Evaluation of curculigo orchioides mucilage as suspending agent

Abstract

Plant products served as an alternative to synthetic products because of local accessibility, eco friendly nature and lower prices compared to imported synthetic products. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mucilage obtained from the roots of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. as a suspending agent. Characterization studies like solubility, swelling index, loss on drying, ash value, pH, viscosity along with microbial load and acute toxicity studies were carried out on the mucilage. Aluminium hydroxide gel suspension was prepared using different concentration of Curculigo orchioides mucilage and its properties were compared with standard suspending agents like sodium carboxymethylcellulose and Acacia. The evaluation parameters included the sedimentation profile, redispersability, rheology and particle size analysis. The results suggested that the mucilage was found to be a superior suspending agent than acacia indicating that it may be a good source as pharmaceutical adjuvant.