Page 108 - Medicinal Plants_PharmD general

 Size: Small granules up to10 microns, medium from 10 to30 microns,
large from 30 to 35 microns.

 Hilum: A central triangular or 2-5 stellate cleft.
 Striation: No striation.
 Aggregation: Commercially, all granules are simple.

iv. Wheat Starch:

 Origin: Grains of Triticum oestivum F. Gramineae.
 Shape: Large granules are lenticular, smaller one are globular, few

compound granules are polyhedral.
 Size: Small from 2 to 9 microns, medium 30-40 microns, large 45

microns.
 Hilum: A central point, seldom cleft.
 Striation: Concentric with faint striation.
 Aggregation: Usually simple, few compound granules with 2-4

components.

Uses of starch

1) Starch is categorized as a dusting powder; it is applied topically as
required.

2) It is used to allay itching.
3) Starch suspension may be swallowed as an antidote for iodine

poisoning.
4) As lubricant for surgeons gloves (modified starch).
5) As tablet disintegrant.

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