Sources of pectin, extraction and its applications in pharmaceutical industry − An overview

Plant and their products have always been a source of various drugs and excipients used in pharmaceutical formulations. Pectin, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, has in recent years gained increased importance. The benefits of natural pectin are also appreciated by scientists and consumer due to its biodegradability. Pectin is the methylated ester of polygalacturonic acid and it is commercially extracted from citrus peels and apple pomace under mildly acidic conditions. Pectin is divided into two major groups on the basis of their degree of esterification. The association of pectin chains leads to the formation of the three dimensional networks giving gel formation. Since ages pectin is being used in the formulation of various dosage forms wherein it acts as a promising natural polymer for drug delivery. Pectin possesses several requisite characteristics to be used as polymer in drug development and release kinetics. In the present review we have compiled the major sources, extraction process and properties of pectin. The major fields and areas of its applications as a promising polymer have also been discussed. The pectin, by itself or by its gelling properties, is employed in pharmaceutical industry as a carrier for drug delivery to the gastrointestinal tract, such as matrix tablets, gel beads, film-coated dosage form. This review has also discussed the important chemistry and general properties of pectin, and its gel formation mechanism and properties.