Isolation, Characterization andPharmaceutical Evaluation of Helianthusannuus Seed Mucilage as a Binder in SolidDosage Forms

Abstract

Natural excipients are increasingly explored as alternatives to synthetic binders in pharmaceutical
formulations due to their safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Plant-derived mucilage has shown potential
as a binding agent. The current investigation was designed to isolate and characterize mucilage extracted from the
Sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus) and evaluate its binding efficiency in paracetamol (PCM) tablet formulations
compared with gum Acacia. Materials and Methods: Mucilage was isolated by hot maceration and characterised
physiochemically. Morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), crystalline/amorphous
nature by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and structural
confirmation by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PCM tablets were prepared by wet granulation
using four graded concentrations of mucilage 3, 5, 10, and 15% w/v), which were employed in the formulation
designated as HF1–HF4. Control tablets were prepared with gum Acacia at identical concentrations. Standard
evaluation parameters for uncoated tablets were performed, followed by in vitro dissolution studies. Results: SEM
revealed irregular particle shape and size of mucilage, PXRD and DSC indicated an amorphous nature, and FTIR
confirmed polysaccharide presence. Among the formulations, HF1 (3%) and HF2 (5%) showed optimal binding
efficiency, releasing 99% of the drug within 25–30 min. These results were superior to tablets prepared with gum
Acacia at equivalent concentrations. Conclusion: Mucilage from H. annuus seed demonstrated excellent binding
efficiency and favorable physicochemical properties, suggesting its potential as a promising natural excipient in
conventional uncoated tablet dosage forms