The best-quality vegetarian capsules are made from HPMC (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), also called hypromellose. HPMC is a standardized industrial-grade cellulose derived from pine and spruce trees.
Unlike other vegetable materials used in the market, HPMC is also a pure, highly stable, gluten-free, non-GMO, and non-allergenic hydrocolloid. It is also used as a binder or coating agent in tablet formulation.
Capsules often contain additives such as gelling agents, colorants, opacifiers, or preservatives to enhance their functions. However, depending on the intended market, vegetarian capsules may vary in the additives they contain. Some contain fully organic or inorganic constituents, while some may be fortified with beneficial nutrients like chlorophyll.
In formulations where solid detergents, such as powders or tablets, are used, HPMC functions as a binding agent. It helps in agglomerating the powder particles, ensuring that they remain compact and do not disintegrate easily. This is particularly important during the manufacturing process, as it allows for easier handling and packaging of the product. Moreover, a stable binder prevents the segregation of active ingredients, which can compromise the cleaning efficacy when the detergent is applied.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose also plays a significant role in personal care and cosmetic products. It is widely used in skin creams, lotions, and gels due to its excellent thickening and stabilizing properties. HPMC contributes to the viscosity and texture of these products, improving their sensory attributes and user experience. Additionally, it acts as a film-forming agent in hair care products, providing hold and enhancing the appearance of hair.
Additionally, HPMC is employed in ophthalmic preparations, such as eye drops and gels. Its high viscosity provides lubrication, which is crucial for dry eye treatment. It also acts as a stabilizer in suspensions and emulsions, maintaining uniform distribution of active ingredients. The safety profile of HPMC, combined with its non-toxic and biodegradable characteristics, makes it a favored excipient for various pharmaceutical applications.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose derivative that has gained immense popularity across various industries, particularly in food, pharmaceuticals, and building materials. This versatile ingredient is valued for its thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties, making it an essential component in numerous applications.
2. Water Retention HPMC helps to retain water within the plaster mix, preventing premature drying. This property is vital, especially in hot and dry environments where water loss can occur rapidly. By maintaining adequate moisture levels, HPMC ensures that the plaster retains its adhesion and allows proper curing, leading to stronger, more durable finishes.
The CIR Expert Panel noted that in addition to the use of the cellulose ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products, they were widely used in food, pharmaceuticals and industrial products. Large doses of Methylcellulose and Cellulose Gum administered orally as laxatives produced no toxic effects in humans. The cellulose derivatives pass essentially unchanged through the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. They are practically nontoxic when administered by inhalation or by oral, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, or dermal routes. Subchronic and chronic oral studies indicated that the cellulose derivatives were nontoxic. No significant developmental or reproductive effects were demonstrated. Ocular and dermal irritation studies showed that the cellulose derivatives were minimally irritating to the eyes and nonirritating to slightly irritating to the skin when tested at concentrations up to 100%. No mutagenic activity of these ingredients was demonstrated.
