Isolation and Assessment of Sterculia foetida Gum as a Pharmaceutical Gelling Agent
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Abstract
The pharmaceutical industry’s development and application of natural-origin gelling agents remain limited. Sterculia foetida gum has long been recognized for its notable medicinal properties; however, its potential as a pharmaceutical gelling agent has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to isolate and evaluate the properties of Sterculia foetida gum powder and to assess its suitability as a gelling agent in the formulation of a diclofenac diethylamine topical gel. The gum was purified, and its chemical structure was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Its physicochemical properties, including morphology, pH, moisture content, viscosity, and spreadability, were comprehensively evaluated. The purified gum was incorporated as a gelling agent in topical gel formulations. In vitro release studies demonstrated that the gum-based gel facilitated effective drug release, comparable to a reference formulation. The purified gum exhibited significant viscosity and a pH suitable for topical application. Stability studies further indicated that the gels retained their consistency and viscosity over time, even under accelerated aging conditions. These findings demonstrate that Sterculia foetida gum is a promising natural excipient for topical pharmaceutical formulations. Its use could enhance the sustainability of pharmaceutical production by promoting the utilization locally sourced materials and reducing dependence on imported excipients.
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