Review on novel pharmaceutical applications of hupu gum: A versatile natural polymer

The pharmaceutical research on natural excipients with diverse physicochemical properties useful in various novel drug delivery systems is a growing interest. The market for natural gums like hupu gum (gum kondagogu) is growing globally, driven by increasing consumer preference for natural and sustainable ingredients. This review covers botanical origin, geographical distribution, chemical constituents, identification tests, toxicology studies and potential applications of hupu gum in novel drug delivery systems. Emphasis is placed on its traditional uses in indigenous medicine and current research findings and patents that highlight its emulsifying, stabilizing, film forming, and thickening properties. Hupu gum is a tree exudate from Cochlospermum religiosum belonging to the family Bixaceae. It is traditionally used for various medicinal and industrial purposes as it has a unique chemical composition and physical properties. Moreover, the current research and use of hupu gum as a biopolymer in the formulation and stabilization of nanoparticles (NP) is expanding the application spectrum of hupu gum. This writeup typically conclude with insights into future research directions, such as, exploring new applications, or enhancing its functional properties through modification.