NATURAL POLYMERS AS COATING MATERIAL-A REVIEW

Annapoorna S. Prabhu*, Krishnananda Kamath K. and A.R. Shabaraya

ABSTRACT

Active ingredient and excipients are two main ingredients of any pharmaceutical formulation. Excipients help in the manufacturing of dosage form as well as improve physicochemical parameters of the dosage form. Polymers play a vital role in any dosage form as excipients. The influencing capacity of polymers towards the drug release and should be compatible, non-toxic, and stable and economic. They are broadly classified in three categories viz. natural polymers, semi-synthetic and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers are generally used as rate controlling agents, taste masking agents, protective and stabilizing agents in the oral drug delivery system. To provide uniform drug delivery certain polymers are used to reduce the frequency of dosing and to increase effectiveness of the drug by localization at the site of action. Nowadays, due to many problems associated with drug release and side effects of synthetic polymers, manufacturers are inclined towards using natural polymers. Natural polymers being polysaccharides are biocompatible and without any side effects. Applications of natural polymers in pharmacy are large in comparison to the synthetic polymers and have wide scope in food and the cosmetic industry.

Keywords: Natural polymers, Excipients, Coating, Nontoxic.