Natural mucilages and their physicochemical properties

Mucilages have been widely used as drug excipient since they have shown good properties as binding agents, emulsifiers and gelling agents. In this study, the physicochemical properties of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn and Plantago ovata Forsk seed mucilages were characterized and compared. The mucilages were extracted by water-acetone extraction method. The physicochemical properties of the mucilages were determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), pH meter, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The result showed that the molecular weight of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn mucilage was higher than Plantago ovata Forsk mucilage. The pH value produced by both mucilages were almost neutral which can be compatible and non-irritating when applied to the body mucous membrane. The common functional groups such as 0-H and C-H were observed in the mucilages. The SEM micrographs showed that both mucilages have irregular and amorphous shape. The study concluded that the mucilage of Hibiscus rosa sinensis Linn was comparable and as good as the commercialized mucilage, Plantago ovata Forsk.