.1.4 Inulin It is found to bear a close resemblance to starch except that it is a levulan rather than adextran.

Synonyms Dahlin; Alantin; Alant starch.

Biological Source It occurs in certain plants of the Compositae family, such as:

Inula helenium Linn. : Roots contain inulin;

Eupatorium cannabinum Linn. : Plant contains inulin;

Calendula officinalis Linn. : Roots contain inulin;

Aretium lappa Linn. : Roots contain 45% inulin.

Inulin is mainly extracted from chicory roots and jerusalem roots.

Geographical Source A. lappa Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Simla; C. officinalis India, Pakistan; I. helenium Europe and Asia. Preparation: Isolated Compositae. from dahlia tubers and from other members of the family

dahlia tubers

Description The crystals are spherical in shape when prepared from water.

Chemical Constituents

[Structure of INULIN showing arrangement of Fructofuranose residues in chain]

Uses 1. It is used in culture media as a fermentative identifying agent for certain bacterial species.

2. it is employed as a diagnostic agent for evaluation of glomerular filteration i.e., renal function test (or kidney function test).

3. It is considered to be valuable in the diet of the diabetic patients.

"Inulin-Nutrimed seemed to be the most appropriate.

.1.10 Dextrin

Synonyms British Gum; Starch Gum; Leiocom; Pyrodextrin; Torrefaction dextrin; Canary dextrin; Yellow dextrin; White dextrin.

Preparation Dextrin is prepared by carrying out the incomplete hydrolysis of starch with dilute acid or by heating dry starch.

This is a white powder processed by hydrolysis or heating of starch. Dextrin ...

STRUCTURE OF DEXTRIN

TYPES OF DEXTRIN:Various types of dextrin are prepared as detailed below namely: (a) British Gum, Starch Gum: It is produced at high temperature in the absence of acid.

(b) Canary Dextrin, Yellow Dextrin: It is prepared by hydrolyzing starch at high temperature for a longer duration but in the presence of small quantum of acid.

(c) White Dextrin: It is prepard by hydrolysis at low temperature for a shorter duration but in the presence of large quantum of acid.

Uses 1. As an excipient for dry extracts and pills.

2. It is used for preparing emulsions and dry bandages.

Dextrin Palmitate (emulsifier)

3. It is employed for thickening of dye-pastes and mordants used in printing fabrics in fast colours.

4. It is used for preparing printers inks, glues and mucilage.

5. It is employed for polishing cereals.

6. It is extensively used in making matches, fireworks and explosives.

Blackmatch is simply a paste of meal powder and around 5% dextrin coated .