Review on Modification of Glucomannan as an Excipient in Solid Dosage Forms

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Glucomannan (GM), a polysaccharide from Amorphophallus konjac, possesses hydrophilicity and high viscosity, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications like direct compression, tablet disintegration, and gelling.
• However, unmodified GM exhibits poor water resistance and low mechanical strength, limiting its use as a solid-form excipient.
• Physical and chemical modifications are explored to overcome these limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the extraction and modification of Glucomannan (GM).
• To enhance the applicability of GM as a pharmaceutical excipient in solid dosage forms.
• To discuss the impact of modifications on GM's properties and performance.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of Glucomannan (GM) from Amorphophallus konjac.
• Chemical modification, including carboxymethylation, to alter GM's solubility and viscosity.
• Physical modification through combination with other excipients to improve mechanical properties and swelling behavior.

Main Results:

• Carboxymethylation of GM improves its water-binding capacity, elongation, and gel homogeneity.
• Physical modification enhances mechanical properties and modulates drug release from GM-based matrices.
• Modified GM demonstrates improved functionality compared to native GM.

Conclusions:

• Modified Glucomannan (GM) is a versatile excipient for the pharmaceutical industry.
• Applications include direct compression, tablet disintegration, film formation, and controlled drug release.
• GM modifications offer a pathway to novel drug delivery systems.