AN OVERVIEW ON NATURAL POLYMERS AS PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT

Abstract

The use of natural excipients to deliver the bioactive agents has been hampered by the synthetic materials. However advantages offered by these natural excipients are their being non-toxic, less expensive and freely available. Excipients are any component other than the active substances intentionally added to formulation of a dosage form Research in natural polymers has witnessed growing interest and attention. This is attributable to a number of factors which include their relative abundance, low cost, and biodegrable and eco-firendly profiles. Natural polymers are basically polysaccharides so they are biocompatible and without any side effects. This review discusses various natural polymers.