Sodium starch glycolate is a white or almost white free-flowing very hygroscopic powder. The PhEur 6.0 states that when examined under a microscope it is seen to consist of: granules, irregularly shaped, ovoid or pear-shaped, 30–100 mm in size, or rounded, 10–35 mm in size; compound granules consisting of 2–4 components occur occasionally; the granules have an eccentric hilum and clearly visible concentric striations. Between crossed nicol prisms, the granules show a distinct black cross intersecting at the hilum; small crystals are visible at the surface of the granules. The granules show considerable swelling in contact with water.

Function:
Sodium starch glycolate is mainly used as the disintegrating of tablets, pill,  capsule. Except common functions, it has more stronger swelling character and can increase the disintegrability of the tablets, thus it will improve the separation of medicament and utilization rate of life form. The common dosage is 2 to 8 percent,  and the use-pattern is commonly to add form outside or add form outside and inside.