Evaluation of native and modified starch dispersions in mucilage obtained from sweet potato in ascorbic acid chewable tablet formulations

Abstract

Increasing attention has been paid in incorporating hydrocolloids into starch-based products due to their unique functional properties and bio-safety. The aim of this work was to evaluation native and modified starch dispersions in mucilage obtained from sweet potato in ascorbic acid chewable tablet formulation.  Native starch and mucilage were extracted from sweet potato. Subsequently, native starch was pregelatinized and dispersions of mucilage with native and pregelatinized starches in a ratio 3:10 were produced. Ascorbic acid chewable tablets were formulated using these excipients and characterized based on their disintegration time, crushing strength, friability, dissolution time and panel assessment. All ascorbic acid chewable tablets made from starch dispersions were round and brown in colour with a characteristic sweet potato flavour. Generally, there was a significant difference in disintegration time, crushing strength, friability, dissolution time and panel assessment between formulations made with dispersion of native and modified starch. Formulation F7 – F9 which contains maltitol and Avicel HFE had the highest cumulative drug release (≥ 100 %) within 15 min. Formulations F1 – F2 which contains native and modified starch dispersions alone had a better degree of acceptance as compared to formulations with maltitol and Avicel HFE.