Mucilage Concentration Research Articles

Preparation and Characterization of Okra Mucilage (Abelmoschus esculentus) Edible Films

SummaryOkra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a perishable fruit with an extremely short post‐harvesting period. In the present study we have investigated the development of edible films obtained from mucilage of rejected okra fruits. The obtained okra mucilage was characterized by FTIR, percentage yield, swelling index in water, percentage solubility in water, XRD, TGA and DSC. The TGA curve has showed that okra mucilage has good thermal stability and low moisture content, which was demonstrated by the low initial mass loss. Edible films were prepared with two mucilage concentrations (1% and 1.5% w/v) combined with three plasticizer contents (PEG‐200), 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% v/v. The produced films were evaluated for their wettability, folding endurance, water solubility and color analysis of L*a*b color parameters. All analyses have demonstrated that plasticizer plays a key role in the system. The results obtained indicated that okra mucilage has potential to be used as edible film.

Simulation of root water uptake under consideration of nonequilibrium dynamics in the rhizosphere

AbstractThe narrow region of soil around roots, the so‐called rhizosphere, defers in its hydraulic properties from the bulk soil. The rhizosphere hydraulic properties primarily depend on the drying and wetting rate of mucilage, a polymeric gel exuded by plant roots. Under equilibrium conditions mucilage increases the water holding capacity. Upon drying mucilage turns hydrophobic and makes the rhizosphere temporarily water repellent. There are several models of root water uptake, from analytical models of water flow to a single root to complex numerical models that consider the root architecture. Most of these models, however, do not account for the specific hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere. Here we describe a single‐root model that includes the altered hydraulic properties of the rhizosphere due to mucilage exudation. We use the model to reproduce existing experiments reporting unexpected and puzzling hysteresis in the rhizosphere, which could not be explained under the assumption of homogeneous hydraulic properties. In our model the hydraulic properties depend on the concentration of mucilage. This enables a continuous transition from the bulk soil to the root surface. We assumed that: (a) mucilage increases the water holding capacity in equilibrium conditions, (b) hydrophobicity, swelling and shrinking of mucilage cause a nonequilibrium relation between water content and water potential and (c) mucilage reduces the mobility of water molecules in the liquid phase resulting in a lower hydraulic conductivity at a given water content. Our model reproduces well the experiments and suggests that mucilage softens drought stress in plants during severe drying events.

Evaluation of a cactus mucilage biocomposite to remove total arsenic from water

Mucilage fractions extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica cactus were captured in calcium alginate biobeads. The beads were tested as eco-friendly adsorbents to remove arsenic (As) from water, and their As removal efficiency was evaluated. Batch adsorption studies were performed using an incomplete factorial design by varying the concentrations of mucilage (0.5–2 mg L−1), sodium alginate (3–5%), and calcium chloride (0.5–1 mol L−1) incorporated in the biobeads. The optimal formulation of these adsorbent biobeads varied depending on the mucilage fraction. Thus, biocomposite formulated with 1.25 mg L−1 of gelling mucilage, 4% of sodium alginate, and 0.75 mol L−1 of calcium chloride eliminated up to 63% of As from water, with a capacity of 101.6 mg g−1, whereas the composite biobeads formulated with 1.25 mg L−1 of non-gelling mucilage reduced 59.8% of As from water, using the least amounts of sodium alginate and calcium chloride in the range tested, with a capacity of 97.1 mg g−1.

Stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) mucilage

The stability of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions prepared with different concentrations of chia mucilage extracted by two different methods was evaluated as a function of refrigerated storage time. O/W emulsions (20:80 wt/wt) formulated with refined corn oil, chia mucilage dispersions (0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00% wt/wt) and 0.1% wt/wt of Tween 80 were stored at 4 ± 1 °C for 120 days, evaluating their stability periodically. An emulsion without added mucilage was also prepared as a control. The emulsions were characterized determining the flow behavior, the evolution of the backscattering profiles (%BS), particle size distribution, and microscopic observations. Viscosity increased as increasing mucilage concentration, revealing a pseudoplastic flow behavior. The most stable emulsions during storage were those with ≥0.75% chia mucilage concentration, and those with mucilage obtained by Method II (which presents a higher level of purity than MI mucilage). All the emulsions prepared with mucilage obtained by Method II presented smaller droplet diameters ([D4,3]) than those prepared with mucilage obtained by Method I. Particle size distribution did not show important variations as a function of time, concentration and type of mucilage, presenting in general a unimodal behavior. The results suggested that the addition of chia mucilage (≥0.75%) to O/W emulsions improved their stability against gravitational phase separation by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous phase, limiting the mobility of the oil droplets in the emulsions.

Investigation on binding properties of Grewia asiatica mucilage in tablet formulations

The binding property of Grewia asiatica mucilage was evaluated at 0.25-0.1% concentrations. The mucilage was extracted by cold maceration method and characterized for its swelling index, moisture absorption capacity, solubility, organoleptic characters and purity. The mucilage was also investigated for its toxicity, microbial growth and texture. Tablets were prepared by a wet granulation using paracetamol as a model drug. The granules were evaluated for micromeritics properties, percentage of fines and moisture content. The tablets were evaluated for appearance, weight variation, friability, thickness, hardness, disintegration time, drug content and in vitro drug release. It was observed that the friability percentage was decreased with an increase in mucilage concentration. Hardness of the tablet was increased with an increase in mucilage concentration and was found to be in the acceptable range. Disintegration time was found to be less than 15 min for all the four batches. Drug content was found to be in the range of 93.0- 98.08% for all the formulations. More than 80% of the drug was released within 30 min during the in vitro dissolution study.

Application of mucilage from Dicerocaryum eriocarpum plant as biosorption medium in the removal of selected heavy metal ions

The ability of mucilage from Dicerocaryum eriocarpum (DE) plant to act as biosorption medium in the removal of metals ions from aqueous solution was investigated. Functional groups present in the mucilage were identified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mucilage was modified with sodium and potassium chlorides. This was aimed at assessing the biosorption efficiency of modified mucilage: potassium mucilage (PCE) and sodium mucilage (SCE) and comparing it with non-modified deionised water mucilage (DCE) in the uptake of metal ions. FTIR results showed that the functional groups providing the active sites in PCE and SCE and DCE include: carboxyl, hydroxyl and carbonyl groups. The chloride used in the modification of the mucilage did not introduce new functional groups but increased the intensity of the already existing functional groups in the mucilage. Results from biosorption experiment showed that DE mucilage displays good binding affinity with metals ions [Zn(II), Cd(II) Ni(II), Cr(III) and Fe(II)] in the aqueous solution. Increase in the aqueous solution pH, metal ions initial concentration and mucilage concentration increased the biosorption efficiency of DE mucilage. The maximum contact time varied with each species of metal ions. Optimum pH for [Zn(II), Cd(II) Ni(II) and Fe(II)] occurred at pH 4 and pH 6 for Cr(III). Kinetic models result fitted well to pseudo-second-order with a coefficient values of R2 = 1 for Cd(II), Ni(II), Cr(III), Fe(II) and R2 = 0.9974 for Zn(II). Biosorption isotherms conforms best with Freundlich model for all the metal ions with correlation factors of 0.9994, 0.9987, 0.9554, 0.9621 and 0.937 for Zn(II), Ni(II), Fe(II), Cr(III) and Cd(II), respectively. Biosorption capacity of DE mucilage was 0.010, 2.387, 4.902, 0688 and 0.125 for Zn(II), Cr(III), Fe(II), Cd(II) and Ni(II) respectively. The modified mucilage was found to be highly efficient in the removal of metal ions than the unmodified mucilage.

Physicochemical and rheological characterization of Opuntia ficus mucilage at three different maturity stages of cladode

The Opuntia ficus indica is a family of plants that has diverse uses. An interesting component of these plants is the mucilage. Mucilages are hetero-polysaccharide hydrocolloids with an extensive range of physicochemical properties which can be exploited for various applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. The objective of the present research is to characterize the physicochemical and rheological properties of mucilage extracted from O. ficus indica at three different maturity stages. The mucilage was isolated from cladodes of O. ficus indica. The physicochemical characterization was carried out by X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy; additionally, color, pH, and yield extractions of mucilage samples were determined. The rheological characterization was performed through steady-shear viscosity as well as through small strain oscillatory shear tests on suspensions of different concentration of mucilage. The results indicate that yield extraction of mucilage was higher than others previously reported. X-ray Diffraction analysis shows the presence of calcium carbonate in two different crystalline forms, the importance of this finding lies in that the calcium of these compounds is bioavailable for the human body. This fact could lead to new and important applications of mucilage from nopal in the food industry. Color analysis indicates that the samples were lighter and yellow-green hue. pH determination reveals that mucilage suspensions are slightly acidic. All the samples show a non-Newtonian shear-thinning behavior with a good correlation to Ostwald de Waele model. Mucilage extracted of cladodes with different maturity stages shows changes in its rheological properties. Mucilage aqueous suspensions showed high elastic properties, especially at 100days of maturity.

Isolation and preliminary evaluation of Mulva Neglecta mucilage: a novel tablet binder

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate binding potential of Mulva neglecta mucilage (MNM) with subsequent comparison to PVP K30. Eight batches of Diclofenac sodium tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique keeping different concentrations (4, 6, 8 & 10% w/w) of Mulva neglecta mucilage (extracted from leaves of Mulva neglecta) and PVP K30 as standard binder. The granules of formulated batches showed bulk density (g/mL) 0.49 ± 0.00 to 0.57 ± 0.00, tapped density (g/mL) 0.59 ± 0.01 to 0.70 ± 0.01, Carr's index 09.27 ± 0.95 to 19.65 ± 0.59, Hausner's ratio 1.12 ± 0.00 to 1.24 ± 0.01 and angle of repose 30.37 ± 2.90 °C to 36.86 ± 0.94 °C. Tablets were compressed to hardness 7.50 to 7.95 kg/cm2. The tablets showed 0.39 ± 0.02 to 0.39 ± 0.01% friability and 7:20 to 14:00 min disintegration time. Granules and post-compression evaluation revealed that parameters assessed were all found to be within the pharmacopoeial limits. The results (hardness, disintegration and dissolution) proved that Mulva neglecta mucilage has better binding capacity for preparation of uncoated tablet dosage form as compared to PVP K30. Among all the formulations, MN-1 to MN-4 showed slow release as compared to PV-1 to PV-4 and thereby Mulva neglecta mucilage exhibited satisfactory drug release phenomenon tablets of diclofenac sodium.

Combining Ferric Salt and Cactus Mucilage for Arsenic Removal from Water.

New methods to remediate arsenic-contaminated water continue to be studied, particularly to fill the need for accessible methods that can significantly impact developing communities. A combination of cactus mucilage and ferric (Fe(III)) salt was investigated as a flocculation-coagulation system to remove arsenic (As) from water. As(V) solutions, ferric nitrate, and mucilage suspensions were mixed and left to stand for various periods of time. Visual and SEM observations confirmed the flocculation action of the mucilage as visible flocs formed and settled to the bottom of the tubes within 3 min. The colloidal suspensions without mucilage were stable for up to 1 week. Sample aliquots were tested for dissolved and total arsenic by ICP-MS and HGAFS. Mucilage treatment improved As removal (over Fe(III)-only treatment); the system removed 75-96% As in 30 min. At neutral pH, removal was dependent on Fe(III) and mucilage concentration and the age of the Fe(III) solution. The process is fast, achieving maximum removal in 30 min, with the majority of As removed in 10-15 min. Standard jar tests with 1000 μg/L As(III) showed that arsenic removal and settling rates were pH-dependent; As removal was between 52% (high pH) and 66% (low pH).

Formulation and evaluation of lamivudine sustained release tablet using okra mucilage

Hepatitis in Bangladesh: Pattern and treatment OptionsMost. Nazma Parvin, Riaz Uddin, Sadia Afreen Chowdhury

Drying of mucilage causes water repellency in the rhizosphere of maize: measurements and modelling

Although maize roots have been extensively studied, there is limited information on the effect of root exudates on the hydraulic properties of maize rhizosphere. Recent experiments suggested that the mucilaginous fraction of root exudates may cause water repellency of the rhizosphere. Our objectives were: 1) to investigate whether maize rhizosphere turns hydrophobic after drying and subsequent rewetting; 2) to test whether maize mucilage is hydrophobic; and 3) to find a quantitative relation between rhizosphere rewetting, particle size, soil matric potential and mucilage concentration. Maize plants were grown in aluminum containers filled with a sandy soil. When the plants were 3-weeks-old, the soil was let dry and then it was irrigated. The soil water content during irrigation was imaged using neutron radiography. In a parallel experiment, ten maize plants were grown in sandy soil for 5 weeks. Mucilage was collected from young brace roots growing above the soil. Mucilage was placed on glass slides and let dry. The contact angle was measured with the sessile drop method for varying mucilage concentration. Additionally, capillary rise experiments were performed in soils of varying particle size mixed with maize mucilage. We then used a pore-network model in which mucilage was randomly distributed in a cubic lattice. The general idea was that rewetting of a pore is impeded when the concentration of mucilage on the pore surface (g cm−2) is higher than a given threshold value. The threshold value depended on soil matric potential, pore radius and contract angle. Then, we randomly distributed mucilage in the pore network and we calculated the percolation of water across a cubic lattice for varying soil particle size, mucilage concentration and matric potential. Our results showed that: 1) the rhizosphere of maize stayed temporarily dry after irrigation; 2) mucilage became water repellent after drying. Mucilage contact angle increased with mucilage surface concentration (gram of dry mucilage per surface area); 3) Water could easily cross the rhizosphere when the mucilage concentration was below a given threshold. In contrast, above a critical mucilage concentration water could not flow through the rhizosphere. The critical mucilage concentration decreased with increasing particle size and decreasing matric potential. These results show the importance of mucilage exudation for the water fluxes across the root-soil interface. Our percolation model predicts at what mucilage concentration the rhizosphere turns hydrophobic depending on soil texture and matric potential. Further studies are needed to extend these results to varying soil conditions and to upscale them to the entire root system.

Conventional and Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Mucilage from Opuntia ficus-indica Cladodes: Physico-Chemical and Rheological Properties

Cactus pear cladodes processing has potential value for mainstream industries and is equally important for marginal rural communities in arid regions. This work is focused on physico-chemical and rheological properties of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) peeled cladodes extracted by conventional method “CE” and using microwave-assisted extraction “MAE.” MAE gave the highest yield extraction (8.13 %, w/w) within the lowest extraction time (500 W/7 min) and provided more protein (×1.03) and carbohydrates (×1.51) than CE. The monosaccharides detected by gas chromatography were arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, xylose, and galacturonic acid. The dialyzed mucilage solution characterized by SEC/MALS/VD/DRI (size-exclusion chromatography coupled with online multi-angle light scattering, viscometer detectors, and differential refractive index) revealed fractions with molecular weight (M w ) ranging from 15.3–15.7 × 106 g mol−1 for the CE extracts and about 16.7–17.5 × 106 g mol−1 for the MAE extracts. Dynamic oscillatory testing has been used to study the rheological properties of mucilage solution within the concentration of 0.50–3.00 % (w/v) at 25 °C. The rheological profiles of CE and MAE showed similar behavior. At low frequency and low mucilage concentration ( G"). If safely controlled, alternative energies like microwaves could extract soluble polymers with comparable properties to commercial ones, conventionally extracted.

Structure preservation of Aloe vera (barbadensis Miller) mucilage in a spray drying process

Aloe vera (barbadensis Miller) mucilage in powder form was obtained by spray-drying following by suspension in aqueous solution, to enable microstructure recovery. The rheological behavior of the reconstituted mucilage was evaluated as a function of mucilage concentration, temperature, pH and ionic-strength. Mucilage solutions exhibited shear-thinning non-Newtonian behavior. The viscosity was found dependent on ionic-strength. This dependence is more evident when divalent cations are used, although a strong rise in viscosity upon increasing pH is observed. Linear viscoelastic data show a predominant viscous behavior, but with a crossover point (storage module G′ = loss module G″) suggesting a change in molecular conformation to a random-coil arrangement of the mucilage microstructure. The spray-dried powders were compared with fresh mucilage, with regard to chemical composition and mechanical flow behavior. Results reveal a small structure modification during the spray-drying process, evidencing preservation of the mucilage microstructure when optimum spray-drying conditions are used, i.e., 1.5 L/h inlet flow, temperature of 150 °C and atomization rate of 27,500 rpm.

Water percolation through the root-soil interface

Plant roots exude a significant fraction of the carbon assimilated via photosynthesis into the soil. The mucilaginous fraction of root exudates affects the hydraulic properties of the soil near the roots, the so called rhizosphere, in a remarkable and dynamic way. After drying, mucilage becomes hydrophobic and limits the rewetting of the rhizosphere. Here, we aim to find a quantitative relation between rhizosphere rewetting, particle size, soil matric potential and mucilage concentration. We used a pore-network model in which mucilage was randomly distributed in a cubic lattice. The general idea was that the mucilage concentration per solid soil surface increases the contact angle between the liquid and solid phases consequently limiting the rewetting of pores covered with dry mucilage. We used the Young–Laplace equation to calculate the mucilage concentration at which pores are not wettable for varying particle sizes and matric potentials. Then, we simulated the percolation of water across a cubic lattice. Our simulations predicted that above a critical mucilage concentration water could not flow through the porous medium. The critical mucilage concentration decreased with increasing particle size and decreasing matric potential. The model was compared with experiments of capillary rise in soils of different particle size and mucilage concentration. The experiments confirmed the percolation behaviour of the rhizosphere rewetting. Mucilage turned hydrophobic at concentrations above 0.1 mg/cm2. The critical mucilage concentration at matric potential of −2.5 hPa was ca. 1% [g/g] for fine sand and 0.1 % [g/g] for coarse sand. Our conceptual model is a first step towards a better understanding of the water dynamics in the rhizosphere during rewetting and it can be used to predict in what soil textures rhizosphere water repellency becomes a critical issue for root water uptake.

EVALUATION OF TRIBULUS TERRESTRIS MUCILAGE AS BINDER IN TABLET FORMULATIONS

The aim of this study is to develop an economic and effective natural excipient that can be used as an alternative in formulation of tablets. Tribulus terrestris (Zygophyllaceae) is a herbaceous weed native throughout India and mucilage is derived from the freshly dried and coarsely powdered leaves. phytochemical and physiochemical characteristics of mucilage were studied. Mucilage was used in 5 different concentrations (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% w/V). Metoprolol tartrate was used as model drug for formulation. The DSC and FTIR of drug and mucilage indicate no chemical interaction. The properties were compared with guar gum (GRAS excipient). The granules were prepared by wet granulation process and evaluated. Tablets were prepared and evaluated for disintegration, dissolution and content uniformity and was subjected to stability studies as per ICH guidelines. It was concluded that lower concentration of mucilage can be used as binder. The higher concentration shows sustained release and can be considered as alternative release retardant.

Formulation of fast disintegrating domperidone tablets using <i>Plantago ovata</i> mucilage by 3<sup>2</sup> full factorial design

The present work was carried out to study the disintegrant property of plantago ovata mucilage. The objective of the work was to formulate Fast disintegrating tablets of Domperidon with a view to enhance patient compliances and dissolution rate by direct compression method using 3² full factorial design. Plantago ovata mucilage (2-10% w/w) was used as natural superdisintegrant and microcrystalline cellulose (0-30% w/w) was used as diluent, along with directly compressible mannitol to enhance mouth feel. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, drug content uniformity, in vitro dispersion time, wetting time and water absorption ratio. Based on in vitro dispersion time (approximately 10s); the formulation containing 10% w/w Plantago ovata mucilage and 30%w/w microcrystalline cellulose was found to be promising and tested for in vitro drug release pattern (in 0.1 N HCl), short-term stability (at 40º/75% RH for 3 month) and drug-excipient interaction. Surface response plots are presented to graphically represent the effect of independent variables (concentrations of Plantago ovata mucilage and microcrystalline cellulose) on the in vitro dispersion time. The validity of the generated mathematical model was tested by preparing two extra-design check point formulations. The optimized tablet formulation was compared with conventional commercial tablet formulation for drug release profiles. This formulation showed nearly four-fold faster drug release (t50% 2.85 min) compared to the conventional commercial tablet formulation (t50% 7.85 min). Short-term stability studies on the formulation indicated that there are no significant changes in drug content and in vitro dispersion time (p < 0.05).Shahidulla et al., International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, July 2015, 4(8): 415-419

Preparation and evaluation of multi particulates drug delivery system using natural polymers.

Simvastatin potassium is a hypolipidemic drug used with exercise, diet, and weight-loss to control elevated cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia. It is a member of the statin class of pharmaceuticals. Okra mucilage is used to reduce the cholesterol level since microspheres has formulated by using okra mucilage to developed a synergistic effect. Calcium chloride act as a cross linking agent, when react with sodium alginate form a calcium alginate, since develope a gel like microbeads (microspheres). The half life of simvastatin is 2h for simvastatin acid. Simvastatin microspheres were prepared by using sodium alginate in combination with Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra), as drug release modifiers in various proportions to overcome the drug related adverse effects. The drug entrapment efficiency increased progressively with increasing concentration of both sodium alginate and okra mucilage resulting in the formation of larger microspheres entrapping greater amounts of the drug. The prepared microspheres were subjected to various evaluation and in vitro release studies. The particle sizes of the prepared microspheres were determined by optical microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The prepared microspheres had good spherical geometry with smooth surface as evidence by SEM. Study the capability of the formulation to withstand the physiological environment of the stomach and small intestine.

Roots at the percolation threshold.

The rhizosphere is the layer of soil around the roots where complex and dynamic interactions between plants and soil affect the capacity of plants to take up water. The physical properties of the rhizosphere are affected by mucilage, a gel exuded by roots. Mucilage can absorb large volumes of water, but it becomes hydrophobic after drying. We use a percolation model to describe the rewetting of dry rhizosphere. We find that at a critical mucilage concentration the rhizosphere becomes impermeable. The critical mucilage concentration depends on the radius of the soil particle size. Capillary rise experiments with neutron radiography prove that for concentrations below the critical mucilage concentration water could easily cross the rhizosphere, while above the critical concentration water could no longer percolate through it. Our studies, together with former observations of water dynamics in the rhizosphere, suggest that the rhizosphere is near the percolation threshold, where small variations in mucilage concentration sensitively alter the soil hydraulic conductivity. Is mucilage exudation a plant mechanism to efficiently control the rhizosphere conductivity and the access to water?

CACTUS MUCILAGE AS A COATING FILM TO ENHANCE SHELF LIFE OF UNPROCESSED GUAVAS (PSIDIUM GUAJAVA L.)

Annual pruning of cactus pear cladodes provides an opportunity for adding value to this crop by extracting mucilage from which to create edible films and coatings for perishable fruits such as guavas (Psidium guajava L.). The objective of this research was to create mucilage films and assess their effects on quality and shelf life of guava cultivar ‘Media China’. Cactus pear cladodes were peeled, cubed, and homogenized in distilled water. Mucilage was precipitated using ethanol, then dried and ground. The experimental films tested were: no films as control (C), mucilage plus glycerol (T1), and mucilage plus glycerol and polyethylene glycol (T2). Two experiments were conducted with two different concentrations of mucilage, glycerol, and polyethylene glycol. Guavas were harvested from local farmers and treated with a fungicide before coating. The treated fruit was stored for eight or six days at room temperature (28°C and 20% RH or 27°C and 20% RH, respectively). In the first trial, the T2 film increased fruit weight loss more than C and TI film. Both films delayed fruit skin colour and maintained higher firmness (F), total soluble solids concentration (TSSC), and dry matter concentration (DMC) than C fruit. In the second trial, T1 and T2 films reduced fruit weight loss and delayed fruit skin colour more than C fruit. Firmness, TSSC, and DMC of fruit were similar among treatments. Overall, the experimental mucilage films showed a tendency to prolong shelf life and maintain some quality attributes of guava. Further research is needed to understand the mucilage potential as an edible film at cold room conditions.

Evaluation of Ocimum basilicum L. seed mucilage as rate controlling matrix for sustained release of propranolol HCl

Polysaccharide mucilage derived from the seeds of Ocimum basilicum L. (family Lamiaceae) was investigated for use in matrix formulations containing propranolol hydrochloride. Basil mucilage was extracted and several tablets were formulated. The effect of mucilage on drug release rate was evaluated in comparison with tablets containing two kinds of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M and HPMC K100M) as standard polymer. The release data were fitted to several models for kinetic evaluation. The results showed that hardness decreased and friability of tablets increased as the concentration of mucilage increased. The rate of release of propranolol HCl from O. basilicm mucilage matrices was mainly controlled by the drug: mucilage ratio. Drug release was slower from the HPMC K4M and HPMCK100M containing tablets compared to the mucilage containing matrices than the drug release from matrices containing O. basilicum seed mucilage in similar ratios. Formulations containing O. basilicm mucilage were found to exhibit suitable release pattern. The results of kinetic analysis showed that in tablets containing O. basilicm mucilage the highest correlation coefficient was achieved with the zero order model. The swelling and erosion studies revealed that, as the proportion of mucilage in tablets was increased, there was a corresponding increase in percent swelling and a decrease in percent erosion of tablets.