The study concerns the evaluation of natural gum odina as novel sustained release matrix forming material in tablet formulation. Matrix tablets were prepared by wet granulation technique. Diclofenac sodium was used as model drug. The tablet weight (250 mg) and diameter (9 mm) was kept constant. The tablets were evaluated for physicochemical properties, drug content uniformity and in vitro drug release kinetics. The effect of gum concentration (10, 20, 30 and 50% $w/w$ with respect to total tablet weight) on in-vitro drug release profile was examined and compared with diclofenac sodium (Voveran SR-100), the slow release marketed formulation developed in India. The drug-gum (excipient) interactions using FTIR (Furrier Transform Infrared) spectrum ensures its safe use as matrix forming material. The prepared matrix formulations were found to be having near zero order release kinetics of diclofenac sodium with good strength and acceptable physicochemical properties. The formulations were found to be sustained delivery of the drug up to 24 h. The $t_{1/2}$ of the various matrix tablets (with 10%, 20%, 30% and 50% $w/w$ of gum odina) found to be more than 11 h, where as that of the marketed formulation (Voveran SR) found to be 8 h. It has been found that as the %ge of gum increases the retardation of drug release from the formulation also increases. The matrix tablet with 20% $w/w$ of gum odina was found suitable to formulate swelling controlled matrix that releases the drug by diffusion. It is concluded that the gum odina possess substantial matrix forming property that could be used for sustained drug delivery.