Development and optimization of a herbal tablet manufacturing machine for zumbani traditional medicine in Zimbabwe: A case study

Traditional medicine plays a crucial role in Zimbabwe's healthcare system, with herbal remedies, particularly those derived from Zumbani (Lippia javanica), being widely utilized. However, the inconsistent quality and lack of standardized manufacturing processes associated with traditional methods pose significant challenges to patient safety and the effective delivery of these remedies. To address these limitations, this study presents a case study focused on the development and optimization of a specialized herbal tablet manufacturing machine designed for Zumbani. The study details the design and construction of a prototype machine utilizing locally available resources, emphasizing efficiency, precision, scalability, and compliance with regulatory standards. A key aspect of the study involves the optimization of the cam profile, a critical tablet compression machine part, to enhance tablet quality attributes such as hardness and disintegration time. Three cam profile designs are explored, such as Variable Profile Cam, Sequential Cam Profile, and Pear Shaped Cam Profile. Each cam profile focuses on adjusting the upper and lower punches that control the tablet compression process. A series of performance tests were conducted to evaluate the machine's efficiency and energy consumption, with rigorous testing to ensure compliance with local regulatory standards and certification requirements. The results demonstrate significant improvements in production capacity, tablet quality, and adherence to pharmacopoeial standards compared to traditional methods.