Evaluation of lozenges formulated from the root bark extract of ZinthoxylumTessmannii

Abstract

Following claims of the use of the root bark of Zanthoxylum tessmannii in remedies for mouth and throat infections, particularly tonsillitis and oral thrush, it became necessary to examine the possibility of formulating the extract into lozenges. The root bark was extracted with methanol and the phytochemical composition of the extract evaluated using standard methods. Preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out on the extract, which was then tested for activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, using nystatin and ampicillin/cloxacillin as control standards respectively. The extract was formulated into lozenges by dry granulation followed by compression in a tableting machine. The compressed lozenges were evaluated for friability, thickness and diameter, weight uniformity and content of active ingredient. The tests revealed heavy presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, oils, carbohydrates and a trace quantity of reducing sugars, tannins and steroids. The extract showed significant activity against Candida albicans in comparison with nystatin, but not against Staphylococcus aureus. The lozenges were of uniform thickness and diameter, and also conformed to the official requirements for uniformity of weight and content of active ingredient for such preparations. We conclude that the bark of the roots of Zanthoxylum tessmannii can be formulated into lozenges for oral thrush in paediatric and geriatric patients.