The Potential of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Seed Mucilage as Suspending Agent

Abstract:

The present study deals with the evaluation of mucilage isolated from fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds (commonly named methi) as an innovative and cheap suspending agent. Zinc oxide suspensions (20 % w/v) were prepared using fenugreek seed mucilage as a suspending agent and it was evaluated to find its stability using the parameters like, sedimentation profile, degree of flocculation and redispersibility. The effect of the tested mucilage on suspension was compared with various commonly used suspending agents, like gum tragacanth, gum acacia, and bentonite at concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 % w/v. The results obtained indicated that the fenugreek seed mucilage could be used as a good suspending agent and was found to be superior than gum tragacanth, gum acacia, and bentonite in performance.

Keywords: suspension, suspending agent, mucilage, fenugreek seed