Introduction
Starch constitutes the main form of carbohydrate stores in the green plant and is found in seeds and underground organs. Starch occurs in the form of granules (starch grains), the shape and size of which are characteristic of the species, as is also the ratio of amylose and amylopectin which are the principal constituents.
Some important starches recognized for pharmaceutical use include, maize (Zea mays L), rice (Oryza sativa L), wheat (Triticum aestivum L) and potatoe (Solanum tuberosum L). Cassava starch or Tapioca (Manihot utilissima) may be used in place of the above in tropical countries because of its relative abundance and low cost.
Uses of Starch in Pharmaceutical Industries
Starch finds extensive use in the pharmaceutical industries as:
- Bulking agents in tablets and capsules.
- Used in making of dusting powders in which the absorbent properties are important.
- In mucilage form it is used as a skin emollient in creams
- As a base for enemas.
- As an antidote in the treatment of iodine poisoning.
- Starch is also used as a disintegrant in tablets.
- Sterilizable maize starch BP is used as a lubricant for surgeons gloves