Preparation of Orally Disintegrating Tablets from Active Ingredients of Citrus Peel by Direct Powder Compression for the Maintenance of Brain Function

Citrus kawachiensis peel (PCK), a new functional food material, may prolong the healthy life expectancy of aging populations. Tableting PCK could facilitate its worldwide distribution and consumption. A PCK dosage form that is easy to swallow should be prepared for ease of use by the elderly. We investigated the fabrication of orally disintegrating (OD) tablets with the required commercial strength and disintegration time. We formulated OD tablets comprising PCK powder, crospovidone, vinylpyrrolidone vinyl acetate copolymer, light anhydrous silicic acid, D-mannitol, and magnesium stearate. The tablets were prepared using a rotary tableting press. Tableting was optimized by setting the target hardness to 30-50 N and target disintegration time to <= 2 min. When tableting was performed at a compression pressure of 7.5 kN, the hardness was 40 N and disintegration time was 1.5 min. The OD tablet containing a high proportion of PCK possessed the properties preferred and required for commercial products.