Optimization of method for determination of swelling factor of Ispaghula seeds

Abstract

The polysaccharides in the mucilage of Plantago seeds constitute a diverse class of biological macromolecules with a broad range of physiochemical properties, widely used for applications in Pharmacy and medicine. They are mainly used as bulk laxative in habitual constipation and antidiarrhoeal in chronic amoebic and bacillary dysenteries and chronic diarrhea due to irritative conditions of gastrointestinal tract. Many official and unofficial sources describe different methods for determination of swelling factor with variable results and are needed to be optimized. The present work is undertaken to determine the effect of parameters such as quantity of seed, volume and nature of solvent, time interval of agitation and time of measurement; on mucilage content and swelling factor determinations of Plantago ovata, Lepodium sativum, Althia officinalis, Occimum sanctum seeds.