Development and Evaluation of IsolatedGarcinia xanthochymus Mucilage as aPharmaceutical Binder for Solid OralDosage Forms

Abstract

Background: In the pharmaceutical industry, natural excipients are being increasingly considered as substitutes
for synthetic binders due to their safety, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. Plant-derived mucilages have
shown promise as binding agents. This study focused on isolating and characterizing mucilage from Tamala
fruits (Garcinia xanthochymus) and assessing its binding efficiency in paracetamol (PCM) tablet formulations
compared to gum acacia. Materials and Methods: Mucilage was extracted using the hot maceration technique and
underwent physicochemical characterization. Its morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopy
(SEM), its crystalline or amorphous nature was determined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and differential
scanning calorimetry (DSC), and its structure was confirmed by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
PCM tablets were produced through wet granulation with varying mucilage concentrations (3%, 5%, 10%, and
15% w/v), labelled as GF1–GF4. Control tablets were made with gum acacia at the same concentrations. Standard
evaluation parameters for uncoated tablets were conducted, followed by in vitro dissolution tests. Results: SEM
showed the mucilage had irregular particle shapes and sizes, PXRD and DSC suggested an amorphous nature, and
FTIR confirmed the presence of polysaccharides. Among the formulations, GF1 (3%) and GF2 (5%) exhibited
optimal binding efficiency, releasing 98–99% of the drug within 25–30 min. These results were superior to those
of tablets made with gum acacia at the same concentrations. Conclusion: Mucilage from G. xanthochymus
demonstrated excellent binding efficiency and favorable physicochemical properties, indicating its potential as a
promising natural excipient in conventional uncoated tablet dosage forms.