Extraction, Characterization, and Usage of Turmeric Curcumin for Color Coating of Metronidazole Tablets

Abstract

Curcumin is a chemical compound produced by Curcuma longa plants that is widely used as a coloring agent and a dietary supplement and has some therapeutic activity. Our aim is to evaluate the use of curcumin as color coating material for metronidazole tablets. Curcumin was extracted at higher yields from three different samples of turmeric plants. The extract obtained was characterized by Infrared Red Spectroscopy (IR), Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) and ash content and melting point (MP). The curcumin produced has an MP content ranging from 182 ° C to 184 ° C and an ash content ranging from 1.5 to 3.17 %. Curcumin material was used as a colorful agent for the coating of metronidazole tablet pills using spray coating technology. Experimental results have shown that curcumin-coated metronidazole tablets exhibit strong color stability even at higher temperatures, and that the taste of bitterness in metronidazole pills has been reduced or has disappeared entirely.