PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NATIVE AND STARCH-FREE Cissus populnea

Abstract

This current study is aimed at determining the effect of starch extraction on the physicochemical
and rheological properties of Cissus populnea polymer and its suitability as a Pharmaceutical
excipient. Cissus populnea polymer was obtained from the fresh inner bark of the stem of Cissus
populnea Guill and Perr. Gum samples extracted were labelled native Cissus populnea polymer
(nCPP). The starch content of nCPP was digested and subsequently labelled starch free Cissus
populnea polymer (sfCPP). The yield for both extracts of the gum was high, with the sfCPP
extract being a bit higher. The swelling index of sfCPP was higher than that of nCPP whereas
moisture content and moisture sorption capacity of nCPP were higher. The sfCPP possessed
higher fundamental characteristics that would make it a more suitable choice as a Pharmaceutical
excipient when compared to nCPP. It is therefore recommended as a suitable Pharmaceutical
excipient in the formulation of solid, semi-solid and liquid dosage forms.