Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) uses in ophthalmic drug delivery

Armando Silva-Cunha,Matheus Augusto de Castro,Wallace Mateus Prata

doi:10.4322/2179-443x.0757

Abstract

At present, ophthalmic drug delivery remains a major challenge, given the eye's prot ective structure and susceptibility to irritation, resulting in poor patient adherence. In order to overcome these constraints, new formulations are continually being developed. The inclusion of Galactoxyloglucan (Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in such formulations, a natural substance extracted from the seeds of Tamarindus indica, has shown great potential due to its physico - chemical properties, high biocompatibility and safety profile. Such properties, have led to its use in formulations for the treatment of dry eye disease, glaucoma, and bacterial keratitis, as well as in dilating eye drops used in eye examinations. In this article, we highlight the most recent TSP - based ophthalmologic formulations, which indicate that this polymer is a strong candidate to reduce adverse effects, improve patient tolerability and drug bioavailability.

Highlights

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Africa with a history of use in traditional medicine across tropical Asia
As part of a study, an animal model for dry eye disease (DED) was developed and commercially available eye drops (Lacrisif®, Hyalistil® and Viscotears®) containing commonly used polysaccharides were compared to 1.0% Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) in relation to their power to reduce the signs and symptoms of DED13
In order to investigate TSP's ability to increase the concentration of antibiotics in the cornea, formulations of rufloxacin either containing or not containing TSP were compared in an animal model for keratitis, in addition to a traditional formulation of oflocaxin[32]

Summary

Introduction

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to Africa with a history of use in traditional medicine across tropical Asia. As part of a study, an animal model for DED was developed and commercially available eye drops (Lacrisif®, Hyalistil® and Viscotears®) containing commonly used polysaccharides were compared to 1.0% TSP in relation to their power to reduce the signs and symptoms of DED13. A further randomized clinical study involving 28 TFOS DEWS severity level 2 patients compared VISINE INTENSIV® 1% (commercially available eye drops containing 1.0% TSP), and SYSTANE UD® (composed of HPC-guar)[17].

Results

Conclusion