Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tablet, particularly a pharmaceutical dosage form, which contains an encapsulating agent comprising a modified starch which is prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of a starch molecule after the preparation of a starch derivative containing a hydrophobic group or both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group, particularly octenyl succinic anhydride starch hydrolyzed by .beta.-amylase or glucoamylase. Such starch allows for good compressibility and hardness of a pharmaceutical dosage form. In addition, the starch may consistently allow for high load and retention of a variety of active agents as well as oxidative resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified starches which are prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of a starch molecule using glucoamylase after the preparation of a starch derivative containing a hydrophobic group or both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic group, particularly octenyl succinic anhydride starch hydrolyzed by glucoamylase. Such modified starches are useful as emulsifying and/or encapsulating agents, particularly in systems where high load and retention of the active ingredient, low surface oil exposure, and excellent oxidation resistance is desired.