Formulation and Evaluation of Paracetamol Tablets Using Cassava Starch Derived from Benue State as a Binder

Cassava starch is among the most abundant and affordable biopolymers in Nigeria, with Benue State in the North Central geopolitical zone being a leading producer. Its application in pharmaceutical formulation as a natural binder offers a cost-effective alternative to imported excipients. This study investigated the potential of cassava starch extracted from varieties grown in Benue State as a binder in the formulation of paracetamol tablets. Starch was extracted by standard wet milling procedures and characterised for moisture content, swelling index, pH, and particle size distribution. Paracetamol tablets were prepared by the wet granulation method using varying concentrations of cassava starch binder (5%, 10%, and 15% w/w) and compared with formulations using maize starch BP and polyvinylpyrrolidone as reference binders. Tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, disintegration time, weight uniformity, and drug release profile using the USP dissolution apparatus. Cassava starch at 10% concentration produced tablets with acceptable hardness and friability, with disintegration times within pharmacopoeial limits. The 30-minute drug release profile was comparable to the commercial reference product. These results suggest that Benue cassava starch is a viable pharmaceutical binder, with the potential to reduce dependence on imported excipients in Nigerian tablet manufacturing. Keywords: cassava starch, paracetamol tablets, wet granulation, binder, Benue State.