Some Physicochemical Properties of the Gum Obtained from the Seeds of <i>Brachystegia Eurycoma</i>

Abstract

Recently, emphasis has been on pharmaceutical education through research and development. The researchers, therefore, examined the physicochemical characteristics of brachystegia gum as a pharmaceutical excipient, with a view to contributing to pharmaceutical education through this research. Brachystegia eurycoma seeds were bought from Elele market and roasted for 15 min before soaking in water for 24 h, to enable removal of the testa; the seeds were dried at 60°C for 2h and milled into powder. The milled gum powder was defatted with solvent mixture (chloroform and methanol ratio 2:1). The gum was extracted from the aqueous colloidal dispersion of the residue with acetone, dried in a hot air-oven at 60°C for 2h, sieved and stored in air – tight container before use. Physical tests (particle size analysis, angle of repose, bulk and tapped densities, etc. and phytochemical tests were carried out on the gum. Results showed a moderately fine light brown powder, (mean particle size 135 ± 30 μm), porous (bulk and tapped densities 0.57 and 0.71 g/cm³ respectively), compressible ( C.I:20.3), dense (true particle density 1.7g/cm3), swellable (S.I 474.4 % w/v), soluble in water, has good flow property, and weakly acidic (pH 5.4) Phytochemical content include carbohydrate, starch and proteins. The physicochemical properties indicate that brachystegia gum has potential to be applied as pharmaceutical excipient.

Keywords:Physicochemical, properties, brachystegia gum

Nigerian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, Vol. 9 No 2 pp. 1 - 12 (September 2011)