Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic polymer derived from cellulose, which is itself extracted from plant cell walls. Produced through controlled chemical modification of natural cellulose, it appears as a white, odourless powder that is soluble in cold water. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries as a standard excipient. Its primary role is to provide film coating for tablets and capsules. This surface film protects the encapsulated active ingredients from moisture, oxidation and temperature fluctuations, thereby contributing to the stability and shelf life of formulations. HPMC is also used in the manufacture of certain vegetable capsules, offering a plant-based alternative to conventional animal-derived gelatine. Considered biologically inert, HPMC is not absorbed by the body and passes through the digestive tract without being metabolised. It is recognised as safe by major international health authorities. Its presence in a food supplement is therefore primarily functional: it ensures the integrity of the dosage form and the proper delivery of active ingredients.