INTRODUCTION:

In recent years, plant derived polymers have tremendous interest due to their diverse pharmaceutical applications such as diluent, binder, disintegrant in tablets, thickeners in oral liquids, protective colloids in suspensions, gelling agents in gels and bases in suppository.^[1] they are also used in cosmetics, Textiles, paints and paper-making.^[2]Gums are abnormal products, resulting from pathological conditions brought about either by injury or by adverse conditions of growth and usually formed by changes in existing cell wall while, mucilage are generally normal product of metabolism, formed within the cell and are produced without injury to the plant.^[3] Natural gums can also be modified to meet the requirements of drug delivery systems and thus can compete with the synthetic excipients available in the market.^[4]

Gum and mucilage

Gums readily dissolve in water, whereas, mucilage form slimy masses. Gums are pathological products, whereas mucilages are physiological products.^[5] Acacia, tragacanth, and guar gum are examples of gums while mucilages are often found indifferent parts of plants. For example, in the epidermal cells of leaves (senna), in seed coats (linseed, psyllium), roots (marshmallow), barks (slippery elm) and middle lamella (aloe)^[6]. The plant based polymers have been studied for their application in different pharmaceutical dosage forms like matrix controlled system, film coating agents, buccal films, microspheres, nanoparticles, viscous liquid formulations like ophthalmic solutions, suspensions, implants and their applicability and efficacy has been proven . These have also been utilized as viscosity enhancers, stabilisers, disintegrants, solubilisers, emulsifiers, suspending agents, gelling agents, bioadhesives and binders ^{[7, 8]}.

Advantages of natural gums and mucilages in pharmaceutical sciences ^[9-10]

The following are a number of the advantages of natural plant–based materials.

1. Biodegradable—Naturally available biodegradable polymers are produced by all living organisms. They represent truly renewable source and they have no adverse impact on humans or environmental health (e.g., skin and eye irritation).

2. Biocompatible and non-toxic—chemically, nearly all of these plant materials are carbohydrates composed of repeating sugar (monosaccharides) units. Hence, they are non- toxic.

3. Low cost—it is always cheaper to use natural sources. The production cost is also much lower compared with that for synthetic material. India and many developing countries are dependent on agriculture.

4. Environmental-friendly processing—Gums and mucilages from different sources are easily collected in different seasons in large quantities due to the simple production processes involved.

5. Local availability (especially in developing countries) — In developing countries, governments promote the production of plant like guar gum and tragacanth because of the wide applications in a variety of industries.

6. Better patient tolerance as well as public acceptance— There is less chance of side and adverse effects with natural materials compared with synthetic one. For example, PMMA, povidone.

7. Edible sources—Most gums and mucilages are obtained from edible sources.

Disadvantages of natural gums and mucilages ^[9-10]

1. Microbial contamination— The equilibrium moisture content present in the gums and mucilages is normally 10% or more and, structurally, they are carbohydrates and, during production, they are exposed to the external environment and, so there is a chance of microbial contamination. However, this can be prevented by proper handling and the use of preservatives.

2. Batch to batch variation—Synthetic manufacturing is a controlled procedure with fixed quantities of ingredients, while the production of gums and mucilages is dependent on environmental and seasonal factors.

3. Uncontrolled rate of hydration—Due to differences in the collection of natural materials at different times, as well as differences in region, species, and climate conditions the percentage of chemical constituents present in a given material may vary. There is a need to develop suitable monographs on available gums and mucilages.

4. Reduced viscosity on storage—Normally, when gums and mucilages come into contact with water there is an increase in the viscosity of the formulations. Due to the complex nature of gums and mucilages (monosaccharides to polysaccharides and their derivatives), it has been found that after storage there is reduced in viscosity.

Classification of gums and mucilages ^[11-15]

Gums and mucilages are present in high quantities in a varities of plants, animals, seaweeds, fungi and other microbial sources, where they perform a number of structural and metabolic functions; plant sources provide the largest amounts. The different available gums and mucilages can be classified as follows:-

1. According to the charge

A. Non-ionic seed gums: guar, locust bean, tamarind, xanthan, amylose, arabinans, cellulose, galactomannans.

B. Anionic gums: arabic, karaya, tragacant, gellan, agar, algin, carrageenans, pectic acid.

2. According to the source

A. Marine origin/algal (seaweed) gums: agar, carrageenans, alginic acid, laminarin.

B. Plant origin:

· Shrubs/tree exudates—gum arabica, gum ghatti, gum karaya, gum tragacanth, khaya and albizia gums.

· Seed gums—guar gum, locust bean gum, starch, amylose, cellulose.

· Extracts—pectin, larch gum

· Tuber and roots—potato starch.

C. Animal origin: chitin and chitosan, chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid.

D. Microbial origin (bacterial and fungal): xanthan, dextran, curdian, pullulan, zanflo, emulsan, Baker’s yeast glycan, schizophyllan, lentinan, krestin, scleroglucan.

3. Semi-synthetic

A. Starch derivatives—hetastarch, starch acetate, starch phosphates.

B. Cellulose derivatives—carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxy ethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), methylcellulose (MC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).

4. According to shape

A. Linear: algins, amylose, cellulose, pectins.

B. Branched:

a. Short branches—xanthan, xylan, galactomanan.

b. Branch-on-branch—amylopectin, gum arabic, tragacanth.

5. According to manomeric units in chemical structure

A. Homoglycans—amylose, arabinanas, cellulose;

B. Diheteroglycans— algins, carragennans, galactomannans;

C. Tri-heteroglycans—arabinoxylans, gellan, xanthan;

D. Tetra-heteroglycans—gum arabic, psyllium seed gum;

E. Penta-heteroglycans—ghatti gum, tragacanth.

Natural gums and mucilages are use in the pharmaceutical sciences.

1. Almond Gum: Almond gum is obtained from the tree Prunus communis which is a water soluble gum extrudes from the wounds on almond trees. The constitution of almond gum includes aldobionic acid, L-arabinose, L-galactose, D-mannose etc. It contains different components which have emulsifier, thickener, suspending pharmaceutical, adhesive, glazing agent and stabilizer. Gum obtained from Almond as a binder in tablet formulations was studied .^[16]

2. Neem Gum: Neem gum is obtained from the trees of Azadirachta indica belongs to the family Meliaceae. Each and every part of the tree (bark, leaves, root and fruit) serves a certain purpose. Neem gum contains mannose, glucosamine, arabinose, galactose, fucose, xylose and glucose ^[17]. In a study Neem gum used as a binder in pharmaceutical dosage forms^[18]. A sustained release matrix tablets of Nimesulide using the fruit mucilage of Azadirachta indica was studied ^[19].

3. Aloe mucilage: Aloe mucilage is obtained from the leaves of Aloe barbadensis Miller. Aloe vera leaves and the exudate arising from the cells adjacent to the vascular bundles. The bitter yellow exudate contains 1, 8 dihydroxy anthraquinone derivatives and their glycosides^[20]. Many investigators have identified partially acetylated mannan (or acemannan) as the primary polysaccharide of the gel, while others found pectic substance as the primary polysaccharide. Other polysaccharides such as arabinan , arabinorhamnogalactan, galactan, galactogalacturan, glucogalactomannan, galactoglucoarabinomannan and glucuronic acid containing polysaccharides have been isolated from the Aloe vera inner leaf gel part^[21]. A controlled delivery system of glibenclamide using aloe mucilage was studied ^[22].

4. Cashew Gum: Cashew gum is the exudate from the stem bark of Anacardium occidentale Linn (family, Anarcardiaceae). Cashew gum is chemically composed of 61 % galactose, 14 % arabinose, 7 % rhamnose, 8 % glucose, 5% glucuronic acid and < 2 % other sugar residues, while hydrolysis of the gum yields L‐arabinose, L‐rhamnose, D‐galactose and glucuronic acid The gum has a highly branched galactan framework comprising of chains of (1→3) ‐ linked β–D‐galactopyranosyl units interspersed with β‐(1→ 6) linkages^[23] . Gelling potentials of a natural gum obtained from plant Anacardium occidentale was studied^[24]. Cashew gum mucilage used as a binder for the preparation of metronidazole tablet formulations^[25].A controlled delivery system was developed for diclofenac sodium using Cashew nut tree gum, HPMC and Carbopol^[26] .

5. Fenu Greek mucilage: Trigonella foenum-graceum, commonly known as Fenugreek, is an herbaceous plant of the leguminous family. Fenugreek seeds contain a high percentage of mucilage (a natural gummy substance present in the coatings of many seeds). Although it does not dissolve in water, mucilage forms a viscous tacky mass when exposed to fluids. Like other mucilage containing substances, fenugreek seeds swell up and become slick when they are exposed to fluids ^[27]. Ability of the husk to form mucilage, its binding properties in solid dosage forms were studied ^[28]. Mucilage derived from the seeds of fenugreek evaluated as a matrix formulation containing propranolol hydrochloride. Methocel K4M was used as a standard controlled release polymer for comparison ^[29]. Gelling potentials of Fenugreek mucilage was evaluated ^[30].

6. Locust Bean Gum: Locust bean gum is a high molecular weight (3,10,000) hydro colloidal polysaccharide derived from the endosperm of the seed of Ceratonia siliqua Linn (Family- Leguminosae). The gum contains 88% D-galacto-Dmannoglycan, 4% pentan, 6% of proteins, 1% cellulose and 1% ash. Plant seed galactomannan, composed of a 1-4 linked β-D-mannan backbone with 1- 6- linked α-D-galactose side groups^[31]. This neutral polymer is only slightly soluble in cold water; it requires heat to achieve full hydration, solubilization and maximum viscosity^[32]. Superdisintegrant property of nimesulide orodispersible tablets contains locust bean gum was prepared and evaluated against standard superdisintegrant i.e. crosscarmellose sodium^[33]. A controlled delivery system for propranolol hydrochloride using the synergistic activity of LBG and xanthan gum was studied^[34]. Locust bean gum investigated as a compression coat applied over core tablets as a suitable carrier for colonic drug delivery^[35].

7. Khaya gum: Khaya gum is a polysaccharide obtained from the incised trunk of the tree Khaya grandifoliola (family Meliaceae). It is known to contain highly branched polysaccharides consisting of D galactose, L-rhamnose, Dgalacturonic acid and 4-O 60 methyl-D-glucoronic acid ^[36].Khaya gum has been successfully evaluated khaya gum as a controlled realese agent in comparision with hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (HPMC) using paracetamol (water soluble) and indomethacin (water insoluble) as model drugs^[37]. Khaya and albizia gums were evaluated as compression coatings for target drug delivery to the colon using indomethacin and paracetamol as model drugs^[38]. Suspending properties of khaya senegalensis gum comparatively with those of Acacia sieberiana and Acacia senegal gums was studied in paracetamol suspension ^[39]. Colon specificity of the khaya gum/guar gum was investigated with the drugs domperidone and budesonide, and the results were compared with well established guar gum^[40].

8. Tara Gum: Tara gum is obtained from the endosperm of seed of Caesalpinia spinosa, commonly known as tara. It is small tree of the family Leguminosae or Fabaceae. Tara gum is a white, nearly odorless powder. The major component of the gum is a galactomannan polymer similar to the main components of guar and locust bean gums, consist of a linear main chain of (1-4)-β-D-mannopyranose units with α-D-galactopyranose units attached by (1-6) linkages. The ratio of mannose to galactose in tara gum is 3:1, produce highly viscous solutions, even at 1% concentration^[41]. The use of tara gum as a controlled release carrier in the formulation of gastroretentive controlled release tablets ^[42] and emulsions^[43] for drugs like metformin hydrochloride, ciprofloxacin hydrochloride was studied.

9. Phoenix Mucilage: Phoenix mucilage is obtained from the dried fruit of Phoenix dactylifera was brown colour date fruit composed of amino acids and proteins, carbohydrates, fatty acids, salts and minerals, and dietary fibre . Carbohydrates make up to 44 - 88% of the fruit which include mainly reducing sugars such as fructose, sucrose, mannose, glucose and maltose in addition to small amounts of polysaccharides such as pectin (0.5 - 3.9%), starch and cellulose . The protein content is approximately 2.3-5.6% with 23 amino acids which include alanine, aspartic acid, serine, glutamic acid, threonine, proline and glycine .Binding properties of date palm mucilage was successfully evaluated^[44].

10. Hibiscus Mucilage: Hibiscus rosasinensis Linn of the Malvaceae family is also known as the shoe flower plant, China rose, and Chinese hibiscus. Mucilage of Hibiscus rosasinensis contains L-rhamnose, D-galactose, D-galactouronic acid and D-glucuronic acid ^[45]. In a study the use of mucilage for the development of sustained release tablet^[46].Mucilage of Hibusccus subjected to toxicity studies for its safety and preformulation studies for its suitability as a disintegrating agent ^[47].

11. Moi Gum: Moi gum is obtained from Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merrill (Anacardiaceae). Moi gum is yellowish white colour in fresh and on drying becomes dark. Gum ducts are present in leaves, stems and fruits and aremost abundant in the bark of the stem^[48] .The roots contain cluytyl ferulate; heartwood gives lanosterol; bark,dlepi- catechin and (+)-leucocyanidin; flowers and leaves, ellagic acid, quercetin and quercetin-3 arabinoside. Flowers also contain iso-quercetin and morin. Leaves in addition contain beta-sitosterol, leucocyanidin and leucodelphinidin^[49]. Natural gum moi was successfully evaluated as microencapsulating agent and release rate controlling material for lamivudine. Microspheres were prepared by solvent evaporation technique^[50].

12. Isapghula Mucilage: Psyllium seed husks, also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or simply as psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (genus plantago), a native of India and Pakistan. Gel forming fraction of the alkaliextractable polysaccharides is composed of arabinose, xylose and traces of other sugars. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous when wet. Seeds are used commercially for the production of mucilage. It is white fibrous material, hydrophilic in nature and forms a clear colourless mucilaginous gel by absorbing water. Psyllium seed husk has been successfully evaluated as binder, disintegrant, release retardant ^[51] and also pH sensitive novel hydrogels using N, N methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker and ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator for model drugs (tetracycline hydrochloride, insulin and tyrosine), for colon specific drug delivery systems ^[52].

13. Grewia Gum: Grewia Gum is a polysaccharide derived from the inner bark of the edible plant Grewia mollis, (family Tiliaceae). The plant is a savanna shrub that grows wildly but is usually cultivated. The polysaccharide gum consists of glucose and rhamnose as the main monosaccharide components and galacturonic acid as the main sugar acid^[53]. The leaves and bark of the plant contain mucilage. Physicochemical properties, surface chemistry, molecular weight, thermal properties and Compositional analysis of the gum was carried out^[54]. Binder properties of Grewia gum was evaluated using paracetamol as a model drug. Compressional properties of the formulations were analyzed using Heckle and Kawakita equations^[55]. Single polymer matrix tablets of cimetidine were formulated ^[56]. Potentials of grewia gum were evaluated as a film coating agent using praziquantel as a model drug ^[57].

14. Mango Gum: Mango gum is a dried gummy exudate polysaccharide obtained from the bark of Mangifera indica, belongs to the family Anacardiaceae. Physical, thermal, sorption and functional properties of a mango gum were characterized. The results obtained in this study establish the fundamental characteristics of mango gum ^[58]. Gum of Mangifera indica (mango) as a tablet binder employing paracetamol as a model drug^[59],resin of mangifera indica (mango) as a tablet retardant polymer in the formulation development of sustained release of drugs, employing diclofenac sodium as a model drug was studied^[60].Mouth dissolving tablets of metformin hydrochloride was prepared using mango gum powder as disintegrant^[61].

15. Terminalia Gum: Terminalia gum exudates obtained from the incised trunk of the tree Terminalia randii (Family Combretaceae). The bark is smooth with beige to grey brown colour, with yellowish or beige slash while the stem is pubescent.Extracts of the stem and bark of Terminalia randii are used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and wounds.Gum exudates obtained from Terminalia randii has been evaluated as binding agent in carvedilol tablet formulations and compared with standard binders like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and corn starch^[62].

16. Honey Locust Gum: It is known botanically as Gleditsia triacanthos, and belongs to the order Leguminosea (suborder Mimoseae). The gum is obtained from the seeds of the plant. The seed contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates and fibers. Honey locust gum was used to produce matrix tablets at different concentrations (5% and 10%) by wet granulation method using theophylline as a model drug ^[63].

17. Cordia Mucilage: Cordia Mucilage is obtained from raw fruits of Cordia Obliqua, willed family Boraginaceae. The mucilaginous substance of the fruit used as gum an expectorant and is effective in treating the disease of the lungs and the raw gum can be used beneficially in gonorrhoea. Efficacy of cordia obliqua fruit mucilage as pharmaceutical excipient as tablet binder and emulsifier was studied. ^[64].

18. Gellan Gum: Gellan gum (commercially available as GelriteTM or Kelcogel TM) is an anionic deacetylated exocellular polysaccharide secreted by Pseudomonas elodea with a tetrasaccharide repeating unit of one -l-rhamnose, one d-glucuronic acid and two d-glucose. While native gellan contains also two acyl substituents on the same glucose molecule^[65], in the commercial products the acyl groups are completely removed. Gellan, as well as the commercial products, is capable of gelation in the presence of mono- and divalent ions^[66]. In a study, aqueous solutions of gellan gum form gels on warming to body temperature and in the presence of cations^[67]. In another study gellan gum evaluated as a disintegrating agent ^[68].

19. Albizia Gum: Albizia gum is obtained from the incised trunk of the tree Albizia zygia, family Leguminosae and is shaped like round elongated tears of variable colour ranging from yellow to dark brown. It consists of β-1– 3-linked D-galactose units with some ß1-6-linked D-galactose units. The genus Albizia containing some twenty-six species is a member of the Mimosaceae, a family which also includes the gum-bearing genera Acacia and Prosopis. Only two species of Albizia, A. zygia and A. sassa, are however, known to produce gum ^[69]. Albizia gum is evaluated as a binding agent in tablet formulations in comparison with gelatin BP^[70]. Albizia gum has been successfully evaluated as a suspending agent in Sulphadimidine suspension as compared to the relatively common natural agents as Acacia, Tragacanth and Gelatin^[71]. A comparision study was carried out to assess the in vitro behaviour of tablet cores coated with novel films of albizia, albizia/khaya and albizia/HPMC ^[72].

20. Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide: Tamarind seed polysaccharide obtained from the seed kernel of Tamarindus indica, possesses properties like high viscosity, broad pH tolerance, noncarcinogenicity, mucoadhesive nature, and biocompatibility. The tamarind seed polysaccharide constitutes about 65% of the tamarind seed components ^[73]. It is a branched polysaccharide with a main chain of -d-(1,4)-linked glucopyranosyl units, and that a side chain consisting of single d-xylopyranosyl unit attached to every second, third, and fourth d-glucopyrnosyl unit through an -d-(1,6) linkage. One d-galatopyranosyl unit is attached to one of the xylopyranosyl units through a -d-(1, 2) linkage^[74]. In a stud tamarind seed polysaccharide obtained from tamarind kernel powder and this was utilized in the formulation of matrix tablets containing Diclofenac Sodium by wet granulation technique and evaluated for its drug release characteristics^[75]. Another study on Pilocarpine in-situ gelling solution based on alginate along with novel bioadhesive tamarind gum^[76]. Potentials of tamarind seed polysaccharide to act as a biodegradable carrier for colon specific drug delivery was studied^[77].

21. Moringa Oleifera Gum: Moringa oleifera is a small genus of quick growing tree distributed in india. The stem of the tree exudates a gum which is initially white in colour but changes to reddish brownish black on exposure. It is sparingly soluble in water but swells in contact with water giving a highly viscous solution .It is a polyuronide constituting of arabinose, galactose and glucoronic acid in the preparation of 10:7:2,rhamnose present in traces^[78]. In study potentials of moringa olifera gum as gelling agent ^[79], binder, release retardant in tablet formulations, and the effect of calcium sulpha dehydrate, lactose diluents on release of propronolol hydrochloride^[80]. Another study moringa gum used as a disintegrant^[81].

22. Gum Copal: Gum copal is a natural resinous material of plant Bursera bipinnata (family Burseraceae).Copal, a resinous material, is obtained from the plants of Araucariaceae and Caesalpinaceae, a subfamily of Leguminoaceae . Copal resin (CR) contains agathic acid, a diterpenoid and related lobdane compounds along with cis-communic acid, trans-communic acid, polycommunic acid, sandaracopimaric acid, agathalic acid, monomethyl ester of agathalic acid, agatholic acid and acetoxy agatholic acid. CR obtained from leguminoaceae family contains copalic acid, pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, dehydro-dehydroabietic acid, dehydroabietic acid and abietic acid^[82]. Copal gum has been evaluated as matrix-forming material for sustaining the drug delivery. In an independent study copal resin as a film forming agent. Films showed good swelling property. It was concluded that it can be used as a coating material for sustained release and colon targeted drug delivery^[83].

23. Bhara Gum: Bhara Gum is a yellowish natural gum of plant Terminalia bellerica belonging to family Combretaceae. Bahara gum, extracted from the bark of Terminalia bellerica, is a waste material. Main chemical constitutents are tannins which mainly include ß- sitosterol, gallic acid, ellagic acid, ethyl gallate, galloyl glucose and chebulaginic acid^[84]. A new sustained release microencapsulated drug delivery system employing bhara gum has been proposed .The microcapsules were formulated by ionic gelation technique using famotidine as the model drug ^[85].

24. Mimosa Mucilage: Mimosa pudica, commonly known as sensitive plant belongs to family Mimosaceae. Mucilage of M. pudica is obtained from seeds, which is composed of d-xylose and d-glucuronic acid. Mimosa seed mucilage hydrates and swells rapidly on coming in contact with water. A controlled delivery system for diclofenac sodium using Mimosa seed mucilage was studied ^[86].

25. Olibanum Gum: Olibanum gum is a dried, gummy exudation obtained from various species of burseraceae trees.Its composition and chemical characteristics depends on its three principal origins : Aden/Somalia, Eritrea, and India which contains approximately 5-9% oil content, 13-17% resin acids, 20-30% polysaccharides, 40-60% boswellic acid. Gum olibanum is used as an anti-inflammatory remedy and recent studies have found positive influence of olibanu-m on rheumatism^[87]. Ambroxol hydrochloride hydrophilic matrix sustained release tablet employing gum olibanum and the sustained release behavior of the fabricated tablets was investigated^[88]. Effect of gums as binders namely acacia, tragacanth, guar gum, gum karaya and gum olibanum on the disintegration, dissolution rate and other qualities of Ziprasidone tablets was studied^[89]. Olibanum resin was evaluated as a microencapsulating agent. Olibanum resin coated microcapsules of indomethacin were prepared by an industrially feasible emulsification-solvent evaporation method and the microcapsules were investigated^[90].

26. Terminalia Gum: Terminalia gum exudates obtained from the incised trunk of the tree Terminalia randii (Family Combretaceae). The bark is smooth with beige to grey brown colour, with yellowish or beige slash while the stem is pubescent.Extracts of the stem and bark of Terminalia randii are used in the treatment of dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids and wounds.Gum exudates obtained from Terminalia randii has been evaluated as binding agent in carvedilol tablet formulations and compared with standard binders like polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and corn starch^[91].

CONCLUSION:

· The present review of the literature shows the release behavior of natural polymers, gums and mucilages. Therefore, in the years to come, these act as herbal excipients in drug delivery systems.

· Natural polymers play an important role in the drug delivery. While selecting polymers care has to be taken regarding its toxicity and compatibility. By this review, author wanted to explore natural polymers which can be a good substitute for the synthetic polymers.

· Now-a-days natural polymers play a very important role almost in all kind of formulations. The pharmaceutical scientists have achieved a great success in developing the most therapeutic systems with suitable natural polymers. The use of natural gums for pharmaceutical applications is attractive because they are economical, readily available, non-toxic, and capable of chemical modifications, potentially biodegradable and with few exceptions, also biocompatible. They have a major role to play in pharmaceutical industry. Therefore, in the years to come, there is going to be continued interest in the natural excipients to have better materials for drug delivery systems.

· In addition to conventional pharmaceutical excipients as bulking agents, substance used for masking taste/texture or as a substance use to aid during manufacturing process, Novel excipients offer broad range of additional properties suitable to preserve the integrity of active constituents of the formulation and enhances it’s self life. The synthetic polymers can be designed or modified as per requirement of the formulation; by altering polymer characteristics and on the other hand herbal pharmaceutical excipients are biocompatible, non toxic, environment friendly and economical. It seems conceivable that in the near future, kilogram quantities of fusion proteins, fibronectin, poly (lysine), or hemolysin could become available as off-the-shelf excipients or as designer excipient kits. Excipients that have never been used before must pass formidable regulatory requirements before being incorporated into approved dosage forms.

REFERENCES:

1. Zatz, JL, Kushla GP, 1989. In: Pharmaceutical dosage forms-Disperse systems, M. M. Reiger and G.S. Banker, Ed; Marcel Dekker Inc., New York, 2: 508.

2. Jania, GK, Shahb DP, Prajapatia VD, Jainb VC. Gums and mucilages: versatile excipients for pharmaceutical formulations, Asian J. Pharmaceutical Sci., 2009; 4(5): 309-323.

3. Wallis TE. Text Book of Pharmacognosy. 5th Ed, Published by CBS Publishers And Distributors, Delhi, India, 2005:465,472. 474-477.

4. Bhardwaj TR, Kanwar M, Gupta A. Natural gums and modified natural gums as sustained-release carriers. Drug Dev Ind Pharm 2000; 26: 1025-38.

5. Qadry JS, Shah. Pharmacognosy. Ahmedabad, India: B S Shah Prakashan; 2008.

6. Evans WC, Trease and Evans. Pharmacognosy.14th edn, Harcourt Brace and Co., Asia Pvt. Ltd, Singapore.1996; 196, 208, 209, 213-215, 462, 555.

7. Pandey R, Khuller GK. Polymer based drug delivery systems for mycobacterial infections. Curr Drug Deliv 2004; 1: 195-201.

8. Chamarthy SP, Pinal R. Plasticizer concentration and the performance of a diffusion-controlled polymeric drug delivery system. Colloids Surf. A. Physiochem. Eng Asp 2008; 331: 25-30.

9. Kottke KM, Edward MR. Tablet Dosage Forms. In: Banker GS, Rhodes CT, ed. Modern Pharmaceutics. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc. 2002: 287-333.

10. Aslam A, Parrott E. Effect of aging on some physical properties of hydrochlorthiazide tablets. J Pharm. Sci. 1971; 60: 263-266.

11. Rangari VD. Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. Nashik, India: Career Publication; 2006.

12. Wallis TE. Text Book of Pharmacognosy. New Delhi, India: C B S Publishers and Distributors; 2004.

13. Mohammed A. Text Book of Pharmacognosy. New Delhi, India: C B S Publishers and Distributors; 2005.

14. Ansari SH. Essential of Pharmacognosy. New Delhi, India: Birla Publications Pvt. Ltd.; 2006.

15. Sarojini S, Kunam DS, Manavalan R, Jayanthi B. Effect of natural gum as a binder in the formulation of diclofenac sodium tablets. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2010; 1(3): 55-60.

16. Kokate CK, Purohit AP, Gokhale SB. Pharmacognosy. 11th ed.; Pune; Nirali Prakashan; 1999: 498.

17. Gangurde AB, Malode SS, Bhambar RS. Preliminary Evaluation of Neem Gum as Tablet Binder. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research 2008; 42(4): 344-347.

18. Hindustan AA, Kumar CS, Kumar AB. Fabrication and evaluation of Nimesulide Azadirachta indica fruit mucilage based sustained release matrix tablets. International Journal of ChemTech Research 2010; 2(2): 937-941.

19. Vazquez B, Avila G, Segura D, Escalante B. Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts from Aloe vera gel. J Ethnopharmacol 1996; 55: 69-75.

20. Choi S, Chung M.H. A review on the relationship between Aloe vera components and their biologic effects. Semin Integr Med. 2003; 1: 53-62.

21. Hindustan AA, Kumar CS, Kumar AB, Reddy AB. Development and in Vitro Evaluation of Glibenclamide Aloe barbadensis Miller leaves Mucilage Controlled Release Matrix Tablets. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2010; 2 (2): 1018-1021.

22. Lima RDN, Lima JR, Salis CR, Moreira RA. Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) exudate gum: a novel bioligand tool. Biotechnol Appl Biochem. 2002; 35: 45 – 53.

23. Kumar R, Patil MB, Sachin RP, Mahesh S. Evaluation of Anacardium occidentale gum as gelling agent in Aceclofenac Gel. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2009; 1(3): 695-704.

24. Kwabena OK, Asantewaa A, Samuel SK. Physicochemical and binding properties of cashew tree gum in metronidazole tablet formulations. 2010; 2(4):105-109.

25. Ganesh GNK, Sureshkumar R , Jawahar N, Senthil V, Nagasamy DV. Preparation and Evaluation of Sustained Release Matrix Tablet of Diclofenac Sodium using Natural Polymer. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2010; 2(6): 360-368.

26. Petropoulos GA. Fenugreek: The genus Trigonella. In: Petropoulus GA, (Ed.), Botany. London: Taylor and Francis. 2002; 9–17.

27. Nitalikar M, Rama A,Swati PD. Dinesh DM. Evaluation of fenugreek seed husk as tablet binder. International Journal of Pharma Research and Development. 2010; 2(8): 21-23.

28. Ali N, Hossein N, Afagh K, Tarifeh S, Hadi V, Ford JL. An In Vitro Evaluation of Fenugreek Mucilage as a Potential Excipient for Oral Controlled-Release Matrix Tablet. Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2008; 34: 323–29.

29. Gowthamrajan K, Kulkarni GT, Muthukumar A. Evaluation of Fenugreek mucilage as gelling agent. Int. J. Pharm. Expt., 2002; 3: 16-19.

30. Dea ICM, Morrison A. Chemistry and interactions of seed galactomannans. Adv Carbohydr Chem Biochem. 1975; 31: 242-312.

31. Jain A, Gupta Y, Jain SK. Perspectives of Biodegradable Natural Polysaccharides for Site-Specific Drug Delivery to the Colon. J Pharm Pharmaceut Sci. 2007; 10(1): 86-128.

32. Malik K, Arora G, Singh I. Locust bean Gum as Superdisintegrant Formulation and Evaluation of Nimesulide Orodispersible Tablets. Polimery Medycynie. 2011; 17-28.

33. Venkatarajua MP, Gowdaa DV, Rajeshb KS, Shivakumara HG. Xanthan and locust bean gum (from Ceratonia siliqua) matrix tablets for oral controlled delivery of propranolol hydrochloride. Asian J Pharm Sci. 2007; 2(6): 239-48.

34. Josephine Leno J, Vijaya K, Suma R, Raj B. Formulation and evaluation of compression coated tablets of mesalazine for colon delivery. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2010; 2(1): 535-541.

35. Aspinall GO, Bhattacharjee AK. Plant gums of the genus Khaya. Part IV. J Chem Soc. 1970; 365–69.

36. Odeku OA, Fell JT. Evaluation of khaya gum as a directly compressible matrix system for controlled release, J.Pharm. Pharmacol. 2004; 56:1365–70.

37. Odeku OA, Fell JT. In-vitro evaluation of khaya and albizia gums as compression coatings for drug targeting to the colon. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2005; 57(2):163-68.

38. Mahmud HS, Oyi AR, Allagh T. Evaluation of the suspending properties of khaya senegalensis gum in paracetamol suspensions. Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences.2009; 8(1):128-134.

39. Prabhu P, Satyanarayana D, Koland M, Nairy HM, Ahmed NR. Investigation of effect of drug solubility on colon specificity of polysaccharide polymers khaya gum and guar gum. International. Journal of. Research. Pharma Scope. 2010; 1(3): 345-352.

40. Final assessment report: Application A546 Tara Gum As A Food Additive. Food Standards Australia New Zealand. 2006.

41. Shin HJ, Ki MH, Yoon B, An SW, inventors; Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corp., assignee. Gastroretentive controlled release mono matrix tablet. WO/2006/088305.

42. Zeng H, Moroni A, Baichwal AR, Goliber PA, Ketsela S, Mcnamara DP, Inventors; Penwest Pharmaceuticals, Co. , assignee. Controlled- release emulsion compositions. WO/2007/056424. 2007.

43. Ngwuluka NC, Idiakhoa BA, Nep EI, Ogaji I, Okafor IS. Formulation and evaluation of paracetamol tablets manufactured using the dried fruit of Phoenix dactylifera Linn as an excipient. Research In Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. 2010; 2(3): 25-32.

44. The Wealth of India, First Supplement Series (Raw Materials), National Institute of Science and Communication, CSIR, Volume V: H–K, New Delhi, India. 2002: 91–92.

45. Jani GK, Shah DP. Assessing Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Linn as an Excipient in Sustained-Release Tablets. Drug Develop Ind Pharm. 2008; 34 (8): 807 – 16.

46. Shah V, Patel R. Studies on mucilage from hibuscus rosa-sinensis linn as oral disint-egrant. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics. 2010; 2 (1):19-21.

47. Venkaiah K, Shah J. Distribution, Development and Structure of Gum Ducts in Lannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merril. Annals of Botany. 1984; 54:175-86.

48. Khare CP. Indian medicinal plant An Illustrated Dictionary. New York (USA): Springer Science. Business Media. 2007:361.

49. Nayak BS, Nayak UK, Patro KB, Rout PK. Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Lamivudine Entrapped MOI Microspheres for Oral Administration. Research J Pharm and Tech. 2008; 1(4):437-41.

50. Singh B. Psyllium as therapeutic and drug delivery agent. Int J Pharm. 2007; 334: 1–14.

51. Singh B, Bala R, Chauhan N. In vitro release dynamics of model drugs from psyllium and acrylic acid based hydrogels for the use in colon specific drug delivery. J Mater Sci Mater Med. 2008; 19: 2771–80.

52. Okafor IS, Chukwu A, Duala K. Somephysicochemical properties of grewia gum. Nigeria. Journal of Polymer Science and Technology. 2001; 2(1):161-167.

53. Elijah IN, Barbara RC. Characterization of Grewia Gum, a Potential Pharmaceutical Excipient. Journal of Excipients and Food Chem. 2010; 1(1); 31-40.

54. Martins E, Christiana I, Olobayo K. Effect of Grewia gum on the mechanical properties of Paracetamol tablet formulations. African Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2008; 2: 1-6.

55. Nep EI, Conway BR. Polysaccharide gum matrix tablets for oral controlled delivery of Cimetidine. Journal of Pharmacetical Sciences and Research. 2010; 2(11):708-716.

56. Ogaji I, Okafor IS. Potential of Grewia Gum as Film Coating Agent: Some physicochemical properties of Coated Praziquantel Tablets. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2011; 3(2); 16-19.

57. Singh AK, Selvam RP, Sivakumar T. Isolation, characterisation and formulation properties of a new plant gum obtained from mangifera indica. International Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical research. 2010; 1(2):35-41.

58. Singh AK, Shingala VK, R. Selvam RP. Evaluation of mangifera indica gum as tablet binder. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2010; 2(3): 2098-2100.

59. Shingala VK, Singh AK, Yadav SK. Design and characterization of Diclofenac sodium tablets containing Mangifera indica resin as release retardant. International Journal of PharmTech Research. 2010; 2(3): 2107-2111.

60. Nayak RK, Sachin R, Mirtyunjaya B. Evaluation of disintegrating properties of mangifera indica. RGUHS journal of pharmaceutical sciences. 2011; 1(1):11-20.

61. Oluyemisi A. Bamiro, Sinha VR, Kumar R. Characterization and evaluation of Terminalia randii gum as a binder in carvedilol tablet formulation. Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia. 2010; 52: 254-262.

62. Üner M, Altinkurt T. Evaluation of honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos Linn.) gum as sustaining material in tablet dosage forms. IL Farmaco. 2004; 59(7): 567-73.

63. Dinda SC, Mukharjee B. Gum cordia – A new tablet binder and emulsifier. Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia. 2009; 51: 189- 198.

64. Kuo MS, Dell A, Mort AJ. Identification and location of L-glyceratel56, an unusual substituent in gellan gum. Carbohydrate Res 1986; 156: 173-187.

65. Grasdalen H. Smidsroed O. Gelation of gellan gum. Carbohydr PoZym. 1987; 7: 371-393.

66. Kubo W, Miyazaki S, Attwood D. Oral sustained delivery of paracetamol from in situ-gelling gellan and sodium alginate formulations. International Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2003; 2:55–64.

67. Antony PJ, Sanghavi NM. A new disintegrant for pharmaceutical dosage forms. Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm. 1997; 23: 413-415.

68. Ashton WA, Jefferies M, Morley RG, Pass G, Phillips G O, Power DMJ. Physical properties and applications of aqueous solutions of Albizia zygia gum. J Sci Food Agric. 1975; 26: 697–704.

69. Oluwatoyin A, Odeku. Assessment of albizia gum as a binding agent in tablet formulations. Acta Pharm. 2005; 55: 263–276.

70. Mbang N, Femi-Oyewo, Musiliu O, Adedokun F, Taiwo O. Evaluation of the suspending properties of Albizia zygia gum on sulphadimidine suspension. Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2004; 3(1): 279-284.

71. Kwabena O, Emily NA, and Samuel L. Preparation and invitro characteristics of tablet cores coated with albizia, albizia/khaya and albizia/hpmc films. International Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics. 2009; 1(1): 222.

72. Rao PS, Srivastava HC., Tamarind in industrial gums. In: Whistler RL. 2nd ed., Academic Press, New York. 1973; 369-411.

73. Gidley MJ, Lillford PJ, Rowlands DW. Structural and solution properties of tamarind seed polysaccharide, Carbohydrate Res. 1991; 214: 299-314.

74. Deveswaran R, Sindhu A, Bharath S, Basavaraj B, Sharon F. Design and Characterization of Diclofenac sodium tablets containing Tamarind seed polysaccharide as Release retardant. International Journal of PharmTech Research 2009; 1(2):191-195.

75. Gilhotra RM, Mathur M, Saroot R, Gilhotra N. Enhancement of miotic potential of pilocarpine by tamarind gum based in-situ gelling ocular dosage form. Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia 2010; 52: 145-154.

76. Mishra MU, Khandare NJ. Evaluation of tamarind seed polysaccharide as abiodegradable carrier for colon specific drug delivery. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciencesl 2011; 3(1):139-142.

77. Wealth of india-raw materials. Council of scientific and industrial research 1998; 2; 429.

78. Panda D, Swain S, Gupta R. Preparation and evaluation of gels from gum moringa olifera. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences2006; 777-780.

79. Panda D, Swain S, Gupta R. Esvaluation of gum of moringa olifera as a binder and release retardant in tablet formulations. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences2008; 614-618.

80. Patel BV, Patel D. Study of Disintegrant Property of Moringa Oleifera Gum and its Comparison with other Superdisintegrants. International Journal of ChemTech Research2011; 3(3):1119-1124.

81. Osete-Cortina L, Domenech-Carbo MT. Analytical characterization of diterpenoid resins present in pictorial varnishes using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with on line trimethylsilylation. J Chromatogr A 2005; 1065:265-78.

82. Umekar MJ, Yeole PG. Characterization and evaluation of natural copal gum-resin as film forming material. Int Journal of green pharmacy 2008; 2(1):37-42.

83. The wealth of India, first supplement series, volume -3: Si-Ty, New Delhi, Dr K S Krishna Marg; National institute of science communication, CSIR 1999: 89-137.

84. Nayak BS, Nayak UK, Patro KB, Rout PK. Design and Evaluation of Controlled Release Bhara Gum Microcapsules of Famotidine for Oral Use. Research J Pharm and Tech 2008; 1(4):433-36.

85. Singh K, Kumar A, Langyan N, Ahuja M. Evaluation of Mimosa pudica Seed Mucilage as Sustained-Release Excipient. American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. 2009:1121-1127.

86. Olibanum gum, willy Benecke, http://www.wilkey benke.com/olibanum gum.

87. Muzib IY, Kurri P. Formulation and Evaluation of gum olibanum-based sustained release matrix tablets of ambroxol hydrochloride. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2011; 3(2):195-199.

88. Prasanthi NL, Manikiran SS, Ramarao N. In vitro drug release studies of ziprasidone from tablets using natural gums from biosphere. Archives of Applied Science Research. 2011; 3(2):513-519.

89. Chowdary KPR, Mohapatra P, Krishna MN. Evaluation of olibanum resin as microencapsulating agent for controlled drug delivery. Rasāyan journal of chemistry. 2008; 1(1):99-104.

90. Bamiro OA, Sinha VR, Kumar R. Characterization and evaluation of Terminalia randii gum as a binder in carvedilol tablet formulation. Acta Pharmaceutica Sciencia 2010; 52: 254-262.

Received on 16.06.2016 Modified on 11.07.2016

Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2016; 8(3): 145-152.

DOI: 10.5958/0975-4385.2016.00026.1