PHYSICOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF SOME NIGERIAN RICE STARCH POWDERS AS PHARMACEUTICAL EXCIPIENTS

The goal of this study was to compare the starches extracted from three brands of rice cultivated in different geographical locations in Nigeria, namely, Ogoja, Igbimo and Efon-alaye rice grains. The composition and quality of starch in different brands of rice vary and determine their suitability for use as pharmaceutical excipient. The chemical compositions (Protein, ash, fat, crude fiber, and amylose contents) of the extracted starch powders were analyzed using appropriate standard methods while their particle sizes and particle size distribution were established using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) while the physicochemical properties (pH, bulk density, hydration capacity, viscosity, swelling and moisture sorption capacity, tapped density, Hausner ratio and Carr’s index) were assessed using appropriate standard methods respectively. The physicochemical characterization such as The powders passed the identification and solubility tests as required by BP (2007). Igbimo rice starch showed the least Carr’s index, Hausner ratio and moisture sorption capacity, also showed the highest hydration and swelling capacities. The result obtained showed that Igbimo rice starch possesses the best flowability and compressibility properties. The findings from this research will promote the use of Nigerian local rice starch as pharmaceutical excipients.