Evaluation of Anacardium occidentale gum as gelling agent in Aceclofenac Gel

Mucilage extracted from Anacardium occidentale were subjected to toxicity studies for its safety and preformulation studies for its suitability as a gelling agent. The present study was undertaken with an objective to find out the gelling potentials of a natural gum obtained from plant Anacardium occidentale. The gum was extracted by using water as solvent and precipitated using acetone as non-solvent. Physico-chemical characteristics such as solubility, ash values, Precompression parameters, swelling index, loss on drying and pH were studied. In the present study eight batches of Aceclofenac gels were prepared with different concentration of mucilage (viz; 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5). The gels were evaluated for drug content, viscosity determination, in vitro permeation (across dialysis membrane), skin irritation and stability tests. The gels prepared with 5.0% of mucilage were found to be ideal and comparable with a commercial preparation. The prepared gels did not produce any dermatological reactions and were well tolerated by the guinea pig. The gels were found to be stable with respect to viscosity, drug content and physical appearance at all temperature conditions for 3 months. Studies indicate that the extracted mucilage may be a good source as a pharmaceutical adjuvant specifically as a gelling agent.