Extraction and Characterization of Mucilage from Cassia fistula Seeds

In the present era, polymers from natural sources become a better alternate for delivery of various kinds of drugs. The compliance and use of polymers obtained from natural origin are increasing day by day in the pharmaceutical industries due to a fewer side effects. Mucilages obtained from natural sources are a better alternative for designing and development of mucoadhesive drug delivery system. Due to the mucoadhesive property, the mucilage may also be used for various purposes such as emulsifying agent, suspending agent, bio-adhesive agent, matrix forming agent and controlled release. Some properties of mucilage like biodegradable in nature, nontoxic, less expensive and free availability make them better excipients for different dosage form. The modifications in the mucilage make them to compete with the synthetic products that are commercially available in the market. In the present research work, we have carried out the extraction and characterization of mucilage obtained from Cassia fistula seeds. Further we have also carried out organoleptic parameters, Micromeritic study, particle size, swelling index etc for the extract. On the basis of these parameters we can conclude that Cassia fistula seed extract will be a better alternative for designing and development a mucoadhesive dosage form.