Comparison of Enset Starch with Other Widely Known Commercial Starches and Its Significant Applications in Pharmaceuticals

Enset [Enset ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman], a plant widely cultivated in south and southwest of Ethiopia has been shown to be a rich source of starch. A review regarding comparison of enset starch with other widely known commercial starches and its significant applications in pharmaceuticals was presented. After a brief historical introduction, details of the use of enset crop in Ethiopia were noticed. Many experimental studies suggested that, enset starch has potentials in pharmaceutical industries as tablet excipients as binder and disintegrant, sustained release agent, pharmaceutical gelling agent and other excipients. The review further compare the potentials of enset starch with commercially available other starch in terms of ease of availability, physical and chemical properties and efficiencies.