What are the differences between gelatin capsules and plant capsules?

Hard capsules can be divided into gelatin capsules and plant capsules according to the different raw materials. Gelatin capsules are currently the most popular two-piece capsules in the world, mainly composed of high-quality medicinal gelatin. Plant capsules are hollow capsules made from plant cellulose or water-soluble polysaccharides, which retain the advantages of all standard hollow capsules. There are certain differences between the two in terms of raw materials, storage conditions, production processes, and characteristics.

Capsule classification

Capsules are usually divided into hard capsules and soft capsules. Hard capsules, also known as hollow capsules, consist of two parts: a cap and a body; Soft capsules are products that are processed simultaneously with film-forming materials and contents. Hard capsules can be divided into gelatin capsules and plant-based capsules based on the different raw materials. Gelatin capsule is currently a popular two-piece capsule in the world, consisting of two precision processed capsule shells. There are various sizes of capsules, and the capsules can also be colored and printed to present a unique customized appearance. Plant capsules are hollow capsules made from plant cellulose or water-soluble polysaccharides, which retain all the advantages of standard hollow capsules: convenient to take, effective in masking taste and odor, transparent and visible contents, etc.

What are the differences between gelatin capsules and plant capsules

1. The raw materials of gelatin capsules and plant capsules are different

The main component of gelatin capsules is high-quality medicinal gelatin, which is derived from collagen in animal skin, tendons, and bones. It is a protein partially hydrolyzed from collagen in animal connective tissue or epidermal tissue; The main component of plant capsules is medicinal hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), also known as 2-hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose. Cellulose is a natural polymer with abundant resources in nature, and HPMC is usually made from short cotton wool or wood pulp through etherification.

2. The storage conditions for gelatin capsules and plant capsules are different

In terms of storage conditions, after extensive experiments, it has been found that the capsule shell is almost not brittle under low humidity conditions, and the characteristics of the capsule shell remain stable under high temperature and humidity. The various indicators of plant capsules are not affected under extreme storage conditions. Gelatin capsules are prone to adhesion under high humidity conditions, and harden or shatter under low humidity conditions due to dehydration. They are highly dependent on the temperature, humidity, and packaging materials of the storage environment.

3. The production process of gelatin capsules and plant capsules is different

After the plant hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is made into a capsule shell, it still has a natural concept. The main component of hollow capsules is protein, which is prone to breeding bacteria and microorganisms. Preservatives need to be added during the production process, and ethylene oxide sterilization is required before packaging the finished product to ensure the microbial control indicators of the capsules. The production process of plant capsules does not require the addition of any preservatives or sterilization treatment, fundamentally solving the problem of residual preservatives.

4. The characteristics of gelatin capsules and plant capsules are different

Compared with traditional gelatin hollow capsules, plant capsules have the advantages of wide adaptability, no cross-linking reaction risk, and high stability. The release rate is relatively stable, with small individual differences. After disintegration in the human body, they are not absorbed and can be excreted from the body.