Formulation of quercetin tablet : enhancing solubility with microcrstalline cellulose / Maziah Binti Zakaria

Faculty of Chemical and Process Engineering Technology

Final Year Report (Bachelor of Manufacturing Engineering Technology (Pharmaceuticals) with Hons ) -- Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah - 2025

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This thesis presents the formulation and evaluation of quercetin supplement tablets utilizing microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as a primary excipient. Quercetin, a flavonoid with significant antioxidant properties, has garnered attention for its potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of microcrystalline cellulose on the formulation of quercetin tablets on the physical and mechanical properties of quercetin tablets. The formulation process involved the selection of appropriate excipients, with MCC chosen for its excellent binding and compressibility properties. Various formulations were prepared and subjected to rigorous testing, including pre-formulation studies, tablet compression, and post-compression evaluations. The methodology involved several key steps, beginning with the preparation of raw materials, where quercetin powder, MCC, starch, and magnesium stearate were carefully weighed and prepared to ensure uniformity and compatibility. Pre-formulation experiments were conducted to assess the physical characteristics of quercetin and its compatibility with excipients, leading to the creation of a mixture of quercetin, starch, and varying concentrations of MCC (7%, 10%, 13%, 17%, and 20%), followed by the addition of magnesium stearate as a lubricant. The mixture underwent wet granulation, sieving, and drying to form granules, which were then compressed into tablets using a tablet press machine. Rigorous quality control tests were performed on the tablets, including friability, hardness, weight variation, disintegration, and dissolution tests. The results indicated that varying concentrations of MCC significantly influenced the mechanical properties and dissolution profiles of the quercetin tablets. In friability testing, an increase in MCC content generally improved tablet strength, although a peak was observed at 13% MCC, where friability exceeded acceptable limits. Hardness testing revealed that the hardness of tablets increased with MCC concentration up to 10%, after which it declined, suggesting an optimal range for MCC to enhance tablet integrity. Weight variation analysis showed that the weight of the tablets varied with MCC concentration, indicating that higher MCC levels contributed to better compaction and uniformity. Disintegration times decreased with increasing MCC concentrations, particularly at 17%, which also exhibited the fastest dissolution rate, indicating improved bioavailability of quercetin. Overall, the study successfully demonstrated that MCC plays a crucial role in optimizing the formulation of querceti tablets, balancing mechanical strength and dissolution properties to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the supplement.