Rheological properties and efficacy of the formulation of hyaluronic acid with tamarind seed polysaccharide for arthritis.

BACKGROUND

Tamarind seed polysaccharide (TSP) is used as a texturizing agent and a thickener in food and pharmaceutical products. There are no publications describing the addition of TSP to intra-articular injection formulations for arthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the rheology and efficacy of the formulation of TSP with hyaluronic acid (HA) as a new material for injection for arthritis.

METHODS

We investigated the viscoelastic properties of formulations of HA and TSP as potential lubricants for arthritis, and tested the improvement of right/left paw weight distribution in monosodium iodoacetate-induced arthritis in the rat.

RESULTS

HA formulations with 3% and 4% TSP showed improved rheological characteristics and were protected against changes induced by heat sterilization. Addition of TSP also reduced pain in the arthritis model, as evidenced by normalization of the distribution of paw weight.

CONCLUSIONS

TSP is a potential material as a substitute for HA or in combination with HA for intra-articular injection for arthritis.