Use of Starch Extract from Colocasia esculenta (Taro) and Xanthosoma sagittifolium (Tannia) for Pharmaceutical Preparations

Abstract

The starch content and properties in Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium were studied. Results were compared with the British Pharmacopoeia, United States harmacopoeia and the National Formulary specifications. The pH of 20% slurry was 7.21 and 7.3 respectively. Loss on drying and residue on ignition were identical, 1.5 and 0.5% respectively, for both species. Sulphonated ash was 0.4% in Colocasia esculenta and 0.35% in Xanthosoma sagittifolium. With the exception of sulphur dioxide whose percentages 0.014 and 0.044 exceeded the limits of specification, all other values were within the limits of acceptable standards for tabletting. Colocasia esculenta had lower percentages for water binding capacity, solubility in water, ethanol and n-hexane than Xanthosoma sagittifolium. Starch obtained from Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma sagittifolium might be good for tabletting.