RECENT TRENDS IN THE EXTRACTION AND UTILIZATION OF GUMS AND MUCILAGES

A. Veenadevi*, S. K. Shabana Begam, T. Kumari, Rounak Upodhaya, P. Srinivasa Babu

ABSTRACT

Extensive research efforts have been focused on emerging safe and efficient natural-based polysaccharide particulate drug delivery systems. Gums and mucilage’s are common natural ingredients for both traditional and innovative dosage forms. Compared to synthetic gums, natural gum excipients are better in delivering the bioactive substance. Since these natural materials are readily accessible, nontoxic, chemically inert, and biodegradable, they are superior to synthetic ones. They can also be altered in many ways to create materials specifically designed for drug delivery systems, which allows them to compete with currently available synthetic excipients. These days, a lot of pharmaceutical excipients come from natural sources. Nature has given us a vast array of resources that can either directly or indirectly support or enhance the health of all living systems. These gums and mucilages also improve food goods' sensory qualities, increase moisture retention, and stop staling, which prolongs their shelf life. Due to the progress in drug delivery technology, natural polysaccharides are included in novel drug delivery to fulfill multitasking functions and, in specific cases, directly or indirectly control the extent and/or rate of drug release. This article concentrates on the origins, isolation, purification, characterization, extraction techniques, and various uses of gums and mucilages obtained from plants in the food industry.

Keywords: Gums & Mucilages, Extraction, Isolation, Applications.