The tableting properties of Labisia pumila herbal powder, which is well known for its therapeutic benefits was investigated. The herbal powder was compressed into tablets using a stainless steel cylindrical uniaxial die of 13-mm- diameter with compaction pressures ranging from 7 to 25 MPa. Two feed weights, 0.5 and 1.0 g were used to form tablets. Some empirical models were used to describe the compressibility behavior of Labisia pumila tablets. The strength and density of tablets increased with increase in compaction pressure and resulted in reduction in porosity of the tablets. Smaller feeds, higher forces and increase in compaction pressure, contributed to more coherent tablets. These findings can be used to enhance the approach and understanding of tableting properties of Labisia pumila herbal powder tablets.
Keywords: Labisia pumila, tableting; compaction pressure; compression models; tensile strength.