TAMARIND SEED POLYSACCHARIDE – A POTENTIAL PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT

Abstract

Background: Tamarind seed polysaccharide is a natural non-ionic polysaccharide extracted from

the refined endosperm of Tamarindus indica bean seeds. The polysaccharide present in tamarind

kernel powder is called tamarind seed polysaccharide. It is a seed gum with potential

pharmaceutical applications, which includes their use as binders and disintegrants in tablets,

emulsifiers, suspending and gelling agents as well as modified release excipients in sustained and

targeted drug release tablets due to its high drug holding capacity.

Aim: This review focuses on the various pharmaceutical potentials of Tamarind seed

polysaccharide (TSP) as an excipient in both traditional and novel drug delivery systems.

Methods: This review specifically focuses on the various pharmaceutical applications and uses of

tamarind gum and modified TSP as an excipient in both traditional and novel drug delivery

systems, using information’s from Google scholars, Scopus, Research gates, Textbooks and other

online sources.

Findings: Tamarind seed polysaccharide being of natural origin has some advantages over

synthetic polysaccharides such as relatively low toxicity, cost, biodegradability, availability and

accessibility. They can also be modified in different ways to obtain tailor made materials for drug

delivery systems and thus can compete with the available synthetic excipients.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of TSP in pharmaceutical formulations could provide a

sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers, which could lead to the

development of safer and more effective drug delivery systems.