Pharmaceutical Grade Guar Gum
USP/NF · EP · JP Compliant Excipient from India
HICOL® pharmaceutical-grade guar gum is a highly purified galactomannan polysaccharide used as a tablet binder, disintegrant, and sustained-release matrix agent. Manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000 in our FSSAI-registered, FDA-registered facility in Kalol, Gujarat. Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis covering viscosity, moisture, microbiology, heavy metals, and ETO residues.
Key Advantages
Technical Specifications
Typical specification for HICOL-PG pharmaceutical grade guar gum. Custom viscosity and mesh profiles are available on request.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white fine powder |
| Galactomannan Content | ≥ 80% |
| Moisture | ≤ 10% |
| Protein | ≤ 5% |
| Ash | ≤ 1.0% |
| Acid Insoluble Residue | ≤ 1.5% |
| Viscosity (1%, Brookfield) | 3,000–5,500 cps |
| pH (1% solution) | 5.5–7.0 |
| Mesh Size | 200–300 mesh |
| Heavy Metals (Pb) | ≤ 1.5 ppm |
| Arsenic | ≤ 1.0 ppm |
| Microbial (TPC) | ≤ 1,000 CFU/g |
| E. coli / Salmonella | Absent |
| ETO + 2-CE | < 0.1 mg/kg |
Pharmaceutical Applications
Oral Solid Dosage
Tablet binding, granulation aid, and disintegrant. Guar gum swells on contact with aqueous fluid, promoting rapid tablet break-up and drug release.
Sustained-Release Systems
Hydrophilic matrix former for controlled-release tablets. Drug release rate is tuned by adjusting guar gum viscosity grade and concentration (typically 20-40% w/w).
Topical Formulations
Thickening and stabilizing agent in dermatological creams, gels, and ointments. Provides smooth rheology and good skin feel.
Ophthalmic Preparations
Viscosity modifier in eye drops and ocular inserts. Extends residence time on the corneal surface for improved drug bioavailability.
Nutraceuticals & Supplements
Capsule and tablet binder for dietary supplements. Also functions as soluble dietary fibre in fibre supplements.
Veterinary Pharmaceuticals
Tablet and bolus formulation for large- and small-animal health products. Same pharmaceutical-grade purity as human applications.
Certifications & Compliance
ISO 9001:2015ISO 22000
FSSAI
Halal
Kosher
FDA RegisteredFrequently Asked Questions
What is pharmaceutical grade guar gum?
Pharmaceutical grade guar gum is a highly purified galactomannan polysaccharide extracted from Cyamopsis tetragonoloba seeds, manufactured to meet pharmacopeial specifications (USP/NF, EP, JP). It has lower ash, protein, and microbial limits than food grade, and is used as an excipient in tablet binding, disintegration, and controlled-release formulations.
How is pharmaceutical guar gum used in tablet manufacturing?
In tablet manufacturing, guar gum serves three main roles: (1) as a binder in wet granulation at 2-5% w/w concentration, (2) as a disintegrant at 2-8% w/w where its rapid swelling breaks tablets apart, and (3) as a hydrophilic matrix former at 20-40% w/w for sustained-release tablets where drug release is controlled over 8-24 hours.
What pharmacopeial standards does HICOL pharmaceutical guar gum meet?
HICOL pharmaceutical grade guar gum is manufactured to comply with United States Pharmacopeia / National Formulary (USP/NF), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), and Japanese Pharmacopoeia (JP) monograph specifications for guar galactomannan. Each batch is tested per these standards and ships with a Certificate of Analysis.
What is the difference between food grade and pharmaceutical grade guar gum?
Pharmaceutical grade has stricter purity limits: lower ash (≤ 1.0% vs ≤ 1.5%), lower heavy metals, tighter microbial limits (≤ 1,000 CFU/g TPC), and finer particle size (200-300 mesh). It also requires batch-specific CoA documentation and traceability that meets pharmaceutical GMP requirements.
Can pharmaceutical guar gum be used for sustained-release drug delivery?
Yes. Guar gum is widely used as a hydrophilic matrix former for sustained-release oral dosage forms. When a tablet containing 20-40% guar gum contacts gastrointestinal fluid, the guar gum hydrates and forms a viscous gel layer that controls drug diffusion over 8-24 hours. The release rate can be tuned by selecting different viscosity grades.
Is HICOL pharmaceutical guar gum ETO-free?
Yes. B D Guar uses only steam and heat-based sterilization — no ethylene oxide fumigation. Every batch is tested for ETO and 2-chloroethanol residues to the EU limit of quantification (< 0.1 mg/kg). This makes HICOL pharmaceutical guar gum compliant with EU Regulation 2026/196 and suitable for markets with strict ETO requirements.
Need Pharmaceutical Grade Guar Gum?
Get USP/NF and EP compliant guar gum with batch-specific CoA, MSDS, and technical support from B D Guar.