Modified Starch and its Potentials as Excipient in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Abstract

Despite its vast commercial value, native starch has some inherent weaknesses when it comes to pharmaceutical application, to mention few include; poor compressibility, low flow ability values and often drug/excipient compatibility problems. In this review, some potentials of modified starch with particular emphasis on their improved functionalities and applicability in pharmaceutical formulations were discussed. Basic requirements for pharmaceutical excipients and various modification methods for starch i.e chemical modification, physical and biotechnological methods were highlighted.Pharmaceutical applications of modified starches as tablet super disintegrant, sustained/ controlled release polymer, plasma volume expanders and as directly compressible excipient in tablet formulations have been cited.