Different approaches of katira gum formulations for colon targeting.

The objective of the study is to compare the different formulations prepared by using gum, grafted gum and hydrogel of katira as a carrier for colon-specific drug delivery using in vitro methods with and without enzymes. Katira gum is naturally occurring polysaccharides containing mainly l-rhamnose and d-galactose sugar unit and small percent of d-galactouronic acid. Compared to grafted gum and hydrogel, all proportions of katira gum protect the drug from being released completely in the physiological environment of the stomach and small intestine. In vitro release studies in enzymes (Pectinex Ultra SP-L having galactouronidase activity) have demonstrated the susceptibility of katira gum to the colonic bacterial enzyme (galactouronidase activity from Pectinex Ultra SP-L) with a consequent drug release. It illustrates that katira gum, a natural polysaccharide may be suitable as a carrier for colon targeting.