Characterization of <i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i> Linn (Family: Sapotaceae) Endosperm Seed Gum for Potential Application as Pharmaceutical Excipient

https://www.doi.org/10.26538/tjnpr/v1i5.9

Abstract

The study was aimed at characterization of Chrysophyllum albidum seed gum (CasG) for potential application as a pharmaceutical excipient. Microwave-assisted technique was employed for CasG extraction using acetone as an anti-solvent. Physicochemical, pharmacognostic, microbial as well as toxicity profiles of CasG powder was characterized using established methods. The yield of CasG extract was 15.40 ± 0.05%. Results of physicochemical analysis revealed particle size (110.00 ± 0.18 µm); moisture content (11.73 ± 0.11%); pH (6.0); swelling index (3.19 ± 0.19); water binding capacity (119.0 ± 0.1); viscosity (23.2 ± 0.3 cP); flow rate (2.30 ± 0.12 g/sec); bulk density (0.61 ± 0.01 g/cm3 ); tapped density (0.66 ± 0.01 g/cm3 ); among others. The phytochemical screening showed presence of reducing sugars and carbohydrates and absence of other tested substances. Microbial evaluation revealed the absence of objectionable organisms such as Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Klebsiella spp, Psedomonas spp, Proteus spp, Eschericha coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The total aerobic microbial, yeasts and mold counts conformed to the microbial limits specified by the United States Pharmacopoeia. LD50 value greater than 5000 mg/kg was obtained. There was no observance in the experimental animals of any morbidity, mortality or signs of acute toxicity, treatment related abnormalities on the haematological parameters and organs histopathology at all the administered doses and there were no statistical significance between the control and CasG tested groups for these parameters.
These desirable physicochemical, microbial and txicological properties suggest that CasG could have good excipient potentials in pharmaceutical formulations.