Preliminary evaluation of shilajit as a suspending agent in antacid suspensions.

The efficacy of shilajit, a gummy exudate of the plant Styrax officinalis Linn (Family: Styraceae), was evaluated as a suspending agent for the formulation of antacid preparations. Shilajit produced effects on sedimentation volume similar to those produced by sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), but at lower concentrations. It induced better flocculation with a moderate increase in viscosity compared to CMC. It did not interfere with the acid-consuming capacity of the suspensions.