Isolation and characterization of natural polysaccharide from Cassia Obtustifolia seed mucilage as film forming material for drug delivery

Abstract

In this work Cassia obtustifolia seed mucilage isolated and evaluated as novel excipient for drug delivery. Seed mucilage was evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively for presence of polysaccharide. A novel biodegradable film based on mucilage obtained from seeds of Cassia obtustifolia was fabricated and characterized. The microstructure, mechanical and thermal properties of the film were determined. Results of the scanning electron microscopy revealed a smooth and regular surface morphology. DSC and X-ray diffraction studies revealed an amorphous structure of Cassia obtustifolia seed mucilage films. In vitro degradation simulated body fluids and oral acute toxicity studies with high LD₅₀ value of >2 g/kg of body weight demonstrate its safety as excipient. Diclofenac loaded film exhibited sustained drug release due to swelling and diffusion of film. These findings demonstrated that the Cassia obtustifolia seed mucilage had potential to use as film forming excipient with enhanced characteristics for drug delivery application.

Keywords: Cassia obtustifolia; Drug delivery; Film; Mucilage; Polysaccharide.