Abstract

A REVIEW: NATURAL POLYMERS AS AN EXCIPIENT IN PREPARATION OF MICROSPONGES

Sakshi V. Maske*, Dr. Kanchan P. Upadhye, Anup R. Thakre

.

Abstract

In recent years, there have been important developments in different dosage forms for existing and newly designed drugs and natural products. The advances in drug delivery have simultaneously urged the discovery of novel excipients which are safe and fulfill specific functions and influence the rate and extent of release or absorption. Microsponges are microporous particles, used mainly for topical and recently for oral administration. Microsponges have many advantages which make them a versatile drug delivery system. Microsponges can suspend or entrap a wide variety of substances and then be incorporated into a formulated product like gels, cream, etc. Gums and mucilage are widely used natural materials for conventional and novel dosage forms. The plant-derived gums and mucilage comply with many requirements of pharmaceutical excipients as they are non-toxic, stable, easily available, associated with fewer regulatory issues as compared to their synthetic counterpart, inexpensive, and can be easily modified to meet the specific needs. This review discusses the use of naturally derived plant-based gums and mucilages as an excipient (polymer) in the preparation of microsponges along with their sources, extraction process, applications, advantages, and disadvantages.

Keywords: drug delivery system, Excipient, Plant-derived natural gums and mucilage, Microsponges, Influence on rate and extent of drug release.