Extraction, Physicochemical Characterization and Pharmaceutical Evaluation of Fruit-Derived Polysaccharides from Momordica dioica as a Natural Tablet Binder

Abstract

Natural polysaccharides from plant sources are increasingly explored as pharmaceutical excipients due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and functional versatility. This study reports the extraction, characterization, and pharmaceutical evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from the fruit pulp of Momordica dioica Roxb. The polymer was obtained through aqueous extraction, alkaline purification, and acetone precipitation, yielding 1.6% of a white to cream-colored amorphous powder. The isolated polysaccharide exhibited a near-neutral pH (6.9) and moderate viscosity (85 cP), indicating suitability for oral dosage formulations.

FTIR analysis confirmed characteristic polysaccharide functional groups, including hydroxyl, aliphatic C–H, carboxylate, and glycosidic linkages, suggesting the presence of acidic pectic domains. DSC studies demonstrated thermal stability, with moisture loss occurring between 95–112 °C, a structural transition at 141.43 °C, and degradation onset at 237.10 °C. The polymer was evaluated as a natural binder (15% w/w) in placebo tablets prepared by wet granulation and compared with starch-based tablets. Tablets containing M. dioica polysaccharide showed satisfactory hardness (7.5 ± 0.10 kg/cm²), acceptable friability (0.92%), and significantly prolonged disintegration time (14.0 ± 0.20 min) compared with starch tablets (5.0 ± 0.10 min). Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant difference in disintegration behavior (p < 0.001).

The extended disintegration profile is attributed to the gel-forming and water-retardant properties of the polysaccharide. These findings demonstrate the potential of M. dioica-derived polysaccharides as eco-friendly, plant-based binders for modified-release oral solid dosage formulations..