Guar gum as platform for the oral controlled release of therapeutics

Abstract

Introduction: The past decade of research has witnessed a huge advancement in research efforts on guar gum (GG)-based polymers as controlled release (CR) formulations for the delivery of therapeutics.

Areas covered: The unique structure and beneficial properties of GG makes it an attractive biomaterial in CR applications. Current status on GG-based polymers has been addressed as a CR formulation in the form of microspheres, nanoparticles, hydrogels and matrix tablets for the delivery of various types of therapeutics having a wide range of physicochemical properties. Majority of literature on GG as a platform technology has dealt with oral route of drug administration as it is the most convenient, patient-compliant and preferred approach. Recent reports on GG-based polymers are summarized and critically discussed to narrate their usefulness as oral delivery systems.

Expert opinion: The research on GG-based formulations has been focused on optimization of the therapy by designing CR dosage forms with a minimum number of excipients. In this context, GG-based polymers are quite attractive. The present review summarizes published reports on these systems and offers expert opinion relevant to oral delivery of therapeutics.

Keywords::

• colon delivery
• controlled release
• guar gum
• oral route
• therapeutics

Acknowledgment

The authors thank SA Tiwari for technical assistance.

Notes

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