Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

EXERCISE NO. 18

PREPARATION OF ACACIA MUCILAGE

I. Intended Learning Outcomes:

At the end of the exercise, the student should be able to
1. Identify the ingredients based on their physical characteristics and describe
their function in the preparation
2. Compound Acacia Mucilage using appropriate method of preparation
3. Select appropriate container for the product
4. Prepare the label for the product accurately and neatly
5. Comply with the standards and regulations set by CGCP

II. Discussion:
Mucilage is a thick, viscid, adhesive liquid produced by dispersing gum in
water or by extracting the mucilaginous principle from vegetable substances with
water. These are prone to decomposition (decrease in viscosity upon storage), they
should never be made in larger quantities that cannot be used immediately unless a
preservative is added.

Uniformly smooth mucilage is sometimes difficult to prepare due to uneven

wetting of gums; it is best to use fine gum particles and disperse them in a little 95%
alcohol or in cold water.

Mucilage is substituted with several synthetic mucilage-like substances such

as polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose and carboxymethylcellulose. Methylcellulose is
used as a bulk laxative since it absorbs water and swells to a hydrogel in the
intestine in much the same manner as psyllium or karaya gum. Synthetic gums are
non-glycogenetic and may be used in the preparation of diabetic syrups. The
mucilage must be free from mold or any indication of decomposition

III. Materials
Acacia Beaker
Benzoic acid Mortar and pestle
Purified water Mettler balance
Muslin cloth

IV. Formula
Acacia.................................................................350 g
Benzoic acid..........................................................2 g
Purified water, qs. ad....................................1 000 mL

Centro Escolar University-School of Pharmacy 89

Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

V. Compounding Procedure
1. Weigh the ingredients accurately.
2. Dissolve 2 g benzoic acid in 400 mL of purified water with the aid of heat.
3. Add the solution to 350 g of acacia in a mortar; triturate until acacia is
dissolved.
4. Then add sufficient purified water to make the product measure 1000mL.
5. Strain if necessary.
6. Place in an appropriate container.
7. Label the container.

VI. Questions:
1. Can acacia mucilage be used in external preparations? Why?
2. Why is mucilage never made in large quantities?
3. What type of preparation is mucilage?

Centro Escolar University-School of Pharmacy 90

Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

Name: ________________________________ Date: ______________________

Year and Section: _______________________ Rating: ____________________

EXERCISE NO. 18

PREPARATION OF ACACIA MUCILAGE

Synonym/Latin Name:
Use of Preparation:
Method of Preparation:
Appropriate Container:
Storage Condition:

Formula for 15 mL:

Ingredients Quantity Use in Formula

Calculations:

Answers to Question:
1. Can acacia mucilage be used in external preparations? Why?

Centro Escolar University-School of Pharmacy 91

Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

2. Why is mucilage never made in large quantities?

3. What type of preparation is mucilage?

Centro Escolar University-School of Pharmacy 92

Laboratory Exercises in Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery System and Medical Devices

Centro Escolar University-School of Pharmacy 93