Page 23 - phytochemistry I - PharmD Clinical

Cellulose: β-1, 4 linked polyglucosan
Uses:

1- Powdered cellulose is used as self-binding, tablet diluent and disintegrating
agent.

2- Methyl cellulose is used as bulk laxative and suspending agent.
3- Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is used in ophthalmic solution as topical

protectants or artificial tears for contact lenses.

Inulin

Occurrence:
 Inulin is the reserve polysaccharides in the subterranean organs of

members of the family compositae. e.g Inula elecampane
Chemical Composition:
 It is a D-fructofuranose polymer whose residues are linked in a linear

fashion by β-2,1 bonds.

Uses:
1- In culture media as a fermentation identifying agent for certain bacteria.
2- In the evaluation of renal function. It is filtered only by the glomeruli and is neither

excreted nor reabsorbed by the tubules.

Heteropolysaccharides

Gums

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