Karaya Gum Research Articles

Development and Evaluation of Neem Gel Formulation using Gum Karaya as Gelling Agent

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the neem gel formulation using gum karaya as a gel forming agent. The gelling ability of gum karaya and its mixtures with the other gel-forming agents (sodium alginate, carboxymethyl starch and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) were demonstrated by rheology properties. Gum karaya was demonstrated to be a gel-forming agent with the pseudoplastic flow. Of three gelling agents, sodium alginate was selected as the best combined excipient with gum karaya due to the better elasticity improvement of the gum karaya gel in comparison with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and carboxymethyl starch (CMS). The cause-effect relations between the three independent variables (the ratios of gum karaya, calcium chloride and sodium alginate) and the two dependent variables (spreadability and viscosity of neem gel) were investigated. The optimal neem gel formulation comprised gum karaya, calcium chloride and sodium alginate with the concentrations of 1.6%, 0.0435% and 1%, respectively. The optimal neem gel was evaluated for its various properties such as pH, homogeneity, spreadability, active compound quantitation by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and dynamic viscoelasticity behaviours. This study has reported for the first time the application of gum karaya in neem gel preparation. The results of the research may provide the useful data for further studies not only on the gum karaya as the gelling agent but also on the neem gel preparation for the treatment of skin diseases.

Formulation and Evaluation of Oral Controlled Release Matrix Tablets of Propranolol Hydrochloride

The aim of the present study was to develop Propranolol Hydrochloride Oral Controlled release tablets to maintain constant therapeutic levels of the drug for over 12 hrs. Locust bean gum, Kollidon SR, Karaya gum were used as polymers. All the formulations were passed various physicochemical evaluation parameters such as Bulk Density, Tapped Density, Carr's Index, Hausner's Ratio, Angle of Repose, Weight Variation, Hardness, Thickness, Friability and Drug Content. From the dissolution studies it was evident that the formulation F7 showed better and desired drug release pattern i.e., 98.56% in 12 hours. It contains the Karaya gum as polymer. It followed Zero order release kinetics mechanism.

Formulation and Evaluation of Floating and Mucoadhesive Tablets containing Repaglinide

In the present study, Repaglinide an anti-diabetic drug is formulated in the form of floating mucoadhesive tablets to improve its bioavailability. Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose K200M, Sodium Carboxy Methyl Cellulose, Carbopol 974P, Karaya gum, Chitosan, Xanthan gum were used as rate controlling and mucoadhesive polymers in designing the tablets. Various formulations were prepared by using different concentration of polymers. The pre-compression blend of Repaglinide mucoadhesive tablets were characterized with respect to angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, carr's index and hausner's ratio and all the results indicated that the blend had good flow property and better compressibility. The swelling studies were performed and the results indicated that all the formulations had good swelling index. The results of floating lag time and buoyancy studies suggested that formulations had good floating ability. The drug release studies indicated a controlled and enhanced drug release for a period of 12hrs. In-vivo study was carried out using the optimized formulation. Based on the in-vitro drug release and other related evaluation tests, formulation RT11 containing drug: karaya gum in the ratio 1: 2 was optimized. The drug release of the formulation RT11 followed Higuchi model with regression value of 0.984.

Development and evaluation of oral controlled release tablets of oxybutynin using various polymers

The aim of the present study was to develop controlled release formulation of Oxybutynin to maintain constant therapeutic levels of the drug for over 12 hrs. Karaya gum, Acacia and Tragacanth were employed as polymers. All the formulations were passed various physicochemical evaluation parameters and they were found to be within limits. From the dissolution studies it was evident that the formulation (F4) showed better and desired drug release pattern i.e., 98.14% in 12 hours. It contains the Acacia polymer. It followed Zero order release kinetics mechanism.

A novel green approach based on ZnO nanoparticles and polysaccharides for photocatalytic performance.

Novel green photocatalysts based on ZnO in the presence of arabic gum (AGZ) or karaya gum (KGZ) were synthesized by a sol-gel method for photocatalytic performance. The materials were characterized by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, nitrogen adsorption/desorption, and PL and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Photocatalytic test was performed using methylene blue (MB) dye as the target pollutant under visible light. The reuse of photocatalysts and Artemia saline bioassays were investigated. The ZnO nanoparticles showed a hexagonal structure and the values of the band gaps were 2.95 (AGZ) and 2.98 eV (KGZ). The PL results demonstrated emission bands at 440, 473 or 478 and 549 nm. The textural properties indicated the presence of typically mesoporous materials. The MB discoloration efficiency was 81.5% and 91.0% for AGZ and KGZ, respectively. The photocatalytic activity of AGZ and KGZ was maintained after the third run. The ˙OH radicals are the main species involved in the MB discoloration. The MB discoloration from the photocatalysts showed no toxicity; therefore, they are considered to be promising materials for the degradation of the dye in the photocatalytic process.

Karaya gum-graft-poly(N,N'-dimethylacrylamide) gel: A pH responsive potential adsorbent for sequestration of cationic dyes

A polysaccharide based hydrogel, Karaya gum grafted with N,N'-dimethylacrylamide (KG-g-PDMA) was synthesized and studied as single efficient adsorbent for removal of multiple cationic dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorbent material was synthesised via microwave assisted free radical polymerization process and was characterized by FTIR, TGA, BET and SEM techniques. Swelling studies of adsorbent was performed using buffer solutions of pH 4.0, 7.0 and 9.2 and the viability of KG-g-PDMA, as an adsorbent for removal of basic dyes, methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), rhodamine (Rh B) and toluidine blue (TB) from aqueous solution has been studied. The effect of various parameters on dye adsorption has been investigated. The maximum dye adsorption capacities of the KG-g-PDMA for TB, MB, CV and Rh B were found to be 472.86, 468.38, 447.12 and 433.02 mg/g respectively which were appreciably high compared to other reported materials such as activated carbon, gypsum and Moroccan clay etc. The pseudo second order kinetic model and Freundlich isotherm models provide better correlation with the experimental data for the adsorption of all the dyes on KG-g-PDMA. The thermodynamic studies indicated the nature of dye adsorption to be endothermic and spontaneous. Desorption studies indicated that maximum desorption occurs at acidic pH conditions. Overall this work throws light on design and development of single efficient adsorbent material for the adsorption of multiple cationic dyes and possible reuse of the material.

Radiation induced graft copolymerization of graphene oxide and carbopol onto sterculia gum polysaccharide to develop hydrogels for biomedical applications

In order to explore the potential of graphene oxide (GOx) in the field of biomedical applications, in the present work, GOx containing polymers were prepared using carbopol (CARBO) and sterculia gum (STRG) polysaccharide by graft-copolymerization method. These polymers were used for evaluation of the release profile of an antibiotic drug ciprofloxacin. The polymers were characterized by SEMs, XRD, FTIR, TGA, DTG and DSC techniques. It has been found that the presence of GOx in the polymer matrix has influenced various properties including drug loading and drug release. Both drug loading and drug release was improved in case of GOx containing polymer matrix. The release of the ciprofloxacin drug occurred in a controlled manner without burst effect and release profile followed the non-Fickian diffusion mechanism and it was best fitted in the Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetic release model.

Sterculia Gum: Chemical Structure, Composition and Physico-Chemical Properties

Physico-chemical properties are crucial characteristics of hydrocolloids as they decide the applicability of them. Rheology of system, flow behaviour and mechanical properties make hydrocolloids suitable for food industry. Modification of consistency or texture properties of functional polymers also controls their sensory characteristics, thereby they become significant essences such as thickener, gelling agents, foaming agent, texture modifier, viscosifier, emulsifier, stabilizer and binder. Industrial and pharmaceutical applications are also controlled by some suitable physico-chemical properties of hydrocolloids. The polysaccharide gum exudates constitute a architecturally distinct class of complex biomacromolecules having unique physico-chemical properties. Due to their good bio/tissue compatibility, non-toxicity, they are extensively used in the field of tissue engineering, drug delivery and wound healing. Chemical and molecular architecture of hydrocolloids in turn controls their physico-chemical and functional properties. Sterculia gum is a substituted rhamnogalacturonoglycan (pectic) type exudate gum used as suspending agent, gelling agents, emulsifier, bulk laxative, dental adhesive, drug delivery agent and wound healing agent. It exhibits high water retention capacity, high viscosity and least solubility. Solutions of sterculia gum are viscoelastic and thixotropic. Sterculia gum has been recommended as effective wound dressing material as it can form a intensely adhesive gel when dispersed in minimum ammount of water. Owing to wide applications and distinctive properties of sterculia gum, present work is an endeavor to summarize the molecular organization, chemical configuration and physico-chemical properties of sterculia gum and the factors affecting physico-chemical properties of sterculia gum.

Preparation and characterization of vetiver oil encapsulated polymeric microcapsules for sedative and hypnotic activity

In the present work, in view of the medicinal properties of vetiver oil (extracted from the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides L.), we made an attempt to encapsulate vetiver oil in a biocompatible polymeric system made of sodium alginate with gellan gum or karaya gum. Sodium alginate and gellan gum or karaya gum were ionotropically cross-linked to encapsulate vetiver oil. Vetiver oil encapsulations in these microcapsules were 35.92 ± 3.18 % to 78.55 ± 3.35%. Vetiver oil encapsulated microcapsules were of spherically shaped with 656-769 µm mean diameter. This vetiver oil encapsulated microcapsules made of alginate-gellan gum blends were found capable of providing a long release of encapsulated oil, showing the potential for the sustained release application. These microcapsules were analyzed by FTIR, DSC, and SEM, etc. In addition, sedative and hypnotic activities of vetiver oil encapsulated polymeric microcapsules in the male Swiss albino mice were evaluated. The sedative-hypnotic activity of vetiver oil encapsulated polymeric microcapsules in rats was observing the number of crossing and motilities. The results proves that vetiver oil encapsulated polymeric microcapsules decreased motility when compared to the control group.

Screening Malaysian edible bird’s nests for structural adulterants and geographical origin using Mid-Infrared – Attenuated Total Reflectance (MIR-ATR) spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis by Data-Driven – Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (DD-SIMCA)

Edible bird’s nest (EBN) is widely consumed in South-East Asia as a health food product. In recent years, the adulteration of EBN is quite common due to its high economic value and limited supplies of the natural authentic product. Authentication and traceability of EBN demands time-consuming sequential analytical measurements to confirm that the product quality meets technical and regulatory requirements. Mid Infrared spectroscopy combined with chemometric analysis by Data-Driven Soft Independent Modelling of Class Analogy (DD-SIMCA) was used in this study to screen Malaysian EBNs for structural adulterants and for confirmation of geographical origin. The samples used were authentic processed EBNs of different grades (2A, 3A, 4A and 5A) from the swiftlet species Aerodramus fuciphagus supplied by Ministry of Health, Malaysia. Similarly, adulterants commonly used in EBN namely agar, Karaya gum, bovine gelatin, fish skin, melamine and porcine gelatine were also characterized. Adulterant mixtures were prepared gravimetrically at concentrations of 1, 5 and 10%w/w by combining appropriate quantities of adulterants with individual authentic EBN samples. Samples were then analyzed by Mid-Infrared – Attenuated Total Reflectance (MIR-ATR) spectroscopy. All test samples are properly categorized as members of the target class. However, 61% of the tested adulterated EBNs were correctly classified as ‘alien’ or non-authentic samples. The sensitivity and specifity values for DD-SIMCA models applied to origin determination ranged from 90 to 100% for production regions from Kelantan, Perak and Malacca. MIR-ATR spectroscopy in combination with DD-SIMCA modelling has shown potential as a rapid screening technique to detect the presence adulterants and confirm the provenance of EBN produced in Malaysia. Further work is required to validate the approach with a larger set of authentic samples and for a wider range of adulterants including flavour enhancers and preservatives.

Zeolite-Y incorporated karaya gum hydrogel composites for highly effective removal of cationic dyes

This research paper reports the feasibility of utilizing zeolite-Y incorporated hydrogel composite (ZHC) of gum karaya (GK) as a potential adsorbent to treat cationic dyes contaminated wastewater. Initially, the crosslinked hydrogel of GK with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and acrylic acid (AA) was synthesized via grafting and subsequently zeolite-Y particle were homogeneously dispersed thought-out the polymer matrix. Changes in the property profile of parental hydrogel polymer after incorporating zeolite-Y were studied using SEM, X-ray diffraction, FTIR and TEM techniques. For dye adsorption studies, brilliant green dye (BG) was taken as the target pollutant. Adsorption isotherm followed Langmuir model with 1461.35 mg/g adsorption capacity and the adsorption kinetics was most appropriately explained using pseudo-second-order model. Diffusion of dye molecules into the internal structure of ZHC was governed collectively by intraparticle and liquid film diffusion mechanisms. Furthermore, ZHC was regenerated and applied six times repeatedly to adsorb dye without much alteration in the performance.

Polysaccharides Sterculia Gum/Psyllium Based Hydrogel Dressings for Drug Delivery Applications

Keeping in view the advantages of hydrogel based wound dressing, the present work explore the potential of sterculia gum and psyllium polysaccharides to prepare the moxifloxacin loaded hydrogel wound dressings for better wound care. The polymers were characterized by cryo scanning electron microscopy (cryoSEM), atomic force microscopy, 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and swelling studies. Evaluation of drug release mechanism and kinetic model from the polymer matrix was performed along with some biomedical properties of hydrogel dressing including wound fluid absorption, blood-compatibility, antioxidant activity, oxygen permeability, muco-adhesion, and mechanical properties. CryoSEM showed porous nature of the polymer film. One gram of the hydrogel dressing absorbed 14.7 g simulated wound fluid. Release of drugs (moxifloxacin) from drug loaded hydrogel dressings, occurred through non-Fickian diffusion mechanism in simulated wound fluid without any burst effect. Hydrogel dressing showed porous structures with good degree of mechanical strength, antioxidant activity and biocompatibility.

OVERVIEW OF MUCOADHESIVE BIOPOLYMERS FOR BUCCAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Mucoadhesive dosage forms may be intended for facilitation of prolonged retention time at the application site hence providing drug release in a controlled rate for enhanced improvement of therapeutic activity and its outcome. The buccal mucosa has been investigated for systemic drug delivery and local drug treatment or therapy that is subjected to first pass metabolism. The applicability of bio-adhesion approach in buccal drug delivery proved great therapeutic potential to overcome the limitation of conventional buccal drug delivery. The delivery via buccal route using mucoadhesive biopolymers such as various natural gums e.g. carrageenans, gum karaya, gum arabic, locust bean gum, khaya gum, gum ghatti, albizia gum, guar gum, starch, cellulose, larch gum and pectin etc. and various thiolated and carboxymethylated polymers has been the subject of interest since the early 20th century. The present article is focused mainly on the oral mucosa, mechanism of drug permeation, and characteristics of the desired polymers, the manuscript then proceeds to cover the theories behind the adhesion of bioadhesive polymers to the mucosal epithelium followed by the factors affecting mucoadhesion. Further the author has also discussed on the new generation of mucoadhesive polymers and their properties, recent mucoadhesive formulations for enhanced buccal drug delivery, various marketed products and patent literature. Various online search engines and scientific journals were employed for the collection of literature and scientific data and information related to the topic using keywords like mucoadhesive polymers, buccal drug delivery, buccal patches, tablets, films, gels, powder from the year 2002 and above.

Study of a cross-linked hydrogel of Karaya gum and Starch as a controlled drug delivery system

A cross-linked hydrogel was synthesized using a hybrid backbone of karaya gum starch and grafted with polyacrylic acid. It showed a maximum swelling ratio (SR) of 30.5 g/g at pH 10 and was explored as an oral drug delivery carrier using paracetamol and aspirin as model drugs. In vitro release experiments revealed that maximum drug release at pH 7.4 in comparison to pH 1.2 (simulated intestinal vs gastric fluid) and neutral medium. The release profiles of these drugs showed no initial burst. It also showed good hemocompatibilty and non-cytotoxicity for its employment as a site specific drug delivery agent.

Prebiotic potential of natural gums and starch for bifidobacteria of variable origins

Complex polysaccharide polymers of natural origin are widely used as natural food thickeners. They are useful for their technological properties, and at the same time they are biodegradable and safe for consumers. In addition, natural food thickeners, such as natural gums (NGs) and starch, may also represent suitable potentially prebiotic substrates for probiotic genera such as the genus Bifidobacterium. Therefore, 204 bifidobacterial strains of 60 species and subspecies were tested for their ability to utilize 6 NGs (locust bean, guar, tragacanth, arabic, xanthan, and karaya gums) and starch.Here we observed that the ability to utilize these substrates as a single carbon source is species and strain specific trait reflecting the host origin and diet. The utilization was evaluated based on the pH change, metabolite formation, and detection of viable bifidobacterial counts. In conclusion, 114 strains of human and animal origin (37 bifidobacterial species and subspecies) were able to utilize starch. Compared to that, mostly bifidobacteria of the animal origin were able to utilize a wider range of available natural substrates compared to the human bifidobacteria. In total, 29 strains were able to use NGs (10 species and subspecies). Most often used locust bean, guar, tragacanth, and arabic gums represent possible prebiotic sources for bifidobacteria in animal nutrition, ideally in synbiotic applications. Natural food thickeners were found to be useful potential prebiotics. However, a suitable combination with probiotic Bifidobacterium strains is required.

Formulation and Evaluation of Floating and Mucoadhesive Tablets Containing Rosiglitazone

In this present study, floating mucoadhesive tablets of Rosiglitazone were formulated to improve the gastric retention time and overall bioavailability. Different mucoadhesive polymers like HPMC K200 M, Na CMC, Carbopol 974P, Karaya gum, Chitosan and Xanthan gum were selected to formulate the tablets. Various formulations were prepared by using these polymers in different concentration. The pre-compression blend of Rosiglitazone mucoadhesive tablets were characterized with respect to angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, carr’s index and hausner’s ratio and all the results indicated that the blend was having good flow property and hence better compression properties. The swelling studies were performed for the formulations and the results depicted that all the formulations have a good swelling index. The drug release studies depicted that the formulations release the drug in first order. So based on the results, formulation RF13 was found to be an optimized formulation.
 Keywords: Mucoadhesive tablets, Rosiglitazone, Bioadhesive polymers.

Development and Evaluation of Fast Disintegrating Tablets of Lornoxicam Solid Dispersions


 Lornoxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) of the oxicam class. It belongs to BCS class II substance with low solubility and high permeability. The aim of current research is to formulate solid dispersion incorporated Fast disintegrating tablets of Lornoxicam to enhance the dissolution rate and aqueous solubility and to enable faster onset of action. Solid dispersions are prepared with polymers like Kolliwax GMS, Soluplus and HPMC in three different ratios 1:1:1, 1:2:1 and 1:3:1. Formulations were characterized for drug content studies, drug release studies, and drug-polymer interactions using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum. The solid dispersions can be evaluated by in-vitro dissolution studies. The optimized solid dispersion SD9 was further used to prepare fast disintegrating tablet by direct compression method using 33 Response surface method (3 variables and 3 levels of superdisintegrants) by using Design of experiment software with superdisintegrants like locust bean gum, gum karaya, Plantago ovata. The values of pre-compression parameters evaluated were within prescribed limits that indicated good free flowing properties. The data obtained of post-compression parameters such as weight variation, hardness, friability, content uniformity, disintegration time (33 sec) and percentage drug release was maximum in LF24 (99.21±1.87%) within 10 minutes and was found to superior over Marketed formulation i.e., 87.27±0.27 %. From in vivo bioavailability studies the best formulation has shown Tmax of 1.0 h which was highly significant (P < 0.05) when compared with marketed formulation 2.5 h. The statistical significance was assessed by one-way analysis of variance. Therefore, the solid dispersions incorporated fast disintegrating tablets of Lornoxicam can be successfully used for improvement of dissolution, resulted in faster onset of action as indicated by in vivo studies. It can be concluded that fast disintegrating tablets using Lornoxicam solid dispersion could be used to improve better patient compliance with immediate action in the effective management of pain and inflammation.

Effects of gum karaya addition on the characteristics of loquat seed starch films containing oregano essential oil

Biodegradable films were developed from a novel source of starch, extracted from loquat seed, which is usually discarded. Oregano essential oil (OE) was incorporated into the loquat seed starch (LSS) film to confer bioactivity. The LSS films incorporated with 1.2% OE exhibited good antimicrobial activities as well as desirable mechanical properties. To enhance the homogeneity of OE in the film matrix, gum karaya (GK; 10%, 15%, and 20% of OE, w/w) was added as a stabilizing agent. The effects of GK concentration on the characteristics of the LSS films containing 1.2% OE were determined and compared with that of Tween 80. Results indicated that the addition of GK increased tensile strength and hydrophobicity of the film surface, whereas Tween 80 at high concentrations (15% and 20%) increased water solubility and roughness of the film. The presence of GK or Tween 80 increased opacity and water vapor permeability of the films, whereas the moisture content of the films decreased. Addition of GK or Tween 80 improved the distribution of OE in the films, and did not affect bioactivities, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, of the films. These results suggest that GK may be used as a stabilizer in starch films containing essential oils as an alternative to Tween 80.

Fabrication of Gelatin/Karaya gum blend microspheres for the controlled release of Distigmine bromide

This paper reports the fabrication of gelatin/karaya gum microspheres by emulsion crosslinking method for controlled release of distigmine bromide. The microspheres were crosslinked with the help of glutaraldehyde and used for controlled oral delivery of distigmine bromide. The obtained microspheres were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Drug release kinetics of the microspheres is investigated in simulated intestinal fluid pH 7.4 at 37oC. Results illustrated that microspheres was influenced by the pH of test mediums, which might be suitable for intestinal drug delivery. The drug release kinetics was analyzed by evaluating the release data using different kinetic models. Keywords: Karaya Gum, Gelatin, microspheres, drug delivery.

Pharmacokinetic enhancement of poorly aqueous soluble rosuvastatin using natural gum as carriers: pharmaceutical modeling of release kinetics and bio-stastistical evaluation

The major focus of the present investigation is to enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of Rosuvastatin Calcium. Preaparation of Solid dispersions of Rosuvastatin Calcium by using Vitamin E TPGS, A.Marmelos, and Gum Karaya as carriers in different ratios through solvent evaporation method. As Solid dispersions have been traditionally used effective techniques to improve the dissolution properties and bioavailability of poorly-soluble drugs. The model drug selected Rosuvastatin Calcium, which is BCS class-II drug with anti-hyperlipidemic potential. The reported bioavailability from oral route of drug is only 20%. So aim of current study is to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of a poorly water-soluble drug Rosuvastatin Calcium, by solid dispersion technique. Physical mixtures and solid dispersions were prepared using Vitamin E TPGS, MGK & natural polymers A.Marmelos in different to drug to carrier ratios, dispersions were prepared by solvent evaporation technique. Prepared formulations were characterized in solid state by FTIR analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy and in-vitro dissolution study. The aqueous solubility of Rosuvastatin Calcium was favored by presence of both the polymers. Solid state characterizations indicated the Rosuvastatin Calcium was present in amorphous form and entrapped in polymer matrix. In contrast to the very slow dissolution rate of pure Rosuvastatin Calcium, the dispersion of the drug in the polymers considerably enhanced the dissolution rate. Solid dispersion prepared with TPGS showed maximum 91.19% Drug release. The best formulation of solid dispersion selected and subjected to fast dissolving tablets. The mixtures of solid dispersion and excipients were evaluated for pre-compression parameters. After then fast dissolving tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. The formulated tablets were evaluated by post compression parameters. In-vitro drug release performance of the develope