Processing and Evaluation of Microcrystalline Cellulose Obtained from the Tender Shoot of Bambosa vulgaris

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a purified, partially depolymerized cellulose remains the most widely used direct compression excipient in pharmaceutical industry. It is prepared by treating alpha-cellulose obtained as a pulp from tender shoot of Bambosa Vulgaris with 2.5N hydrochloric acid and subsequent bleaching with 0.1N sodium hypochlorite, heated to 50°C for 30mins. Results obtained showed a yield of 64% microcrystalline cellulose. It is a whitish, odorless, tasteless crystalline powder. Its direct compression and binding properties were compared with those of fine grade microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel PH 101). At concentration ratios of 60:40(new MCC : Ascorbic acid), friability showed anconcentration ratio. Though Hausner quocient of 1.24 and percent compressibility of 20.02 indicates that this new MCC does have fairly good flow properties, it has been shown to possess a potentially good binding characteristics without addition of other excipients.