International Numbering System (INS) for Food Additives: 1440
Food additives Europe numbers: E1440
Functional Category
Binding agent; disintegrant; emulsifying agent; thickening agent; viscosity-increasing agent.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Formulation
Hydroxypropyl starch is a modified starch and has been used in combination with carrageenan in the production of soft capsules.(1) Hydroxypropyl starch has been used experimentally in hydrophilic matrices, where it was shown to be an effective matrix for tablets designed for controlled-release drug delivery systems.(2) It has also been used experimentally in the production of hydrophilic matrices by direct compression.(3) It is used in antiseptics and is used widely in cosmetics. It is also used analytically as a bioseparation aqueous-phase-forming polymer.(4)
Description
Hydroxypropyl starch occurs as a free-flowing white to off-white coarse powder.
Stability and Storage Conditions
Hydroxypropyl starch is stable at high humidity and is considered to be inert under normal conditions. It is stable in emulsion systems at pH 3–9.
Safety
Hydroxypropyl starch is widely used in cosmetics and food products. It is also used in oral pharmaceutical formulations. The WHO has set an acceptable daily intake for hydroxypropyl starch at ‘not limited’ since it was well tolerated on oral consumption.(5) LD50 (rat, oral): 0.218 g/kg(6)