Abstract

NATURAL GUMS, MUCILAGE’S AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

M. Muthukumaran*, V. Palanivel, T. Swapna, C. Ramalakshmi, T. Ramadevi, T. Nandini, J. Udaykumar and S. Yasmeen

ABSTRACT

Active ingredient and excipients are two main ingredients of any pharmaceutical formulation. Excipients help in the manufacturing of dosage form as well as improve physicochemical parameters of the dosage form. Polymers play a vital role in any dosage form as excipients. The influencing capacity of polymers towards the drug release and should be compatible, non-toxic and stable and economic etc. Nowadays, due to many problems associated with drug release and side effects of synthetic polymers manufacturers are inclined towards using natural polymers. Natural polymers being polysaccharides are biocompatible and without any side effects. This article is intended to provide an overview of various types of naturally occurring polymers, applications, isolations and characterizations which has been considered for the delivery of conventional and novel dosage forms.

Keywords: Natural Polysaccharides; Natural gums and mucilages; and characterization; Applications.