Name: Inulin
CAS No: Inulin [9005-80-5]
BP: Inulin USP: Inulin
Beneo; Frutafit; oligofructose; Orafti; polyfructose; Raftiline
Inulin [9005-80-5]
C6H11O4(C6H11O4)nOH 5000
Inulin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide consisting of a linear chain of linked D-fructose molecules, having one terminal glucose molecule.
Inulin has many potential uses in pharmaceutical applications, as a filler–binder in tablet formulations;(1) to stabilize therapeutic proteins;(2) or to enhance the dissolution of lipophilic drugs.(3) Methacrylated inulin hydrogels have been investigated for the development of colon-specific drug delivery systems.(4) Inulin is used as a diagnostic agent to measure the glomerular filtration rate.(5) It is used in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer; and also as a prebiotic, where it has been shown to provide protection against inflammatory and malignant colonic diseases in animals.(6,7) It is also used as a noncaloric dietary fiber supplement.
Inulin occurs as an odorless white powder with a neutral to slightly sweet taste.
See Table I.
Acidity/alkalinity pH = 4.5–7.0 (10% w/v aqueous solution) Density 1.35 g/cm3 Hygroscopicity Hygroscopic in moist air. Melting point 1788C Solubility Soluble in hot water and solutions of dilute acids and alkalis; slightly soluble in cold water and organic solvents. Specific gravity 1.35
Inulin is slightly hygroscopic and should be stored at cool to normal temperatures, in air-tight and water-tight containers.
Inulin is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.
Inulin is extracted from the tubers of Dahlia variabilis, Helianthus, in a procedure similar to the extraction of sugar from sugar beet.
Inulin is a naturally occurring plant polysaccharide and is one of the major constituents of the Compositae family. Inulin is recommended to diabetics, as it has a mild sweet taste, but is not absorbed and does not affect blood sugar levels. It is used widely in the food industry as a sweetener and stabilizer.
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Inulin may cause mild irritation to the skin and the eyes. Eye protection and gloves are recommended.
GRAS listed
Hollow spheres of inulin have been found to have both brittle and ductile properties. On compression, these spheres will undergo fragmentation followed by plastic deformation, resulting in better compressibility over solid inulin spheres. In its amorphous state, inulin has a high glass transition temperature, slow crystallization, and low hygroscopicity. As a binder in solid dosage forms, inulin can increase the dissolution rate of drugs such as diazepam and can enhance the stability of other lipophilic drug molecules.(3,8) Experimentally, methacrylated inulin hydrogels have been synthesized specifically for colon targeting.(9,10) Inulin is used as a diagnostic agent to measure the glomerular filtration rate. It has also entered the food supplement market as a prebiotic and as a noncaloric dietary fiber supplement. Radiolabelled forms of inulin are available as radiochemicals for research