Study on tablet binding and disintegrating properties of alternative starches prepared from taro and sweet potato tubers.

To demonstrate the potential alternative sources of starch used in tablet formulations, starches from taro (TS) and sweet potato (SPS) tubers were prepared with obtained yields of 11.0 and 9.6%, respectively. Both TS and SPS met USP22-NF17 identification and specifications. Their equilibrium moisture contents and gelatinization temperatures were comparable with those of commercial starch, whereas amylose contents of TS and SPS were 21.38% w/w and 41.76% w/w, respectively. Both were found to possess similar flow characteristics. To evaluate TS and SPS as granulating agents and disintegrants, tablets with controlled compression loads were prepared by incorporating a starch candidate with dibasic calcium phosphate in paste and powders forms, respectively. Tablets were then evaluated based on compressibility, friability, and disintegration. It was found that the binding and disintegrating performance of both TS and SPS was similar to that of commercial cornstarch.