Abstract: 
Khaya senegalensis gum (Family: Meliacae), is hereby subjected to some formulation variables; in order to elucidate the effects of such on its swelling capacity. A three factorial design experiment was utilized to find the effects of granule wetness (binder volume), drying temperature and compression pressure on the swelling index of sodium bicarbonate tablets formulated with the gum. The results revealed that binder volume and compression pressure do affect swelling index, while drying temperature had no direct effect on swelling index. Maximum swelling of gum is attained with binder volume of 20-30 % aqueous binder and compression pressure of 5-6 metric tonnes (MT) to produce hard tablets that can withstand handling and prompt release of active medicament. However slower release was obtained with 50 % aqueous binder and 6-7 MT compression pressure. This investigation has established the need to carefully design the formulation pathway, in order to achieve the desired release characteristics.

Keywords: Swelling Capacity, Khaya senegalensis, Matrix Formulation, Modified Release.