Preliminary Evaluation of Hibiscus Stem Mucilage as Suspending Agent

Mucilage is a glycoprotein, an exopolysaccharide, a polymer produced by most of the plants and some microorganisms. It occurs in various parts of nearly all classes of plant usually in relatively small percentage and is frequently associated with other substance such as tannins and alkaloids.

In recent years, plant gums and mucilages have evoked tremendous interest due to their diverse application in pharmacy in the formulation of both solid and liquid dosage forms

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the mucilage obtained from the stems of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn. as a suspending agent. A suspension of CaCo₃ was prepared using 2% w/v of hibiscus mucilage as suspending agent and it is evaluated for its stability using the parameters like sedimentation volume, viscosity, redispersibility and pH. The suspending agent of Hibiscus mucilage was compared with CaCo₃ suspensions prepared using 2% w/v of suspending agents such as acacia and tragacanth. The study has revealed that Hibiscus mucilage can be a potential candidate as a suspending agent and can be used for conventional tablet formulation.