Extraction and characterization of cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) gum; use in aceclofenac dental pastes

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2018-09, Vol.116, p.1074-1081
• Main Authors: Hasnain, M Saquib, Rishishwar, Poonam, Rishishwar, Sanjay, Ali, Sadath, Nayak, Amit Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cashew tree gum; Dental pastes; Drug release
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.05.133

In the current work, the usefulness of extracted cashew tree gum (CG) as pharmaceutical excipient in dental pastes containing aceclofenac (AC) for the pain management in the periodontitis treatment was investigated. CG was extracted from crude exudate of cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale, family: Anacardiaceae) (yield 19.22%). Physicochemical characteristics like colour, odour, taste, solubility, pH and viscosity of extracted CG were estimated; the phytochemical identification tests indicated the presence of carbohydrates and mucilage within it. It was also characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and 1H NMR analyses. Using the extracted CG (as natural mucoadhesive polymer) with calcium carbonate (abrasive agent), glycerin (humectant and cosolvent), methyl paraben (preservative), sodium lauryl sulfate (surfactant) and camphor (flavoring agent), 1% w/w AC dental pastes was formulated via conventional trituration. The drug contents, viscosities and pHs, tube extrudabilities and tube spreadabilities of these dental pastes were observed within permissible ranges. The dental pastes demonstrated sustained AC releasing over 6 h, in vitro and also revealed good adhesion to the oral mucosal membrane. These 1% w/w AC dental pastes can be used in the effectual management of dental inflammation and pain through local delivery of AC over a prolonged in the periodontitis treatment. •Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) gum was extracted from exudate of cashew tree.•Colour, odour, taste, solubility, pH and viscosity of extracted gum were studied.•Aceclofenac dental pastes containing extracted cashew tree gum was formulated.•The dental pastes exhibited sustained releasing of aceclofenac over 6 h.•These dental pastes revealed good adhesion to the oral mucosal membrane.