. The Alginic acid obtained from

the above step was treated with excess of 2% w/w Sodium carbonate to

produce Sodium alginate within the mixture. The solution was then added

with equal volume of ethanol to precipitate Sodium alginate.

Lastly, the mixture was filtered and the precipitate was allowed to

dry at room temperature and weighed for the calculation of percentage

yield. A portion of the yield was set aside for confirmatory testing. The rest

of the preparation was labeled and stored for the tablet formulation

Confirmatory Test

The confirmation of the presence of Sodium alginate responsible

for the binding activity of Samo was determined by two tests, using

Calcium chloride TS and 4N Sulfuric Acid, respectively. The following tests

are referenced from the Official Monographs in United States

Pharmacopeia, 2004.

A total of 3 grams from the obtained Sodium alginate was added to

150 milliliters of purified water and was labeled appropriately as Sodium

Alginate Solution and placed in a clean 250-milliliter beaker.

Calcium chloride TS. For this test 50 milliliters from the solution was

obtained and poured in another clean beaker and labeled as Sample 1. To

the sample 10 milliliters of Calcium chloride was slowly added. A presence

 22

of a voluminous, gelatinous precipitate confirmed the presence of Sodium

alginate (USP, NF, 2004).

 23

Sulfuric Acid, 4N. A volume of 100 milliliters of Sodium Alginate

Solution was obtained and place in a clean 250-milliliter beaker. This was

labeled as Sample 2. To the sample 10 milliliters of Sulfuric acid 4 N was

added slowly. A presence of heavy, gelatinous precipitate confirmed the

presence of Sodium alginate. (USP 27, NF 22, 2004).

Preparation of Acetaminophen Tablets

The following procedures were based on United States

Pharmacopeia (edition) in the preparation of Acetaminophen tablets. The

procedure followed wet granulation prior to compression.

All the necessary apparatus, glassware, and weighing instruments

were properly cleaned and prepared for use prior to any procedures done.

All the pharmaceutical ingredients prior to any procedure were weighed

accordingly and were placed in appropriate holding glassware.

In a large dry mortar, 25.5 grams of Acetaminophen, 5.25 grams of

Lactose, 0.96 grams of Gum Arabic, 0.58 grams of Talc, previously

screened through No. 35 mesh screen were blended altogether.

When all the powder was in a homogenous mixture, ethanol was

added to create a damp mass which was passed through sieve No. 18

mesh screen and was collected on a clean,

 24

dry tray. Subsequently, the granulation was dried at 60° Celsius for 30

minutes in an oven.

The dried granulation was collected and screened through No. 18

mesh screen and collect in another clean tray. Stearic Acid (0.77 grams) ,

0.96 grams of Gum Arabic, and 0.58 grams of Talc were mixed and added

into the dried granulation. Compression procedure then commenced and

the produced tablets were labeled as the positive control group. The

procedure yielded 85 tablets.

In another large dry mortar, In a large dry mortar, 25.5 grams of

Acetaminophen, 5.25 grams of Lactose, 0.96 grams of Sodium Alginate,

0.58 grams of Talc, previously screened through No. 35 mesh screen were

blended altogether.

When all the powder was in a homogenous mixture, ethanol was

added to create a damp mass which was passed through sieve No. 18

mesh screen and was collected on a clean dry tray. Subsequently, the

granulation was dried at 60° Celsius for 30 minutes.

The dried granulation was collected and screened through No. 18

mesh screen and collect in another clean tray. Stearic Acid (0.77 grams),

0.96 grams of Sodium Alginate, and 0.58 grams of Talc were mixed and

added into the dried granulation. The compression procedure was done

and the produced tablets were labeled as the negative control group. This

procedure yielded 85 tablets. A total of 170 Acetaminophen tablets was

produced.
 25

Tests for Binding Activity of Samo Extract

Disintegration Test

Disintegration test was carried out according to USP specification.

The water bath was filled with 900 milliliters distilled water heated and at

37° Celsius with the allowed variation of +/- 2° Celsius, as the immersion

fluid. A set of 9 randomly selected tablets from the positive controlled

group was placed individually in the vessels and was placed into the

baskets at the same time.

The basket was raised and lowered in the immersion fluid at

twenty-nine cycles per minute with the highest point of the upward stroke

of the wire mesh at 2.5 centimeter without breaking the surface of the fluid

and descends 2.5 centimeter from the bottom of the vessel. It was

continued to descend and ascend for a total of 30 minutes.

After a full 30 minutes, the vessels were removed to inspect the

tablets for a palpable core. The data collected was whether or not the

tablets fully disintegrated based on the collective observation of the core.

The procedure was repeated two more times. Finally, three new sets of 9

tablets from the experimental group were subjected the same treatment

for the same time period.

Friability Test

Friability of randomly selected (mean ± SD, n = 10) 10 tablets was

taken from the positive control group, weighed as a group (initial weight)

then placed in the drum of a friabilator. Tablets were subjected

 26

to combined effects of abrasion and shock by allowing rolling and falling

within the drum at 25 revolutions per minute for 100 revolutions. The

tablets were removed from the friabilator, de-dusted and weighed again as

a group (final weight). This procedure was repeated three times by taking

another batch of 10 tablets from the same group.

From the experimental group, a batch of 10 tablets were weighed

as a group (initial weight) and placed in the drum of a friabilator. The

tablets were removed from the friabilator, de-dusted and weighed again as

a group (final weight). This procedure was repeated three times by taking

another group of 10 tablets from the same group.

The initial weight, final weight, and weight loss were recorded as

friability. The percentage weight loss will be calculated as:

% weight loss = ( Initial Weight−FinalWeight

InitalWeight ) x 100

Figure 4.0

Percent Weight Loss Formula

Hardness Test

The hardness of the tablets was tested by taking three set of

tablets, having 5 random tablets per set from the positive controlled group.

Tablets were inspected visually for any physical discrepancy and

placed in the Tablet Hardness Tester. The machine was allowed to crush

the tablet and the force required to crush the tablet was measured in

kilograms.
 27

Finally, three new sets of tablets, having 5 random tablets per set

from the experimental group were subjected to the same apparatus. Each

set represents each trial. Data was collected and recorded in the data

sheet.

Treatment of Data

Thereafter doing all the trials, gathering and tabulation of the results

followed.

The hardness of the tablet was evaluated based on the USP limit

for Tablet Hardness. A breaking force of 4 kilograms was assigned as the

minimum. However, no maximum breaking force was assigned since we

aim to measure the hardness of the tablet, not to standardize it. The

bigger the value in kilograms, the better the binding activity (source).

A quantitative one-variable scale for the disintegration test was

used to determine the state of disintegration, and to interpret the variables

the following scale was used: “Incomplete disintegration” referred to the

scale with numbers 1 to 3.3 which signified a good tablet binding activity,

“Partial disintegration” has a scale with numbers ranging from 3.31 to 6.6

signifying a potential binding activity and “Complete disintegration” has a

scale within the range of 6.67 to 10 which connoted no binding activity at

all.

The friability of the tablet was evaluated based on the US

Pharmacopoeia limit for Friability. Only a total of 1% weight loss since

more than means poor binding activity (source).

27
 28

Therefore, the mean of the tablets’ state of disintegration values, the

mean of the tablets’ weight loss of not more than 1% and the mean of the

tablets that would not break on 4kg force and below possess a good

binding activity (source).

 29

DEFINITION OF TERMS

To give emphasis on the important parts of the study, the following

terms are being defined operationally.

Binding activity. refers to the characteristic that can be measured

through the following parameters:

Friability. refers to the difference of the initial weight of the tablet(s)

and final weight of the tablet(s), divided by initial weight of the tablet(s).

Hardness. refers to the force in kilograms measured through the

tablet hardness tester.

State of disintegration. refers to the condition of the tablet after

subjecting it to the disintegration apparatus. This can be measured by

blind testing using the following scale as a criteria:

Incomplete disintegration. refers to scale number 1 to 3.3

Partial disintegration. refers to scale number 3.31 to 6.6

Complete disintegration. refers to scale number 6.67 to 10

 29

RESEARCH FLOW
29
 28

Chapter 2

PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS OF DATA

CONFIRMATION TEST
In this chapter, the findings of the study were compartmentalized in

three sections during the analysis, interpretation, and presentation:

1. Disintegration of the Acetaminophen tablets

2. Friability of the Acetaminophen tablets
3. Hardness of the Acetaminophen tablets

Disintegration

A total of 54 Acetaminophen tablets were subjected to the

Disintegration test. The following table shows all the results including the

interpretation of the state of disintegration.

All the tablets tested were each palpated for a core. The test

showed a score average of 4.4 for the positive control group whereas the

experimental group showed a score of 3.5; both fall under the category of

Partial Disintegration.

Positive Control GroupExperimental Group

(Gum Arabic) (Samo)
TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL
3
1 9 7 8 2 2 2
2 3 2 1 6 3 4
3 6 7 5 4 6 4
4 2 2 1 5 5 5
5 2 2 2 5 4 6
6 1 1 1 3 2 2
7 5 6 7 2 2 1
8 4 6 7 3 4 3
9 7 8 8 4 4 2

MEAN 4.3 4.6 4.4 3.7 3.6 3.2

 28

REMARKS Partial Partial Partial Partial Partial Incomplete

AVERAGE: 4.4 AVERAGE: 3.5

REMARKS: Partial REMARKS: Partial

Disintegration Test Data

Friability

A total of 60 Acetaminophen tablets were subjected to the Friability

test. The following table shows the results of the test.

All the tablets tested showed a weight loss of not more than 1%

which means all tablets pass the USP standard.

TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 AVERAGE

FRIABILITY (g) (g) (g)
TEST
Initial 5.7927 Initial 5.4638 Initial 5.4825 5.5797
Positive Weight Weight Weight
Controlled Final 5.7803 Final 5.4198 Final 5.4572 5.5509
Group Weight Weight Weight
(Gum Arabic) % weight0.21% % weight0.81% % weight0.46% 0.52%
Loss Loss Loss
Initial 5.6675 Initial 5.1282 Initial 5.4375 5.4111
Experimental Weight Weight Weight
Group Final 5.6232 Final 5.1005 Final 5.3899 5.3712
(Samo) Weight Weight Weight
% weight0.78% % weight0.54% % weight0.88% 0.74%
Loss Loss Loss

Hardness

A total of 30 Acetaminophen tablets were subjected to the

Friability Test Data
Hardness Test. The following table shows the results of the test.
 28

All the tablets tested showed a resistance to cracking on the

minimum weight of 4 kilograms which means all tablets pass the USP

standard.

HARDNESS TRIAL 1 (kg) TRIAL 2 (kg) TRIAL 3 (kg)

TEST

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Positive 5 5.3 4.9 4.6 4.4 4.8 4.6 4.8 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.7 5.0 5.4 5.
control Group
(Gum Arabic)

Average: 4.84 kg Average: 4.7 kg Average: 4.98 kg

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5
Experimental 4.7 4.5 4.8 4.6 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.4 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.4 4.
Group
(Samo)

Average: 4.58 kg Average: 4.54 kg Average: 4.46 kg

Hardness Test Data

 28

Chapter 3

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Presented in this chapter are the summary of findings, conclusion

and recommendations.

Two confirmatory test were done to verify the presence of Sodium

Alginate. Both tests gave positive results indicating the presence of

Sodium Alginate as the formation of a gel-like appearance certifies a

positive result.

Summary of Findings

The different evaluation tests done on the positive control group

and negative control group gave favorable results.

The results of the disintegration test showed that both control

groups disintegrated within 30 minutes and from the results obtained, the

positive control group had an overall mean of 4.4 which displayed partial

disintegration confirming a binding activity while the experimental had an

overall mean of 3.5 which displayed a partial disintegration implying that it

has a tablet binding activity comparable to the standard binder.

For the friability test, the results showed a weight loss of less than

1% for both the positive and experimental. This indicates that both groups

passed the USP standard.

Lastly, the results of the hardness test showed that both positive

control and experimental had values greater than 4kg which means that

both groups have tablet binding activity.

 28

Conclusion

Therefore, the tablets that contained the binder, Sodium alginate

extracted from Sargassum polycystum showed acceptable properties and

favored comparatively with Gum arabic which was used as the standard

binder.

Recommendations

The researchers would like to recommend the following for future

researchers:

1.) To try different specie of the Sargassum such as Sargassum

cristaefolium as different species may have a different yield of

Sodium Alginate.

2.) To try a different method of extraction of Sodium alginate from

the Sargassum specie such as Cold method of extraction to

compare and contrast which method gives better yield for the local

Sargassum.

3.) To delve more into research and discover other possible

significant components that has binding properties of the

experimented seaweed.

.
 30

REFERENCES

Books

Allen, J. A., Ansel, H. C., & Popovich N. G. (2003). Ansel's Pharmaceutical

Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems (9th Asian Edition ed.).

Rockville, MD: Wolters Kluwer, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins,

Health.

Castro, P. H. (2009). Marine Biology (7th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher

Education.

McConnaughey, B. (n.d.). Introduction to Marine Biology. Mosby.

Sumich, J. L. (n.d.). An Introduction to the Biology of Marine Life (6th,

Illustrated ed.). Wm. C. Brown Publisher.

United States Pharmacopieal Convention, I. (2004). USP 27, NF 22.

Rockville, MD: Board of Trustees.

Journals

Anderson, D. M., Brydon, W. G., Eastwood, M. A., & Sedgewick D. M.

(n.d.). Dietary Effects of Sodium Alginate in Humans. Food Addit

Contam, pp 237-248

Andrews, G. P., Jones, D. S, & Yu T. (2014, February 4). Mucoadhesion

and Characterization of Mucoadhesive Properties. Mucosal

Delivery of Biopharmaceuticals, pp 35-58

Aponte de Otaola, N. E., Diaz-Piferrer, M., & Graham, H. D. (n.d.).

Seasonal Variations and Anatomical Distribution of Alginic Acid in

Sargassum Spp., Found Along the Coasts of Puerto Rico.

 31

Babavalian, H., Latifi, A. M., Nejad, E. S. (2015, June 21). Comparison of

Extraction Different Methods of Sodium Alginate from Brown Alga

Sargassum spp. Localized in the Southern of Iran. Journal of

Applied Biotechnology Reports pp 251-255.

Basha, N. S., Letensie, A., Mensura, S., Rekha, R. (2011, May 18).

Preliminary Investigation on Sodium Alginate Extracted from

Sargassum Subrepandum of Red Sea of Eritrea as Tablet Binder.

Journal of Scientific Research, III(3), 609-618.

Berget, A., Corn, S., El Hage, R., Lacroix P., & Lacoste, C. (2018, March

15).Sodium Alginate Adhesives as Binders in Wood Fibers/Textile

Waste Fibers Biocomposite for Building Insulation. Carbohydrate

Polymers, pp 1-8.

Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, OBM International. (2015).

Sargassum: A Resource guide for the Caribbean.

Chee, S. Y., Wong, C. L., Wong, P. K. (2010, June 3). Extraction and

Characterisation of Alginate from Brown Seaweeds (Fucales,

Phaeophyceae) collected from Port Dickson, Peninsular Malaysia.

Journal of Applied Phycology , pp 1-17.

Ciosek, P., Pucilowska, A., Szekalska, M., Szymanska, E., & Winnicka, K.

(2016, December 5). Alginate: Current Use and Future

Perspectives in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Applications.

International Journal of Polymer Science, XXIII(2), pp 191-196.

 32

Jayasankar, R. (n.d.). On the Yield and Quality of Sodium Alginate from

Sargassum wightii (Greville) by Pre-Treatment with Chemicals.

Seaweed Res. Utiln, pp 63-66.

Karlsen, J., & Tonnesen, H. H. (2002, June 17). Alginate in Drug Delivery

System. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, pp. 621-630.

Santianez, W. J., & Trono, G. C. (2013, January-June). Taxonomy of the

Genus Sargassum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from Alabat Island,

Quezon, Northeastern Philippines. Science Diliman, pp. 29-50.

Shailendra, P., Shikha, A., & Singh, L. B. (2012, June 11). Natural Binding

Agents in Tablet Formulation. International Journal of

Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives, III(3), 466-473.

Trono, J. G. (2014). The Genus Sargassum in the Philippines. Taxonomy

of Economic Seaweeds with Reference to some Pacific and

Caribbean species, (pp. 43-94)

Online Sources

Builders, P. F., Emeie, M., Kolling, W. M., Kunle, O. O., & Manek, R. V.

(2012, February 17). Physicochemical and Binder Properties of

Starch Obtained from Cyperus esculentus. Retrieved September

22, 2018, from NCBI:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nig.gov/pubmed/1019194

El-Gamal, S. A., Salib, N. N. (n.d.). Application of Some Polymers in the

Physicochemical Design of Tabet Formulation. Retrieved August

23, 2018, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1019194

 33

Gohel M. (n.d.). Tablet Binders (Adhesives, Granulating Agent). Retrieved

August 23, 2018, from https://www.pharmainfo.net

Kay, A. (2015, April 8). Sargassum – Good or Bad? Retrieved August 30,

2018, from

https://www.pinelandscreativeworkshop.org/sargassum-good-or-

bad/

KIMICA Corporation. (n.d.). Alginate Application. Retrieved August 30,

2018, from KIMICA: http://kimica.jp

LFA Tablet Presses. (n.d.). LFA Machine Oxford LTD. Retrieved

September 22, 2018, from

https://www.lfatabletpresses.com/articles/tablet-binders

Patil, K. (2018, May 14). Fifteen Impressive Benefits of Seaweeds.

Retrieved August 23, 2018, from www.organicfacts.net/seaweed

 34

APPENDIX A – 1
TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE DEAN OF CDU-COLLEGE OF
PHARMACY

September 7, 2018

Jennilyn C. Corvera, MSPharm, Ed.D

Dean, College of Pharmacy
Cebu Doctors’ University
1 Dr. P. V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue,
North Reclamation Area,
Mandaue City, Cebu

Dear Dr. Corvera,

Salutations!
We, the fourth-year students of Cebu Doctors’ University –
College of Pharmacy will be conducting a study entitled: “THE TABLET
BINDING ACTIVITY OF SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED FROM
Sargassum polycystum (SAMO) ALGAE” as a requirement for the
completion of the degree, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. We humbly
ask your permission to allow us to follow through with our plans in regards
to our research study.
Thank you and we are hoping for your kind approval.
Godspeed!

With Regards,

Mary Angelou E. Bersalona

Research Leader

Noted by

Mae Quenie T. Pontanar, RPh, MSc

Research Mentor

Approved by

Jennilyn C. Corvera, MSPharm, Ed. D

Dean, College of Pharmacy
 37

APPENDIX A – 2
TRANSMITTAL LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF HERBANEXT
LABORATORIES

February 6, 2019

Philip S. Cruz
President
Herbanext Laboratories, Inc.
Km. 11 National Highway,Brgy. Taloc
Bago City 6101, Philippines

Dear Mr. Cruz,

Salutations!
We, the fourth-year students of Cebu Doctors’ University –
College of Pharmacy will be conducting a study entitled: “THE TABLET
BINDING ACTIVITY OF SODIUM ALGINATE EXTRACTED FROM
Sargassum polycystum (SAMO) ALGAE” as a requirement for the
completion of the degree, Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. We humbly
ask for your consent to allow us to utilize the Tableting machine for the
said study. Rest assured we will respectfully abide the policies stipulated
by the laboratory.
Thank you and we are hoping for your kind approval.
Godspeed!

With Regards,

Mary Angelou E. Bersalona

Research Leader

Noted by

Mae Quenie T. Pontanar, RPh, MSc

Research Mentor

Approved by

Philip S. Cruz
President, Herbanext Laboratories, Inc.
 28

APPENDIX B
TIME TABLE OF RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITIES JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

CONCEPTUAL PHASE

Formulation of
Research Title

Submission of
Rationale

Submission of
Related
Literature

Formulation of
Hypothesis

Development
of the
Conceptual
Framework

DESIGN PHASE

Research
Design

Finalized
Proposal

ACTIVITIES JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR

EMPERICAL PHASE

Transmittal Letters

Preliminary
 28

Preparations

Extraction of
Sodium Alginate

Preparation of
Acetaminophen
Tablets

Determination of
Binding Ability

Analysis of Data

Interpretation of
the Results

DESSIMINATION PHASE

Communication of
Findings

Utilization of
Findings

Submission of the
Final Paper
 38

APPENDIX C
RESEARCH BUDGET

COST

Seaweed ₱2000

Tablet Compressor ₱9000

Transportation ₱3800

Miscellaneous Fees ₱2000

TOTAL ₱16,800

Hardness Test Data

 39

APPENDIX D
CONFIRMATORY TEST RESULTS? IN TABLE?

DATA SHEET

Positive Control Group Experimental Group

(Starch) (Samo)
TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL
3
1 9 7 8 2 2 2
2 3 2 1 6 3 4
3 6 7 5 4 6 4
4 2 2 1 5 5 5
5 2 2 2 5 4 6
6 1 1 1 3 2 2
7 5 6 7 2 2 1
8 4 6 7 3 4 3
9 7 8 8 4 4 2

MEAN 4.3 4.6 4.4 3.7 3.6 3.2

REMARKS Partial Partial Partial Partial Partial Incomplete

AVERAGE: 4.4 AVERAGE: 3.5

REMARKS: Partial REMARKS: Partial

Disintegration Test Data

 40

TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3 AVERAGE

FRIABILITY (g) (g) (g)
TEST
Initial 5.7927 Initial 5.4638 Initial 5.4825 5.5797
Positive Weight Weight Weight
Controlled Final 5.7803 Final 5.4198 Final 5.4572 5.5509
Group Weight Weight Weight
(Starch) % weight 0.21% % weight 0.81% % weight 0.46% 0.52%
Loss Loss Loss
Initial 5.6675 Initial 5.1282 Initial 5.4375 5.4111
Experimental Weight Weight Weight
Group Final 5.6232 Final 5.1005 Final 5.3899 5.3712
(Samo) Weight Weight Weight
% weight 0.78% % weight 0.54% % weight 0.88% 0.74%
Loss Loss Loss
Friability Test Data

HARDNESS TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3

TEST

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
Positive 5 5.3 4.9 4.6 4.4 4.8 4.6 4.8 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.7 5.0 5.4 5
control Group
(Starch)

Average: 4.84 Average: 4.7 Average: 4.98

1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4
Experimental 4.7 4.5 4.8 4.6 4.3 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.7 4.4 4.4 4.6 4.6 4.4 4
Group
(Samo)

Average: 4.58 Average: 4.54 Average: 4.46

APPENDIX E
Hardness Test Data
CALCULATIONS

1. Calculation of Ingredients
Acetaminophen Tablet Experimental Group Controlled Group
 41

Acetaminophen 0.300g X 75 22.5g X 75 22.5g

Lactose 0.06175g X 75 4.6313g X 75 4.6313g

Gum Arabic 0.0225g Sodium Alginate 1.6875g Gum Arabic 1.6875g

X75
X 75

Alcohol 97%, USP4.5ml X 75 337.5g X 75 337.5g

Talc 0.0135g X 75 1.0125g X 75 1.0125g

Stearic Acid 0.009g X 75 0.675g X 75 0.675g

Starch 0.325g X 75 3.2438 X 75 3.2438g

2. Calculation of Total Algae Needed

In every 10 grams of algae, 2.727 grams of Sodium alginate is obtained; the

formulation calls for 4.62 grams of Sodium alginate plus 3 grams for
confirmatory tests.

10 grams x grams 10 x 7.62

x = =27.94 grams of Algae
2.727 grams 7.62 grams 2.727
 42

Test Number of tablet to use Number Total number of

of Trials Tablets per test

9 tablets for Positive x3 27

Disintegration Controlled group
54
Test
9 tablets for X3 27
Experimental group

10 tablets for Positive X3 30

Controlled group
Friability Test 60

10 tablets for X3 30
Experimental group

5 tablets for Positive X3 15

Controlled group
Tablet 30
Hardness Test
5 tablets for X3 15
Experimental group

Total 144 ͌ 150

3. Calculation of Total Acetaminophen Tablets
46
 43

APPENDIX F

RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

HSIANGTAI Disintegration CS – 4 Guoming Tablet Friability

Apparatus Tester

- This determines whether or not - This determines the percentage

weight loss by subjecting tablets to
the tablets disintegrate. abrasion

YD – 2 Guoming Tablet
Pharmaceutical Hardness Tester

- This determines the hardness

of tablets in kg.
 46

APPENDIX G
RESEARCH DOCUMENTATION

1. Gathering and Preparation of the plant material

Drying of Samo
Grinding of Samo

Filtration Process

Sieving of Samo

Collected precipitate
(Alginic acid)
 46

2. Weighing of Tablet Ingredients

3. Compression of Tablets
 46

4. Tablets are subjected to Friability Test

5. Tablets are subjected to Hardness Test

6. Tablets are subjected to Disintegration Test

Precipitation of Plant Sample with

0.2N HCl
 45

CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Background
Name : Ednie Caitlen R. Albenda
Address : 1160, Hernan Cortes, Mandaue City,
Cebu
Contact No. : +639 173 341 426
Email : aedniecaitlen@yahoo.com

Education Background
2004-2010
Elementary Level
Maningcol Central School
National Highway, Ozamiz City

2010-2014
Secondary Level
La Salle University – Integrated School
St. Columban Drive, Ozamiz City, 7200

2014-2019
Tertiary Level
Cebu Doctors’ University
#1 Dr. P.V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue, North
Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
 44
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Background
Name : Clarissa Mae A. Agot
Address : Mandaue City, Cebu
Contact No. : +639 561 500 248
Email : clarissamaeagot@gmail.com

Education Background
2005-2011
Elementary Level
Light and Life Learning Center
Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City

2011-2015
Secondary Level
Mt. Olives Christian Academy
Consolacion, Cebu

2015-2019
Tertiary Level
Cebu Doctors’ University
#1 Dr. P.V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue, North
Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
 46

CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Background
Name : Mary Angelou E. Bersalona
Address : Brgy. Basak, Lapu-lapu City, Cebu
Contact No. : +639 420 297 519
Email : maryangeloubersalona@gmail.com

Education Background
2005-2011
Elementary Level
Bohol Wisdom School
CPG North Ave., Tagbilaran City, Bohol

2011-2012
Secondary Level
Saint Patricia Foundation School
Western Bicutan, Taguig City, Manila

2012-2015
Secondary Level
Bohol Wisdom School
CPG North Ave., Tagbilaran City, Bohol

2015-2019
Tertiary Level
Cebu Doctors’ University
#1 Dr. P.V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue, North
Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
 47

CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Background
Name : Brandon William L. Fermin
Address : Hernan Cortes, Mandaue City, Cebu
Contact No. : +639 173 195 595
Email : brandonfermin@yahoo.com

Education Background
2004-2010
Elementary Level
Don Bosco Technical Institute Victorias
Vicmico, Victorias City, Negros Occidental

2010-2014
Secondary Level
Don Bosco Technical InstituteVictorias
Vicmico, Victorias City, Negros Occidental

2014-2019
Tertiary Level
Cebu Doctors’ University
#1 Dr. P.V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue, North
Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu
 48
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal Background
Name : Jamillah Lovely R. Sarip
Address : Prk. 10 Cross, Brgy Tambacan,
Iligan City, Lanao del Norte
Contact No. : +639 661 622 128
Email : jammmyyylovelyyy@gmail.com

Education Background
2005-2008
Elementary Level
Grant’s Apostolic Institute
Eduria Street, Taguig City, Metro Manila

2008-2011
Elementary Level
Iligan City Central School
Roxas Avenue Mahayahay, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

2011-2015
Secondary Level
Iligan City National High School
Mahayahay, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte

2015-2019
Tertiary Level
Cebu Doctors’ University
#1 Dr. P.V. Larrazabal Jr. Avenue, North
Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu