Pharmaco-Economical Overview of Natural Gums and Hydrocolloids

Sanjay Saklani¹, Komal Sharma², Parul Sharma², Aditi Sharma², Megha Sood², Deepak Prashar²*

¹Department of Economics, Govt. College, Dharampur, Mandi (H.P.), India

² Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Vinayaka College of Pharmacy, Kullu (H.P.), India

ABSTRACT:

When it comes to drug delivery system, coating with the polymer had been an important prospect. The availability of polymer in both biodegradable and non-biodegradable forms provides an added advantage of modification. In the current scenario, the quality of the product has to be in good economical range. The good quality of the preparation or formulation may inspire the consumer; however the economical aspect finally ends up in buying the product. Thus the study of pharmaco-economical aspects becomes an important criterion. The gums and hydrocolloids had been recommended in pharmacy for various purposes, yet its use and demand depends upon its economical overview.

KEYWORDS: gums, hydrocolloids, economics, polymers

INTRODUCTION:

Synthesis of the polymer requires some platform for the proper arrangement of monomers¹. This podium is being provided by the natural gums and hydrocolloids². The biodegradable nature of the gums provides an added advantage of being dissolved inside the body.

Table 1: Drug Delivery Aspect of Gums and Hydrocolloids^3-10

S. No.	Name of Gum	Type of Drug Delivery
1.	Xanthan gum	controlled drug delivery system
2.	Sodium alginate	Nano-particles based drug delivery
3.	Pectin	transdermal drug delivery, microparticulate drug delivery
4.	Locust bean gum	controlled drug delivery system
5.	Gum Acacia	Osmotic drug delivery
6.	Chitosan	Colon specific drug delivery
7.	Cordia gum	Novel oral sustained release matrix forming agent in tablets
8.	Guar gum	Colon targeted drug delivery
9.	Gellan gum	Ophthalmic drug delivery
10.	Ispagol	colon drug delivery, gastro retentive drug delivery
11.	Karaya gum	Mucoadhesive and buccoadhesive drug delivery

This presented an opportunity for the researchers to utilise these natural sources in drug delivery system. Apart from its use in drug delivery system these natural sources are being used as binder, emulsifying agent, gelling agent, thickening agent, suspending agent and detergents. Targeted drug delivery is the prime focus for the researchers incorporating gums and hydrocolloids. Table 1 enlisted the use of gums and mucilages in drug delivery system.

World market scenario for gums and hydrocolloids:

In the present context, the value of gums is being predicted both quality and quantity wise. The quality of the gums rely on the parameter like medicinal application, presence of active therapeutic agent, species available etc. But this quality and quantity only provides theoretical scenario, the actual aspect is to generate profit. The gums being used in the medical or non-medicinal applications^12-15 though require quality yet, it would only be accepted if the economical aspect attached to it point towards profit.

Figure 1 Market scenario of the Hydrocolloids¹⁶

The Fig 1 represents the number of products available in the market which constitute the gums. Sodium alginate acquires the top position in this regards followed by Carrageenan and Xanthan Gum. As far as pharmaceutical are concerned the application of Carrageenan has yet to cement its place. Other product available in the market indirectly placed it at second position in the world market. The gums like gum karaya, gum tragacanth and gum ghatti is under research, but its vast application and possibilities of modification has presented with its wider scope. The polymers prepared by these gums (especially gum tragacanth) have shown pulsatile nature and can be utilised in the organ replacement therapy. Since this therapy is costly, hence replacement using natural gums could provide some cheap alternative.

Pharmaceutical aspect of gums:

As far as the money is concerned, the higher cost of any drug or formulation limits its use. But when it comes to saving of life the money and other economical prospects becomes secondary. At this stage the therapeutic use and effectiveness of drug formulation becomes the prime prospect. The pharmaceutical prospect of the drug includes the drug formulations and some secondary therapies which are being available to the ultimate consumers. While dealing with the pharmaceutical prospect and its applications, it becomes necessary to compare it with the pharmacological standards. The basic reasons for such comparison are to implement the rationalised therapies. In contrast to this, the pharmaceutical preparations no doubt directly depend upon the financial status but in no condition the pharmacological view point should be compromised or neglected.

Table 3 Enlisted the pharmaceutical prospect of the gums^17-23

S. No.	Gums	Pharmaceutical Applications
1.	Agar	Suspending agent, emulsifying agent, gelling agent in suppositories, surgical lubricant, tablet disintegrants
2.	Albizia gum	Tablet binder
3.	Carrageenan	Gelling agent, stabilizer in emulsions and suspensions, in toothpaste, demulcent and laxative
4.	Cashew gum	Suspending agent
5.	Guar gum	Binder, disintegrant, thickening agent, emulsifier, laxative
6.	Gum acacia	Suspending agent, emulsifying agent, binder in tablets, demulcent and emollient in cosmetics
7.	Gum ghatti	Binder, emulsifier, suspending agent
8.	Gum tragacanth	Suspending agent, emulsifying agent, demulcent, emollient in cosmetics
9.	Karaya gum	Suspending agent, emulsifying agent, dental adhesive
10.	Khaya gum	Binding agent
11.	Xanthan gum	Suspending agent, emulsifier, stabilizer in toothpaste and ointments
12.	Gellan gum	Disintegrating agent

CONCLUSION:

Gums are known for their adhering nature, similarly they fixes many problems while dealing with pharmaceuticals. Gums provide the strongest alternates in drug delivery in comparison to synthetic and semi-synthetic materials. The ability of the gums to provide its action depends upon the chemical composition and their ability along with the compatibility with the other ingredients. Moreover, these gums and other hydrocolloids are economically the most deserving candidates for the NDDS.

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Received on 13.09.2012

Modified on 18.09.2012

Accepted on 25.09.2012

Research Journal of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Technology. 4(5): September –October, 2012, 256-259