Abstract

The aim of this study was to extend the application of gum extracted from Abelmuscus esculentus pods (AEG), ripped Chrysophyllum albidium fruit (RCAG) and unripped C. albidium fruit (UCAG) to pharmaceutical suspensions. The extracted gums, gelatin and compound tragacanth were used to formulate Paracetamol suspension in concentrations of 0.5 to 4.0% w/v. The sedimentation rates, sedimentation volume, ease of re-dispersibility and viscosity of the suspension were studied as assessment parameters. The rank order of the suspending ability of the suspendants as evaluated by the sedimentation volume was AEG > gelatin > compound tragacanth > RCAG. Suspensions formulated with RCAG has comparative viscosity with those containing gelatin and compound tragacanth; however, Paracetamol suspensions having AEG has significantly higher viscosity (p<0.05) when compared with those containing RCAG, gelatin and compound tragacanth. The flow rate decreases with increase in the concentration of the suspending agent and increase in the viscosity. Paracetamol suspensions containing RCAG were easily redispersible with minimum agitation and are stable enough for adequate dose withdrawal. The viscosity of formulations containing AEG decreases with increased speed of agitation. On the basis of these findings, pharmaceutical suspension containing A. esculentus and C. albidium gums as suspending agents may be applied as liquid drug delivery system for pediatric and geriatric patients.

Key words: Paracetamol suspension, suspending agents, okra gum, Chrysophyllum albidium gum, sedimentation volume, viscosity.