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318 | P a g e International Standard Serial Number (ISSN): 2319-8141

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International Journal of Universal Pharmacy and Bio Sciences 3(3): May-June 2014

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF UNIVERSAL

PHARMACY AND BIO SCIENCES IMPACT FACTOR 1.89***

ICV 5.13*** Pharmaceutical Sciences REVIEW ARTICLE……!!!

NATURAL GELLING AGENTS: A REVIEW

Khushbu P.Shah1*, Dr Rashmi S. Srivastava

1, Ulhas G. Karle

2

1Mumbai Education Trust’s Institute of Pharmacy, Bandra (W), Mumbai, India.

2 Gayatri herbals Pvt .Ltd, Kalika towers, Kolbad road, Thane (W), Mumbai, India.

KEYWORDS:

Gelling agents,

Classification and

Properties, Screening of

Gelling agents.

For Correspondence:

Khushbu P.Shah*

Address:

M.PHARM Student,

Mumbai Education

Trust’s Institute of

Pharmacy,

MET Complex, Bandra

Reclamation,

Bandra (W), Mumbai

4000-50, India.

Email:

khushbushah590@gmail.

com

ABSTRACT

All pharmaceutical dosage forms contain many additives besides

the active ingredients to assist manufacturing and to obtain the

desired effect of the active ingredients. The advances in drug

delivery have simultaneously urged the excipients that are safe,

which directly or indirectly influence the rate and extent of release

and /or absorption of the drug. Today, the whole world is

increasingly interested in drugs and excipients of natural origin.

These excipients have advantages over synthetic ones since they

are more safe, biodegradable and available. This review discusses

about the majority of these gelling agents, their sources, chemical

constituents, and therapeutic uses as excipients in Pharmaceutical

drug delivery systems.

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



INTRODUCTION

Gelling agent are hydrocolloidal substances that give thixotrophic consistency to the gel. These are

also known as solidifiers, stabilizer and thickening agents. They are widely used as excipients for

both conventional and novel dosage forms. Unfortunately the ‘Universal Gelling Agent’ doesn’t

exist yet. In recent years, there has been a tremendous development in natural products which are

needed to be used for a variety of purposes. The increasing interest in gelling agent of natural origin,

has led the pharmaceutical world to use most of them in the formulations. These excipients have

advantages over synthetic ones since they are safer, biodegradable and available .They can also be

modified in different ways to obtain tailor made materials for drug delivery systems and thus can

compete with the available synthetic excipients. Moreover, the tremendous orientation of pharma

world towards these naturally derived gelling agents has become a subject of increasing interest to

discover, extract and purify such compounds from the natural origin. Gelling agents of natural origin

are potent candidates that can be used in various pharmaceutical preparations and are one of the most

commonly used excipients for novel drug delivery system (NDDS). In this review, we have

described various natural gelling agents used in the pharmaceutical sciences. [1] [2] [4] [6]

NEED FOR NATURAL GELLING AGENT

a) Biodegradable – Naturally occurring polymers produced by all living organisms. They show

no adverse effects on the environment or human being.

b) Biocompatible and non-toxic – Chemically, nearly all of these plant materials are

carbohydrates in nature and composed of repeating monosaccharide units. Hence they are

non-toxic.

c) Safe and devoid of side effects – They are from a natural source and hence, safe and without

side effects.

d) Easy availability – In many countries, they are produced due to their application in many

industries. [1] [2] [3] [6]

The ideal Gelling agent has to meet a wide variety of specification.

It should posses properties such as thixotropic, non greasy, emollient and non-staining.

It should produce a reasonable solid-like nature during storage that can be easily broken

when subjected to shear forces generated by shaking the bottle, squeezing the tube, or during

topical application.

It should permit the incorporation of a large amount of drug.

It should not react, physically or chemically with the drug.



Molecular weight, chemical functionality of gelling agent must allow diffusion and release of

the specific drug.

It should be easily manufactured and fabricated into the desired product and inexpensive.

It must be stable and must not decompose in the presence of drug and other excipients used

in the formulation, at high humidity conditions, or at body temperature.

Gelling agent and its degradation products must be nontoxic [1] [3] [4] [6]

Properties of Gelling Agent

1. Gelling agents are more soluble in cold water than hot water. Gelling agents like Acacia ,

Tragacanth have better solubility in cold water while Bentonite, Gelatin are more water

soluble in hot water

2. Gelling agents are used in concentration of 0.5 up to 10%

3. Gelling agents require a neutralizer or pH adjusting chemical to create the gel after the gelling

agent has been wetted in the dispersing medium

4. Most of these agents require 24-48 hours to completely hydrate and reach maximum viscosity

and clarity.

5. The viscosity of the gelling agents in the gelling layer is within range of about 1000 cps to

about 100,000 cps [2] [4] [5] [6]

Table No.1.Comparision of Gelling Agents Properties [10]

Gelling agent Compatibility Rheology Yield value Electrolyte stability

Aqueous Gelling Agents

Guar Gum

Cellulose Gum

Xanthan Gum

Hydorxy Ethyl Cellulose

Methycellulose

Carbomer

Acrylate Polmers

Polyetylene Glycol

Clay

Water

Water

Water

Water

Water

Water

Water

Water

Water

Thixotrophic

Pseudo plastic

Pseudo plastic

Pseudo plastic

Pseudo plastic

Pseudo plastic

Pseudo plastic

Newtonian

Thixotrophic

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

Yes

Yes

Non-Aqueous Gelling Agents

Polyethylenes

Trihydorxystearin (Organic)

Oragano Clays

Fumed Silisca

Oil

Oil

Oil

Oil

Oil

Pseudo plastic

Thixotrophic

Thixotrophic

Thixotrophic

Thixotrophic

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes



Disadvantages of Natural Gelling Agent

a) Microbial contamination – During production, they are exposed to external environment

and hence, there are chances of microbial contamination. However, this can be prevented by

proper handling and the use of preservatives

b) Batch to batch variation in formulation – Synthetic manufacturing is controlled procedure

with fixed quantities of ingredients while manufacturing of formulation using natural gelling

agent is dependent on environment and various physical factors.

c) The uncontrolled rate of hydration—Due to differences in the collection of natural

materials at different times, as well as differences in region, species, and climate conditions

the percentage of chemical constituents present in a given material may vary.

d) Slow Process – As the production rate is depends upon the environment and many other

factors, it can’t be changed. So natural gelling agent have a slow rate of production.

e) Incompatibility with Drug and Excipients – There are some Anionic gelling agents which

are incompatible with Cationic drug, preservatives or surfactant e.g. Sodium alginate

f) Heavy metal contamination – There are chances of Heavy metal contamination often

associated with herbal excipients. [1] [2] [5] [6] [8]

Few of the above mentioned disadvantages can be overcome by

Using proper techniques in processing of the gelling agents as per WHO guidelines

Detailed studies of physio-chemical incompatibility of such gelling agents with the

active pharmaceutical ingredients and other excipients in the formulation, use of

preservative and proper storage condition. [2][4]

Classification of Gelling Agents

A. Table no 2.CLASSIFICATION OF GELLING AGENTS ON THE BASIS OF

SOLUBILITY [1] [3] [4] [6]

PHARMACUTICAL GELLING AGENTS

AQUEOUS GELLING AGENTS

Cellulose and Its Derivatives

Gums

Clays

PEGS And Their Modifications

Synthetic Polymers

NON-AQUES GELLING AGENTS

Polyethylene’s

Organic

Organoclays

Silica’s



B. Classification of Natural Gelling Agents On The Basis of Phyto-Chemical Occurance[1, 4-7, 10-20]

A. Table No 3. Classification of Gelling Agents (Polysacchrides Heteroglycans) [1] [4-7] [10-20]

GELLING AGENTS

PROTIENS

Gelatin

POLYSACCHARIDES/

HETEROGLYCAN

Acaia

Tragacanth

Locust bean gum

Guar gum

Pectin

Xanthan gum

Gellan gum

Chitosan

Agar

Sodium alginate

Carrageenan

MUCILAGE

Fenugreek Mucliage

Hibuscus Mucliage

Isabgul Mucilage

Aloe vera Mucilage (Gel)

MINERALS

Bentonite

Charge Source Chemical Nature Shape

Non-ionic seed

gums:

Guar, locust

bean,tamarind,xanth

an,galactomannans

.

Plant origin:

a) Shrubs/tree exudates -gum

arabica, gum ghatti,gum

karaya,gum tragacanth,

b) Seed gums-guar gum, locust

bean gum, starch, and amylase.

c) Extracts-pectin, larch gum.

d) Tuber and roots-potato,

starch.

Diheteroglycans:

Algins, carragennans,

galactomannans.

Branched:

Short branched :- guar

gum, locust bean gum

Marine/ Algal /Seaweed

Gums :-Alginates,

Carrageenans,Agar

Tri-heteroglycans:

Arabinoxylans, gellan,

xanthan.

Long branched :- karaya

gum, gum tragacanth, gum

Arabic

Anionic gums:

Arabic,karaya,

tragacant, gellan,

agar, algin,

carrageenans,

pectic acid.

Animal origin:-chitin and

chitosan, chondroitin sulfate,

hyaluronic acid.

Tetra-heteroglycans:

Gum arabic, psyllium seed

gum

Linear: amylase, pectin,

cellulose.

. Microbial origin:-Xanthan

Gum, Gellan gum

Penta-heteroglycans:

Ghatti gum, tragacanth.

Fragmented: gelatin,

collagen.



1. GELATIN:-

Gelatin is a generic term for a mixture of purified protein fractions obtained either

by partial acid hydrolysis (type A) or by partial alkaline hydrolysis (type B) of

animal collagen. Gelatin may also be a mixture of both types.

Description:-

Appearance: - It appear as yellowish to slightly amber coloured, odourless and tasteless powder

Solubility: - Gelatin is practically insoluble in organic solvents, soluble in glycerine, acids and

bases. In water gelatin swells and softens gradually absorbing between 5 -10 times its own weight of

water. Gelatin is soluble in hot water, forming a gel on cooling to 35-40o C.

Chemical constituents: - The Gelatin protein fraction consists almost entirely of amino acid.

Therapeutically Gelatin is used in the preparation of wound dressing. Absorbable gelatin is

available as sterile film, ophthalmic film and sterile compressed sponge. Absorbable gelatin sponge

in Gel form is used as haemostatic during surgery [1] [5] [11-20]

2. ACACIA GUM:- (Gum Arabica, Indian Gum, Acacia)

The air dried gummy exudates from the stem and branches of Acacia senegal

Willd (Fam. Mimosoideae) and other species of African origin. It is also

known as Senegal gum.

Description:-

Appearance: - It appear as white or yellowish white thin flakes, odourless and mucilaginous in taste

Solubility: - The gum is freely soluble in equal weight of water to form a viscous and acidic

solution. Gum is insoluble in alcohol and other organic solvents.

Chemical constituents: - The chief chemical constituent is Arabian which is the mixture of

calcium, magnesium and potassium salts of Arabic acid

Therapeutically Acacia gum is used in the inflammation of intestinal mucosa. Due to its demulcent

properties it is used in various formulations of cough, diarrhoea and throat problems. It is also used

to cover inflamed surfaces such as burn. The gum is common ingredient in cosmetic formulations in

combination with tragacanth .The gum is use in concentration 10-15%. [1] [2] [5] [11-20]

3. TRAGACANTH GUM:- ( Tragacanth , Gum dragon)

Tragacanth is the air –dried gummy exudation obtained by incision from the

stems of Astragalus gummifer Labil. (White Gavan) or other Asiatic species of

Astragalus such as A. Kurdicus, A.adscendens and A.strobiliferus. (Fam.

Mimosoceae).



Description:-

Appearance:- It appear as a white or yellowish white thin flakes, odourless and mucilaginous in

taste, it occurs as powdered form in various grades as per its qualities e.g. Ribbon 1-5 and Flakes 26-

28 ,55.

Solubility: - Practically insoluble in water, alcohol and other solvents. Although insoluble in water

tragacanth swells rapidly 10 times of its own weight of either cold or hot water

Chemical constituents: - The gum consists of a mixture of tragacanthin (water soluble portion) and

Bassorin (water insoluble polysaccharide). The insoluble portion swells to a gel and consists of 60-

70% of Basorrin

Therapeutically tragacanth is used in treatment of constipation it has demulcent and emollient

properties and is used in various cosmetic formulations like Hand lotions Tragacanth produce gel at

2-5% concentration which is acidic. It is stable at pH as low as 2. [1] [2] [4] [11-20]

4. Guar Gum:- (Cluster bean gum, Guar galactomannan , Jagur gum)

Guar Gum is seed gum produced from the powdered endosperm of the seeds of

Cyamopsis tetragaonolobus Linn, (Fam.Leguminoseae). The FDA has affirmed

guar gum as generally safe

Description;-

Appearance: - It appear as white or to yellowish-white powder, odourless and mucilaginous in taste

Solubility: - It is practically insoluble in organic solvents, in cold or hot water it disperses and swells

immediately to form a highly viscous and thixotrophic sol

Chemical constituents: - The water soluble fraction of Guar gum constitutes 85% of Guar gum and

is known as Guaran which is a galactomannan and protein is also present 5-7%.

Therapeutically, Guar gum has been used as bulk-forming laxative, appetite suppressant and in

peptic ulcer therapy. Guar gum is used in the treatment of Diabetes mellitus .Guar gum occurs as an

1% of guar gum is having same viscosity as to that of acacia, Guar gum has 5 to 8 times more

thickening power as compare to starch Guar gum is used as an ideal gelling agent in medicated tooth

paste, lotions, creams, and ointments. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [11-20]

5. LOCUST BEAN GUM:- ( Carob gum,Ceatonia)

The gum consists of the hydrocolloid from the powdered endosperm of the

seed of Ceratonia siliqua Linn. (Fam. Leguminosae), a tree native to the

Mediterranean region. Locust bean gum is a galactomannan and is similar to the guar gum.

Description:-

Appearance: - Gum appears as translucent white or yellow green in colour, odourless and

mucilaginous in taste



Solubility: - The powdered gum swells in water to form a viscous mass, the viscosity is between 3-

11 cps and is insoluble in organic solvents.

Chemical constituents:-The Gum contains neutral polysaccharides 58% galactomannan, 29%

galactan and 3% petnosans. Protein and cellulose is also present

Therapeutically it is used as demulcent and adsorbent. In Food industry it is used as a substitute for

starch. [1] [2] [5] [11-20]

6. KARAYAGUM:- ( Sterculia, Indian tragacanth)

Sterculia is a dried gummy exudates of the tree Sterculia urens Roxb, S.villosa, S.

tomentosa, S.tragacantha (Fam. Sterculiaceae). It is the air-hardened product of the

viscous exudates from the trunk and branches of the plant.

Description:-

Appearance: - The best quality of Karaya gum is colourless; the lower grade shows a light pink to

very dark colour. The gum has a marked odour of vinegar and is mucilaginous in taste

Solubility: - The gum is insoluble in water but it swells considerably 60-100times in it.

Chemical constituents: - The gum consists of hetero-polysaccharides of sugar and uronic acids.

Therapeutically it is used as bulk laxative, denture adhesive in dental treatment [1] [5] [11-20]

7. GHATTI GUM :- ( Indian Gum, Ghati, Gutty)

Ghati gum is dried gummy exudates derived from the tree Anogeissus latifolea Roxb

(Fam. Combretaceae).

Description:-

Appearance: - The gum has light to dark brown colour, the light brown variety is the best, it is

odourless with mucilaginous taste.

Solubility: - The gum forms colourless viscous sol with water. A 5% solution in water has 50-400

cps viscosity

Chemical constituents: - The gum is calcium –magnesium salt similar to acacia.

The gum is edible hence it is given as a good tonic to woman after child birth [1] [2] [4] [5] [11-20]

8. POTATO STARCH:-

Starch consists of polysaccharide granules obtained from the tubers of Solanum

tuberosum Linn (Fam. Solanacae).

Description:-

Appearance: - It appears as slightly yellowish, odourless and mucilaginous in taste.

Solubility: - It is soluble in hot water at Gelatinisation range of 60 -70 0C allowing granules to swell,

this sol forms gel on cooling



Chemical constituents: - Potato starch is fractionated into two structurally distinct polysaccharides

amylase (20%) and amylopectin (80%).

Therapeutically, starch is used as nutritive, demulcent, protective and as an absorbent. Starch gel is

used as an emollient skin and is also a base for enemas and suppositories .Antidote for iodine

poisoning [1] [2] [3] [11-20]

9. PECTIN:-

Pectin is the purified admixture of polysaccharide, obtained by carrying out the

hydrolysis in an acidic medium of the inner part of the rind of citrus peel, i.e.

Citrus limon or Citus auran tum (Fam. Rutaceae). Various sources of pectin are

listed in below table.

Table no.4: VARIOUS SOURCES OF PECTIN

Common name Botanical source Amount of pectin (%)

Lemon Citrus lemon 10-15

Orange Citrus aurantium 10-15

Apple Pyrus malus 10-12

Beets Beta Vulgaris 15-22

Papaya Carica papaya 9-12

Guava Psidium guyava 5-7

Sunflower heads Helianthus tuberosus 5

Appearance: - Pectin is a pale or cream coloured coarse or fine powder. It is odourless with

mucilaginous taste.

Solubility: - Pectin is insoluble in organic solvent but soluble in 20 parts of water. Different grades

of pectin are available based on it ‘Gelly- Grade’ is of 100,150 and 200 recommended for medicinal

and food usage. A 10 %( w/v) solution of pectin forms a gel on cooling, in acidic pH.

Chemical constituents: - Chemically, pectin is a neutral methoxy ester of pectic acid. Pectin is a

polyuronides and consists of mixture of pectic substances like protopectin, pectinic acid, and pectin

and calcium pectate. Gel strength depends on the degree of esertification. High methoxy pectin’s are

used in food industry; Low viscosity pectin’s have pharmaceutical applications.

Therapeutically, pectin is used as intestinal demulcent, treatment of indolent ulcers and deep

wounds, and a major component of anti-diarrhoeal formulation. It is used as haemostatic in cases of

haemorrhage. [1] [2] [6] [11-20]

10. SODIUM ALGINATE :- (Algin, Sodium poymannuronate)

Sodium alginate is the sodium salt of alginic acid, which is a purified

carbohydrate extracted from brown seaweed (algae) by the careful treatment with

sodium hydroxide.



Description:-

Appearance: - It appears as yellowish white, cream or buff coloured, odourless and tasteless

powder.

Solubility: - Insoluble in organic solvents and strong acids, freely soluble in water. A 1% (w/v)

aqueous solution at 20oC may have a viscosity in the range of 20-400 cps.

Chemical constituents: - Alginic acid is a polyuronic acid composed of D- mannuronic acid and L-

glucouronic acid

Since Algin can absorb up to 300 times its own weight in water, therapeutically is used as lubricant and

moisturizer for body and skin care products[1] [2] [4] [11-20]

11. CARRAGEENAN

Carrageenan is a large polymer made up of galactose monomers. It is derived from

red seaweed (Rhodophyceae) found in the North Atlantic, mostly of genus

Chondrus crispus, Eucheuma cottonii and Eucheulma spinosum. Manufacture is by

hot water extraction under mild alkaline conditions followed by drying or precipitation. 0.5 -1 %

concentration is used for gel.

Appearance: - It appear as yellowish transparent, odourless, tasteless coarse or fine powder

Solubility: - Solubility in water depends on method of preparation, either hot or cold water. In order

to achieve good gels with reduced brittleness, increased solubility in water and intermediate freeze-

thaw stabilities, a blend of the three types is often used.

Chemical properties of different forms of carrageenan are depicted in below table 5.

Table no.5 : CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF

CARRAGEENAN

Properties Kappa Iota Lambda

Effect of

cations

Gels most strongly with

potassium ions

Gels most strongly with calcium

ions

Non-gelling

Type of gel Strong & brittle with

syneresis

Elastic & cohesive without

syneresis

Non-gelling

Water

solubility

Na salts are soluble in

hot or cold water, Ca &

K salts are soluble

above 60˚C

Na salts are soluble in hot or cold

water, Ca salts for a thixotropic

dispersion in cold water, K salts

are soluble above 60˚C

All salts are

soluble in hot

or cold water

Freeze-thaw

stability

Not stable Stable Stable

Chemical constituents: - Carrageenan contains a sulphate ester functional group and is capable of

forming helical structures with varying gelling properties. The three main types of carrageenan are

kappa, iota and lambda, each differing in the number of sulphate ester groups. The forms also differ



in their gelling properties at room temperature. The use of carrageenan is limited by pH,

temperature, solubility and the presence of cations in the system.

Therapeutically, it is used as demulcent, emollient and Anti-Diarrhoeal .Carrageenan exhibits pseudo

plastic flow behaviour where increased shear rate decreases its viscosity but removal of the force

applied causes it to regain its initial viscosity[1] [2] [4] [5] [8] [11-20]

12. Xanthan gum :- (Corn Sugar Gum)

This gum is produced by a pure culture fermentation of carbohydrate with the

Xanthomonas Campestris and purified.

Description:-

Appearance: - It appear as cream coloured, odourless and free flowing powder

Solubility: - Soluble in cold and hot water giving highly viscous solution, which is stable towards

change in pH and also to heat. Viscosity is 1200-1600 cps for 1% w/v aqueous solution at 25oC.

Chemical constituent: - It is the sodium, potassium and calcium salt of D-glucose, D-mannose and

D-glucuronic acid, it also contains not less than 1.5% of pyruvic acid.

Xanthan gum exhibits a pseudoplastic flow behaviour which is directly proportional to the shear

rate. Aqueous solution is highly stable over a wide pH 4-10 range and temperature 10-60 o

C. [1] [2]

[7] [11-20]

13. Gellan gum:-

Gellan gum is an anionic, high molecular weight, deacetylated exocellular

polysaccharide gum produced as a fermentation product by a pure culture of

Sphingomonas elodea, the production organism is an aerobic, well

characterized, non-pathogenic, and gram-negative bacterium. Gellan gum acts

as a thickening or gelling agent and can produce textures in the final product

that vary from hard, non-elastic, brittle gels to fluid gels.

Descriptions:-

Appearance: - The gum appears as off-white powder, odourless and having bland taste. Gellan Gum

is available in a clarified form (KELCOGEL7) for foods and industrial products and a clarified form

of (GELRITE7) for microbiological media, plant tissue culture, and pharmaceutical applications.

Solubility: - Soluble in water, forming a viscous solution; insoluble in ethanol. It forms gels when

positively charged ions (i.e., cations) are added. Thus, the thickness and texture of gellan gum in

various products can be controlled by manipulating the addition of potassium, magnesium, calcium,

and/or sodium salts. In the same way, its melting temperature can be modified to either be below or

above 100° C



Chemical constituents: - It has a tetrasaccharide repeat unit consisting of two glucose (Glc)

residues, one glucuronic acid (GlcA) residue, and one rhamnose (Rha) residue. These are linked

together to give a tetrasaccharide repeat unit. The native polysaccharide is partially esterified with L-

glycerate and acetate but the commercial product Gelrite®

has been completely de-esterified by

alkali Treatment.

Types of Gellan Gum:

It is available in two forms (high or low acyl content). The acyl groups have a profound influence on

gel characteristics.

The high acyl form produces soft very elastic and non-brittle gels, while the low acyl form produces

firm, non-elastic and brittle gels. They may be used alone or blended to give products with the

desired characteristics.

Gellan gum is one of the most interesting in situ gelling polymers that have been tested since it

seems to perform very well in humans. Gellan gum has high gel strength, an excellent stability,

process flexibility and tolerance, high clarity, excellent film former, low use level, thermally

reversible gel. [1] [2] [4] [5] [7] [11-20]

14. AGAR (Japanese Isinglass, Chinese, Isinglass or Vegetable Gelatin)

A polysaccharide complex extracted from the agarocyte of algae of the

Rhodophyaceae. Predominant agar-producing genera are Gelidium, Gracilaria,

Acanthopeltis, Ceramium, Pterocladia found in the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Description:-

Appearance: - Agar appears as transparent, odourless, tasteless strips or coarse or fine powder.

Solubility: - It is insoluble in cold water .alcohol and slowly soluble in hot water to a viscid solution.

A 1% sol forms a stiff gel on cooling.

Chemical constituents: - Its chemical constituent can be separated into a neutral gelling fraction,

Agarose and a sulphated non –gelling fraction, Agaro-pectin

Therapeutically used as cathartic, in nutrient media for bacterial culture [1] [2] [4] [5] [6] [11-20]

15. CHITOSAN (Soluble Chitin)

Chitosan is a polysaccharide extracted from the shells of crustaceans, such as shrimp,

crab and other sea crustaceans, including Pandalus borealis and cell walls of fungi.

Description:-

Appearance: - chitosan appears as white coloured crystalline powder; it is odourless

and tastes less.

Solubility:- Chitosan is insoluble in water, organic solvents and aqueous bases and is soluble after

stirring in acids such as acetic, nitric, hydrochloric, perchloric and phosphoric acids Chitosan in

dilute acetic acid (1.25%0 has very high viscosity 120 cps.



Chemical constituents: - It is a linear randomly distributed, hetero polysaccharide consisting of (1-

4) linked 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose and 2-amino-2-deoxy-Dglycopyranose units. It is

prepared by deacetylation of chitin.

Chitosan is considered one of the most valuable natural gelling agents for biomedical and

pharmaceutical applications due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, antimicrobial, non-toxicity,

and anti-tumour properties. [1] [2] [5] [6] [11-20]

16. Fenugreek mucilage

Fenugreek, Trigonella Foenum-graceum, is an herbaceous plant of the (Fam.

Leguminoseae) Fenugreek seeds contain a high percentage of mucilage (a

natural gummy substance present in the coatings of many seeds).Mucilage is

extracted by multiple maceration of seeds.

Description:-

Appearance: - Mucilage appears as amorphous powder off white- cream yellow in colour with no

characteristic odour and tasteless

Solubility: - Mucilage although it does not dissolve in water, mucilage forms a viscous tacky mass

when exposed to fluids. Like other mucilage- containing substances, fenugreek seeds swell up and

forms viscous colloidal solution when they are exposed to fluids. Its swelling Index is 9. Its viscosity

(0.15 W/V Solution) is 1.4849 cps. . Gelling concentration lies between 2.5-3.5% w/v

Chemical constituents: - Mucilage contains polysaccharide galactomannan. The ripe seeds have

numerous applications in cosmetic and traditional medicine system of India.

Therapeutically, Mucilage is used as demulcent, emollient and tonic. [1] [2] [3] [5] [11-20]

17. Aloe Vera Mucilage:-

Aloe Vera mucilage is obtained after eliminating the outer most tissue of the

leaf of various species of Aloe such as Aloe berbadensis and Aloe vera

(Fam. Lilaceae).

Description:-

Appearance: - Aloe Vera mucilage appears as a clear gel with characteristic odour and bitter taste.

Aloe gel is often commercialised as powdered concentrate.

Solubility: - Aloe Vera dissolves slowly in water forming a viscous solution and is insoluble in

organic solvents

Chemical constituents: - The gel consists primarily of water (>98%) and polysaccharides.

Acemannan is considered the main functional component of aloe Vera and is composed of a long

chain of acetylated mannose. It also contains amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes.

Important anthraquinones, emodin and aloin are also present.



Traditionally, aloe Vera gel is used both, topically (treatment of wounds, minor burns, and skin

irritations) and internally to treat constipation, coughs, ulcers, diabetes, headaches, arthritis,

immune-system deficiencies. [1] [2] [5] [7] [8] [9] [11-20]

18. Isabgul mucilage:-

Psyllium seed mucilage, also known as ispaghula, isabgol, or simply as

psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago ovata, (Fam.

plantaginaceae), a native of India and Pakistan.

Appearance: - It appears as colourless fibrous material, which is odourless and has a bland taste.

Solubility: - They are soluble in water, forms a clear colourless mucilaginous gel by absorbing

water.

Chemical constituents:-Gel forming fraction of the alkali extractable polysaccharides is composed

of arabinose, xylose and traces of other sugars.

Therapeutically, used from the times of ayurveda as laxative to relive constipation. It also used for

the treatment of diarrhoea, crohns disease (inflammatory bowel ulcerative colitis disease), colon

cancer, obesity in children and adolescents high cholesterol and diabetes. [1] [2]

[5] [6] [9] [11-20]

19. Bentonite

A colloidal native hydrated aluminium silicate found in the mid west of the

U.S.A and Canada.

Appearance: - It appears as a cream to buff coloured fine powder, odourless and have an earthy

taste.

Solubility: - Bentonite is insoluble in water and organic solvents. It has the property of forming

highly viscous gel with not less than ten times its weight of water.

Chemical constituents: - Consist principally of montmorillonite, aluminium trioxide; silicone

dioxide .usually contains some magnesium iron the property of forming gel is increased by addition

of small amount of alkaline substances. [1] [2] [5] [11-20].



TABLE NO.6 :- NATURAL GELLING AGENTS SCREENING

Sr .no Gelling Agent Appearance Viscosity Spreadabiltiy Stability

1. GELATIN + + + + +

2. ACAIA + + + + + + + +

3. TRAGACANTH + + + + + + + + +

4. GUAR GUM + + + + + + +

5. LOCUST BEAN

GUM

+ + + + + + + +

6. KARAYA GUM + + + + + + +

7. GHATI GUM + + + + +

8. POTATO STARCH + + + + +

9. PECTIN + + + + + + + + + + +

10. SODIUM

ALGINATE

+ + + + + + + + + + +

11. CARRAGEENAN + + + + + + + + + + +

12. XANTHAN GUM + + + + + + + + + + +

13. GELLAM GUM + + +

+ + + + + +

14. AGAR + + + + + + + +

15. CHITOSAN + + + + + + + + + + + +

16. FENUGREEK

MUCILAGE

+ + + + + + + + + + +

17. ALOE VERA

MUCILAGE

+ + + + + + + + + + + +

18. ISABGOL

MUCILAGE

+ + + + + ++ + + + +

19. BENTONITE + +

+ + +

+++ excellent , ++ very good & + good.



TABLE NO .7 : NDDS APPLICATION OF GELLING AGENTS

Sr.no Name Of

Gelling

Agent

NDDS

Application

Pharmaceutical Research References

1. Gelatin Ophthalmic

films

A study was designed to investigate the potency of BHA-

GEL-GA-GEN pellet as gentamicin (GEN) delivery

system matrix which has been cross-linked with

glutaraldehyde (GA) 0.5%.

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [23]

2. Acaia Osmotic drug

delivery

Sustained release of ferrous sulphate was achieved for 7 h

by preparing gum Arabic pellets

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [24]

3. Tragacant

h

Sustained

Release Agent

Tragacanth when used as the carrier in the formulation of

1- and 3-layer matrices produced satisfactory release

prolongation either alone or in combination with other

polymers

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [25]

4. Guar Gum Colon-targeted

drug delivery,

cross-linked

microspheres

Guar gum, in the form of three-layer matrix tablets, is a

potential carrier in the design of oral controlled drug

delivery systems for highly water-soluble drugs such as

trimetazidine dihydrochloride.

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [26]

5. Locust

Bean Gum

Controlled

release agent

The gum was used to produce matrix tablets at different

concentrations (5% and 10%) by wet granulation method

using theophylline as a model drug

[1] [3] [21]

[22]

6. Karaya

Gum

Mucoadhesive

and

Buccoadhesive

It has been shown that mucoadhesive tablets prepared by

karaya gum for buccal delivery, had superior adhesive

properties as compared to guargum and was able to

provide zero-order drug release.

[1] [3] [21]

[22][27]

7. Ghati

Gum

Suspending

agent

Gum ghatti is used for development, evaluation and

optimization of sustained release mucoadhesive matrix

tablets of domperidon

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [27]

8. Potato

Starch

Gelling agent

and super

disintegrant for

Oro

Dispersible

tablets

Potato starch extract is used as an alternative serum

separator gel and its effects on glucose testing

[1] [3] [21]

[22]

9. Pectin Beads, floating

beads, colon

drug delivery,

micro

particulate

delivery,

transdermal

delivery,

Hydrogels

Recently pectin has been grafted with poly (N-

isopropylacrylamide) and studied as a potential carrier for

colon targeted drug delivery of theophylline

[1] [3] [21]

[23]

10. Sodium

Alginate

Bioadhvesive

microspheres,

nanoparticles,

microencapsula

tion

Bioadhesive sodium alginate microspheres of metoprolol

tartrate for intranasal systemic delivery were prepared to

avoid the first-pass effect, as an alternative therapy for

injection

[1] [3] [21]

[23]



CONCLUSION:-

Natural Gelling agents play an important role in the Pharmaceutical drug delivery system. While

selecting gelling agents care should be taken regarding its toxicity and compatibility. This review,

gives an idea about the gelling agents of natural origin that can be potential substitute for the

synthetic gelling agents.

TABLE NO .7 : NDDS APPLICATION OF GELLING AGENTS Continue……….

Sr.No Name Of

Gelling

Agent

NDDS Application Pharmaceutical Research References

11. Carrageenan Hydrogel beads Hydrogel beads are prepared from a mixture of cross-

linked κ-carrageenan with potassium and cross-linked

alginate. These beads were introduced as novel carriers

for controlled drug delivery systems

[1] [3] [16]

[21] [23]

12. Xanthan

Gum

Bioadhvesive

microspheres,

nanoparticles,

microencapsulation

A controlled delivery system for propranolol

hydrochloride using the synergistic activity of LBG and

xanthan gum was studied

[1] [3] [21]

[23] [16]

13. Gellam

Gum

Ophthalmic drug

delivery,

Beads,hydrogels,

floating in-situ

gelling,controlled

release beads

The Nasal In-situ gel of gellan gum for Radix bupleri

was more efficacious

[1] [3] [21]

[22]

14. Agar Gel bead Formulation and evaluation of agar beads containing

phenobarbitone sodium was studied

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [27]

15. Chitosan Colon specific drug

delivery

,microspheres,

carrier for

protein as

nanoparticles.

Chitosan is a safe absorption enhancer which improve

mucosal (nasal, peroral) delivery of hydrophylic

macromolecules such as peptide and protein drugs and

heparins

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [15]

16. Fenugreek

Mucilage

Controlled Release

Agent

Mucilage derived from the seeds of fenugreek evaluated

as a matrix formulation containing propranolol

hydrochloride.

[1] [3] [21]

[22] [18]

17. Aloe Vera

Mucilage

Sustained Release

Agent

A controlled delivery system of glibenclamide using

aloe mucilage was studied

[1] [3] [21]

[23]

18. Isabgol

Mucilage

Hydrogels ,colon

drug delivery,

gastro-retentive

drug delivery.

A pH sensitive novel hydrogels using

N,N,methylenebisacrylamide as crosslinker and

ammonium persulfate (APS) as initiator for model drugs

(tetracycline insulin and tyrosine), for colon specific

drug delivery systems

[1] [3] [21]

[22]

19. Bentonite Opthalmic flims Controlled release of carbofuran from an alginate-

bentonite formulation. water release kinetics and soil

mobility.

[1] [3] [21]

[22]



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