PRELIMINARY EVALUATION OF THE PROPERTIES OF BIOMATERIAL OF TYMPANOTONUS FUSCATA SHELL AS PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENT

Abstract

Tympanotonus fuscata var radula (L) or periwinkle is a mollusc and abounds in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. It is highly consumed as source of protein. The empty shells, hither to poorly utilized add to environmental menace. This pilot study seeks an industrially based economic value for the shell. The physico-technical properties of the powder processed from it was evaluated as excipient for the pharmaceutical sector. A 10 % w/v aqueous dispersion of the biomaterial has pH of 11.20. It was insoluble in water and several organic solvents, effervesces in dilute or concentrated mineral acid. High level of calcium and other trace elements below the recommended pharmacopeia limits were analysed. Since its LD50 > 15,000 mg/kg body weight in albino mice, it is considered non-toxic and may serve as pharmaceutical aid in formulating orally administered medicines. Its low moisture content and moisture absorption capacity below 3 % in 96, 84, 75 and 52 % (30^oC) relative humidity shows that it may offer a stable formulation with hydro-degradable drugs. The compacted pellets showed high friability, though powder demonstrated poor flowabilty, implying that it may serve as tablet diluent in wet granulation technique and not as directly compressible filler. Its trace metal and high calcium content indicates that it could be processed commercially as calcium supplement for livestock. These findings if harnessed will cause a shift of economic responsiveness to periwinkle shell, protect our environment, extend agricultural activities, offer job prospects and generate raw-material for the indigenous drug and food industries.