Characterization of a polymer is essential for determining its suitability for a particular purpose. Thermochemical properties of cashew gum (CSG) extracted from exudates of Anacardium occidentale L. and khaya gum (KYG) extracted from exudates of Khaya senegalensis were determined and compared with those of acacia gum BP (ACG). The polymers were subjected to different thermal and chemical analyses. Exudates of CSG contained higher amount of hydrophilic polymer. The pH of 2% w/v gum dispersions was in the order KYG < CSG < ACG. Calcium was the predominant ion in CSG while potassium was predominant in KYG. The FTIR spectra of CSG and KYG were similar and slightly different from that of ACG. Acacia and khaya gums exhibited the same thermal behaviour which is different from that of CSG. X-ray diffraction revealed that the three gums are the same type of polymer, the major difference being the concentration of metal ions. This work suggests the application of cashew gum for formulation of basic and oxidizable drugs while using khaya gum for acidic drugs.

In the past decade, it was observed that the relationship between the emerging New Molecular Entities and the quantum of R&D investment has not been favorable. There might be numerous reasons but few studies stress the introduction of target based drug discovery approach as one of the factors. Although a number of drugs have been developed with an emphasis on a single protein target, yet identification of valid target is complex. The approach focuses on an in vitro single target, which overlooks the complexity of cell and makes process of validation drug targets uncertain. Thus, it is imperative to search for alternatives rather than looking at success stories of target-based drug discovery. It would be beneficial if the drugs were developed to target multiple components. New approaches like reverse engineering and translational research need to take into account both system and target-based approach. This review evaluates the strengths and limitations of known drug discovery approaches and proposes alternative approaches for increasing efficiency against treatment.

95 % permeation in 135 min (in SGF) and 95 % permeation in 170 min (under SIF condition). Conclusion: Cashew gum is effective as a binder over a relatively wide range of concentrations to achieve fast drug release though with minimal permeation enhancement while prosopis gum is characterized by delayed drug release but enhanced permeation of the released drug.

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The versatility of starch as pharmaceutical excipient is gaining attention in the development of natural polymers for application in tablet formulations. In this study, we reported the binder and disintegrant properties of native and modified starches extracted from Dioscorea cayenensis. The extracted starch was modified by pregelatinization (PGS1) and ethanol dehydrated pregelatinization (PGS2) and was employed as binder and disintegrant in paracetamol tablet formulations via wet granulation. Two-way analysis of variance indicated significant differences between tablet properties, measured in terms of hardness, friability and disintegration time, with respect to the starch type and concentration. Multiple comparison computed using Bonferroni post-hoc analysis indicated higher values of tablet hardness in PGS2 than PGS1 and unmodified starch (UMS) (p<0.01). UMS had the highest friability implying poor mechanical quality (Friability >3%). At 2-7% concentrations, PGS1, PGS2 and UMS demonstrated acceptable United State Pharmacopoeial disintegration time profiles for uncoated tablets. Overall results demonstrated an improved quality of the modified starches compared to the UMS with the potential application of PSG1 as binder and disintegrant in different ratios for immediate release tablet formulation. PSG2 was shown to make a good binder when sustained-release of API is required.