Evaluation of native and modified forms of Pennisetum glaucum (millet) starch as disintegrant in chloroquine tablet formulations

Native and modified forms of millet starch, obtained from a tropical cereal plant - Pennisetum glaucum - have been investigated as disintegrant in a chloroquine tablet formulation in comparison with corn starch BP. The mechanical properties of the tablets were assessed using the crushing strength and friability tests, while the drug release properties of the tablets were assessed using disintegration and dissolution times as assessment parameters. There were generally no significant (p > 0.05) differences in the mechanical and drug release properties of native millet and corn starches but tablets containing the modified forms of millet starches showed significantly (p < 0.01) lower values of disintegration and dissolution times than those of corn starch BP. The result shows the potentials of native and modified forms of millet starch as disintegrant in tablet formulations and suggests that the starches could be further developed for commercial purposes.