Abstract

CHARACTERIZATION OF RAPHIA HOOKERI GUM FOR THE PURPOSE OF BEING USED AS A PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT

Stephen Olaribigbe Majekodunmi* and Usoro Clement Udemudo

Abstract

Gums are common constituents of plants obtained as a result of physical injuries to the plants. This study elucidated the physical, thermal, sorption and functional properties of a gum obtained from the cut trunk of Raphia hookeri G. Mann & H. Wendl (Family Palmaceae). The physicochemical properties of the plant was characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), x-ray powder diffraction (XPRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differencial scanning colorimeter (DSC), fourier transmittance infra red (FTIR), compressibility and flowability including swelling index and elemental analysis were used to characterize the gum sample. The excellent swelling properties of raffia gum demonstrated suggested that the gum may perform well as binder as well as polymer in controlled release dosage forms. The low protein and lipid contents couple with absence of fibres confirm the emulsifying properties of raffia gum. Raphia gum was also found to possess antimicrobial properties. Raffia gum is pH sensitive and may therefore be useful in intestinal/colon drug delivery. The studied parameters indicate that this gum could be used as a pharmaceutical excipient.

Keywords: Raphia hookeri, Gum, Binder, Mineral elements, Physico-chemical analysis.