Extraction and Characterization of Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide as a Pharmaceutical Excipient

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present work was extraction of polysaccharide from tamarind seed and further characterization as pharmaceutical excipient. Study includes phytochemical screening, micromeritic properties. Work also emphasize to study gelling properties of extracted polysaccharide. Methods: Water based extraction procedure was used to extract polysaccharide from tamarind seed. Pharmacopoeial procedures were used to study the micromeritic properties, solubility, organoleptic properties and pH. Different concentration based solution were prepared to evaluate gelling properties of seed polysaccharide. Key findings: Results obtained from the study showed that used procedure was efficient to extract gum from tamarind seed. Obtained results easily predict the fact that extracted polymer can be used as pharmaceutical excipient in terms of micromeritic properties and flow behavior. It was also found that obtained gum showed gelling behavior at 8% w/v solution of water. Conclusions: It can be concluded from whole study that tamarind seed polysaccharide can be an important pharmaceutical excipient for solid. Obtained results also showed that extracted seed polysaccharide may be used as natural gelling agents in different pharmaceutical formulations. Key words: tamarind gum, rheological studies, natural polymers, polysaccharides, excipient.