Comparison Of The Drug Entrapment Efficiency Of Almond Gum (Badam Pisin) To Span-60 Niosomes By Folin-Ciocalteu Assay

Abstract

Almond gum (Badam Gum/ Badam Pisin) is a natural polymer composed of mainly carbohydrates (>90%) which makes it a potential candidate in targeted drug delivery. It contains 46% L-arabinose which is known to have fluid entrapment capacity. Various methods of drug targeting against tumor have been developed but due to poor solubility in body fluids, the bioavailability of the drug is reduced and so is its effectiveness. Almond gum is known to be water-soluble so the required bioavailability will be achieved and the drug dosage will also be minimal. Since it is of natural origin side effects will be less compared to that of artificially prepared drugs. Studies show that almond gum is known to have various health benefits including increasing immunity and acting as a coolant. Terminalia catappa (Indian almond), the source of almond gum is abundant in the Indian subcontinent hence making it more economical than chemical surfactants. The objective of this study is to determine whether Almond gum has a higher drug entrapment efficiency than that of Niosomes.