Abstract: A processed starch useful as a disintegrant to be incorporated into medicines is provided. The processed starch consists essentially of substantially non-birefringent starch powder which substantially retains the shell film structure of green starch granules. The starch powder has a particle size distribution substantially free of a fraction having a size of 48 Tyler standard sieve mesh or having a larger size, and has a bulk density of at least about 0.25 g/cc, a cold water-soluble component content of less than 10% by weight, a swelling volume of about 3 to about 15 ml/g and a water retention of at least about 2.

Abstract: A processed starch useful as a disintegrant to be incorporated into medicines is provided. The processed starch consists essentially of substantially non-birefringent starch powder which substantially retains the shell film structure of green starch granules. The starch powder has a particle size distribution substantially free of a fraction having a size of 48 Tyler standard sieve mesh or having a larger size, and has a bulk density of at least about 0.25 g/cc, a cold water-soluble component content of less than 10% by weight, a swelling volume of about 3 to about 15 ml/g and a water retention of at least about 2.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or other tablet containing a pharmacologically active ingredient in an amount of at least about 75% of the weight of the tablet is formed by a wet-granulation tableting process and involves the use by .beta.-1,4 glucan powder and a particular specified binder.

Abstract: An excipient for use in manufacture of tablets, capsules, powders, microgranules and granules which consists essentially of a microcrystalline cellulose having an average degree of polymerization of 60 to 375 and obtained through acid hydrolysis or alkaline oxidative degradation of a celulosic substance selected from linters, pulps and regenerated fibers, said microcrystalline cellulose being a white cellulosic powder having an apparent specific volume of 1.6 to 3.1 cc/g, a repose angle of 35.degree. to 42.degree., a 200-mesh sieve residue of 2 to 80% by weight and a tapping apparent specific volume of at least 1.4 cc/g and a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient and the excipient. This excipient has improved flowability and moldability or compressibility whereby excellent pharmaceutical preparations may be easily provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil composition having a large Winslow effect containing an electrical insulating oil, a water-soluble electrolyte, a liquid having a high dielectric constant, and microcrystalline cellulose particles.