Comparative Physicochemical Evaluation of Starch Extracted from Pearl millet seeds grown in Sudan as a Pharmaceutical Excipient against Maize and Potato Starch, using Paracetamol as a model drug

Summary Objectives The aim of the current study was to compare the physicochemical and disintegrant properties of pearl millet starch with other starches using paracetamol as model drug. Methodology Determination of percentage yield, Physicochemical, micrometrics characteristics of starch/granules, drug excipients compatibility studies and evaluation of prepared paracetamol tablets were measured using official techniques. Results The yield of the millet starch ranged from 30 to 40%. Moisture content 8.77%, pH 5.7, Swelling capacity 1.2, Hydration capacity 1.748, Moisture uptake 11.8%, Amylose 24.6%, with poor flowability and compressibility. No significant difference in hardness, friability% & disintegration times for formulations containing millet starch to that containing potato and maize starch ( P   >   0.05). Conclusion From the study, Millet seeds locally cultivated in Sudan gave a high yield of starch, has same physicochemical properties as maize and potato starch so can be used as an alternative to those starches.