Paper Title
Comparative Evaluation Of Tara Gum As A Mucoadhesive And Controlled Release Agent In Buccal Tablets

Abstract
The present research work aimed at evaluation of a natural polymer, Tara gum, as a controlled release and mucoadhesive agent in buccal tablets. Tara Gum was characterized for various physiochemical parameters as well as for its mucoadhesive properties. Tablets containing Tara Gum were prepared with direct compression technique using Chlorpheniramine maleate as a model drug. Formulations containing Tara Gum as a mucoadhesive polymer were prepared and evaluated with the one containing synthetic mucoadhesive polymers, namely Carbopol 974P and Methocel K4M. The results of the study indicated that Tara Gum had good physicochemical and morphological characteristics. FTIR spectroscopy studies suggested absence of chemical interaction between the drug and Tara Gum and the tablets confirmed to the Pharmacopoeial specifications. The drug release kinetics showed that tablets containing Tara Gum showed a prolonged drug release of 83.71 to 93.17 % at 8 h with linear kinetics, comparable to Carbopol 974P and Methocel K4M. Mucoadhesive strength of Tara Gum tablets, 43.72 � 1.78 gm, was satisfactory and comparable to that of synthetic polymers. Also, all the formulations showed satisfactory drug permeability flux. Acute toxicity studies revealed that Tara Gum did not cause any mortality up to 2000 mg/kg body weight and was considered to be safe. The present study proved the potential utility of Tara gum as a substitute for costly synthetic mucoadhesive polymers to achieve desired mucoadhesive effect of formulation along with controlled release. These prepared tablets might be advantageous with improved patient compliance. Key words- Tara gum, Natural polymer, Mucoadhesive strength, Controlled release