GUAR GUM: PRESENT STATUS AND APPLICATIONS

Abstract

Naturally occurring excipients are currently getting prime importance among which the polysaccharides occupy a special positi on because of their easy availability, non - toxic, eco - frien d ly and biodegradable nature. The objecti ve of this review was to explore the excipient profile of Guar gum which is obtained from Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (Linn. Leguminosae). The chief constituent of guar gum is a Gallactomannan which is composed of galactose and mannose in a ratio of 1:2 that provides the main physical phenomenon of gelling or thickening to this gum . The chemistry of this gallactomannan suggested the presence of multiple hydroxyl groups which are proved to be excellent for derivatiz ation by grafting or cross - linking with other polymers to create new chemically modified entity of desired properties. The native as well as guar gum derivatives are found to have therapeutic importance in certain physiological di sorders . Guar gum is used as suspending, emulsifying and stabilizing age nt in the conventional dosage forms. In tablet dosage form it is used as a potential binding and disintegrating agent. The swelling property of guar gum is used for controlling the drug release rate in the novel pharmaceutical dosage forms. By virtue of it s better thickening and stabilizing power accompanied by a sound safety profile, guar gum has acquired a wide acceptance in cosmetics and food industry .