Extraction and characterization of Aegle marmelos derived polymer as a pharmaceutical excipient.

BACKGROUND: Natural polymers have been used as pharmaceutical excipients. They are easily available, cheap, less toxic andbiodegradable. Many of them have been identified and research is ongoing regarding their characterization. OBJECTIVE: The present study depicts the extraction and characterization of Aegle marmelos derived polymer which can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A water based extraction method was used to extract Aegle marmelos derived polymer. Its yield was found to be 15.07%. Characterization was based on various parameters such as a test for carbohydrates, test for purity, organoleptic properties, ash value, solubility behavior, pH, swelling index, surface tension, viscosity, particle size, loss on drying, bulk density, bulkiness, powder flow behavior, etc. RESULT: The polymer was yellowish-brown and showed poor flow (angle of repose 19.28 degrees ± 0.883) with neutral pH, i.e. 7, and bulkiness depicting the heaviness of polymer. The extracted polymer showed solubility in warm water and insolubility in organic solvents. CONCLUSIONS: The results easily predict the fact that the yield of the polymer was quite good, so it can be used as a commercial source of mucilage. The isolated polymer can be used as a pharmaceutical excipient in different dosage forms. 2 /