In today’s world, the term ‘vegetarian’ doesn’t just limits itself to a diet but has become the trend phrase across various industries. The pharmaceutical industry being one of them, recently witnessed a significant shift in the preference of consumers towards vegetarian capsules. These capsules are becoming increasingly popular among manufacturers who now use them as an alternative to conventional gelatin capsules.
The conventional capsules were made of animal-derived products, specifically from the collagen of animal hides, and hence, were not suited for individuals who had religious, ethical, or dietary restrictions against animal-derived products. This created a significant demand for vegetarian capsules, which in turn, prompted pharmaceutical companies to look for alternative ingredients that could replicate the attributes of conventional gelatin capsules.
One such alternative ingredient is Hypromellose, or Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose; a plant-derived ingredient that is extensively used as a thickening agent, binder, and emulsifier in various industries. It is water-soluble and gets absorbed quickly by the human body. Hypromellose is primarily extracted from wood pulp and cotton fibers and is available in different grades based on its molecular weight and viscosity.
Hypromellose-based vegetarian capsules offer excellent stability, safety, and compatibility, with a wide range of formulations offering a high-quality product to customers. Moreover, Hypromellose-based capsules cater to the diverse dietary and cultural demands of consumers. These capsules also provide an efficient and cost-effective option for manufacturers looking to reduce their costs.
Hypromellose-based capsules can be used for various applications such as solid oral, semi-solid, and liquid dosage forms. They can also be made to meet specific needs such as slow, immediate, or sustained-release profiles. Hypromellose-based capsules are widely used for the delivery of nutraceuticals, herbal supplements, and pharmaceuticals.
Hypromellose-based vegetarian capsules are considered to be an excellent alternative to gelatin capsules, primarily because of their availability, cost-effectiveness, and functionality. Furthermore, Hypromellose-based capsules do not have any taste or odor and are non-toxic, non-allergenic, and easy to swallow. They have excellent moisture resistance, which makes them ideal for moisture-sensitive products.
In conclusion, vegetarian capsules that contain Hypromellose, or Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, have become the industry standard and a popular choice due to their countless advantages over conventional gelatin capsules. These capsules not only fulfill the ethical, religious and dietary demands of consumers but also offer a more reliable alternative for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical manufacturers. So, whether you are a manufacturer or a consumer, Hypromellose-based capsules are an excellent choice for an effective and safe delivery of medicines, supplements, and other substances.