Gums’ based delivery systems: Review on cashew gum and its derivatives

• Comprehensive characterization of cashew gum (CG) is required for pharmaceutical use.
• CG may be a relevant substitute for gum Arabic due to its similar properties.
• CG has been used to develop micro- and nanoparticles as delivery systems.
• Modifications of CG are efficient alternatives for delivery of larvicide compounds.

The development of delivery systems using natural polymers such as gums offers distinct advantages, such as, biocompatibility, biodegradability, and cost effectiveness. Cashew gum (CG) has rheological and mucoadhesive properties that can find many applications, among which the design of delivery systems for drugs and other actives such as larvicide compounds. In this review CG is characterized from its source through to the process of purification and chemical modification highlighting its physicochemical properties and discussing its potential either for micro and nanoparticulate delivery systems. Chemical modifications of CG increase its reactivity towards the design of delivery systems, which provide a sustained release effect for larvicide compounds. The purification and, the consequent characterization of CG either original or modified are of utmost importance and is still a continuing challenge when selecting the suitable CG derivative for the delivery of larvicide compounds.