Abstract

NATURAL POLYSACCHARIDES AS PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENTS

Vilas A. Arsul *, Dr. S. R. Lahoti

Abstract

Proper design and formulation of a dosage form requires consideration of the physical, chemical and biologic characteristics of the drug substances and pharmaceutical ingredients to be used in fabricating the product. Excipients facilitate the formulation design and perform a wide range of functions to obtain desired properties for the finished drug product. Polysaccharide hydrocolloids including mucilages, gums and glucans are abundant in nature and commonly found in many higher plants. These polysaccharides constitute a structurally diverse class of biological macromolecules with a broad range of physicochemical properties which are widely used for various applications in pharmacy and medicine. Polysaccharide (Gums and mucilages) functions as versatile excipients such as Suspending Agent, Emulsifying Agent, Binder, Gelling Agent, Disintegrant etc. for pharmaceutical formulations. The polysaccharides can also be modified in different ways to obtain tailor-made materials for drug delivery systems and thus can compete with the available synthetic excipients.

Keywords: Natural Polysaccharides, Excipients, Modification, Gums and Mucilages