Evaluation of Native and Pregelatinized Arrowroot (Maranta Arundinacea) Starches as Disintegrant in Tablet Formulation

The purpose of this study was to investigate the disintegrating properties of native arrowroot starch and pregelatinized arrowroot starch in comparison with corn starch and sodium starch glycolate (Explotab®). Tablets were prepared by direct compression. The tablet formulations contained dibasic calcium phosphate as filler and magnesium stearate as lubricant. Each starch at various concentrations between 2-10 % w/w was used in formulation as disintegrant. The swelling volume and weight of starches and disintegration time of tablets were evaluated. At 2% w/w concentration of starch, the pregelatinizaed starch provided disintegration time faster than the native starch (2.5 times). The disintegration time of 2% w/w pregelatinized arrowroot starch was comparable to Explotab and faster than that of native starch. The disintegration time of native starch at the concentration of 4, 6 and 10 %w/w was comparable to that of corn starch and Explotab®. Native arrowroot starch and pregelatinized arrowroot starch could be used as effective disintegrants in tablet formulation.