Sweitenia mycrophylla Gum: Synthesis, Characterization and Application

This book deals with conversion of waste to wealth. Sweitenia mycrophylla exudate gum have been unnoticed and unutillized in the south west region forest of Nigeria. Billion of dollars is lost to this annually. Exudate gums are heteropolysaccharide complex carbohydrate with high molecular weight. They exude from trees either as a result of mechanical injuries or as a result of microbial infection in which the the plant synthesise the liquid substance as a defence mechanism to seal off the wound to prevent further invasion of the tissue. Exudate gums are known world wide for their contribution to local and national economy. Sweitenia mycrophylla gum was analysed for its physicochemical, structural and binding properties as an excipient in drug formulation. The results obtained suggest the gum a potential candidate for commercial exploitation due its excellent properties.