ABSTRACT
An excipient is a natural or synthetic substance formulated along side the active ingredient of a medication. Excipients are primarily used as diluents, binders, disintegrants, adhesives, glidants, and sweeteners in conventional dosage forms like tablets and capsules. For pills prepared from herbal or phytodrugs, an excipient can be solid or liquid. The basic purpose of using an excipient is to prevent the disintegration of the ingredients. Gum Arabic in powder form is a good excipient. Gum Arabic imparts some hardness to the pills. Wax, fat, oil, and creosote should be avoided with Gum Arabic. Gum tragacanth is a good substitute for Gum Arabic. Wax, fat, oil, and creosote should be avoided with Gum Arabic. Alcohol renders resinous substances soft. Pills where alcohol is used as an excipient should be prepared quickly otherwise they become fragile. Soap powder is an excellent and appropriate excipient for pills containing herbal powders, extracts, and gum-resins. Soap powder renders pills soft and non-fragile.
