Abstract

• The main aim of the research work focused on the application of the starch and its derivative prepared from cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.) and their application in pharmaceutical tablets formulation. The cytotoxicity of aqueous solution of local cassava starch (LCS) and its derivative carboxymethyl cassava starch ( CMCS) were evaluated by brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay. According to the brine shrimp cytotoxicity assay, LCS and CMCS were observed to be free from cytotoxicity (LD50 1000 ppm), up to 1000 g/mL concentration. The morphological characteristics of LCS and CMCS were recorded by using standard plate count method and Gram staining method indicating, the absence of Escherichia coli in both samples. LCS and CMCS were applied as disintegrants with different weights in chlorpheniramine maleate tablets formulation. 2.3 % (w/w) of LCS and 1.2 % (w/w) of CMCS were found to be most suitable for chlorpheniramine maleate tablets formulation determined by their physical properties such as moisture content, thickness, hardness, friability and disintegration times in distilled water as well as 0.1 M HCl solution.