Mannitol 2.5% / Carob bean gum 0.2% oral solution

Background: Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), locust bean (Ceratonia siliqua), fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), and tara (Caesalpinia spinosa) are plant-derived materials that contain galactomannans as their major polysaccharide component. Galactomannans are soluble, highly viscous, and fermentable dietary fibers widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of their favorable technological properties. Methods: We performed our systematic search on 16 April 2026, in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), without language restrictions. Eligible randomized controlled trials compared the effects of guar gum, locust bean gum, and fenugreek on glycemic parameters, lipid profile, and body weight-related outcomes in healthy adults or patients with metabolic disorders. Results: A total of 50 randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. Of these, 27 investigated guar gum, 20 fenugreek (12 seed powder, 7 seed extract, 1 leaf extract), two mixed galactomannan preparations, and one locust bean gum intervention. Considerable heterogeneity was observed across studies regarding participant characteristics, intervention doses, and treatment duration. Nevertheless, fenugreek-derived preparations consistently improved glycemic outcomes. In contrast, guar gum demonstrated more consistent effects on lipid parameters. Effects on body weight and body mass index were less consistent across studies. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the metabolic effects of galactomannans are source-dependent, with fenugreek-based interventions appearing to have greater potential for improving glycemic outcomes, while guar gum may be more effective in improving lipid parameters. Since these fibers can be easily consumed in the form of dietary supplements, it is worth considering their regular, daily intake. The protocol was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD420261368159).

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0

Gums are carbohydrate biomolecules that have the potential to bind water and form gels. Gums are regularly linked with proteins and minerals in their construction. Gums have several forms, such as mucilage gums, seed gums, exudate gums, etc. Plant gums are one of the most important gums because of their bioavailability. Plant-derived gums have been used by humans since ancient times for numerous applications. The main features that make them appropriate for use in different applications are high stabilization, viscosity, adhesive property, emulsification action, and surface-active activity. In many pharmaceutical formulations, plant-based gums and mucilages are the key ingredients due to their bioavailability, widespread accessibility, non-toxicity, and reasonable prices. These compete with many polymeric materials for use as different pharmaceuticals in today's time and have created a significant achievement from being an excipient to innovative drug carriers. In particular, scientists and pharmacy industries around the world have been drawn to uncover the secret potential of plant-based gums and mucilages through a deeper understanding of their physicochemical characteristics and the development of safety profile information. This innovative unique class of drug products, useful in advanced drug delivery applications, gene therapy, and biosynthesis, has been developed by modification of plant-based gums and mucilages. In this review, both fundamental and novel medicinal aspects of plant-based gums and mucilages, along with their capacity for pharmacology and nanomedicine, were demonstrated.

Abstract licence: CC BY