Shellac plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily as a natural coating agent for tablets and capsules. Valued for its film-forming ability and non-toxic nature, shellac provides both functional and aesthetic benefits that are essential in modern drug delivery systems.
One of shellac’s most important features in pharmaceuticals is its enteric and protective coating capability. It helps shield sensitive ingredients from moisture, light, and oxygen, enhancing the stability and shelf life of medications. When applied as a coating, it also helps mask unpleasant tastes and odors, improving patient compliance.
Additionally, shellac is pH-sensitive, which allows it to resist breakdown in the acidic environment of the stomach and dissolve only when it reaches the intestines. This makes it ideal for targeted drug delivery, especially in treatments that require absorption in the small intestine.
Shellac is also highly favored in the production of sustained-release formulations. Its binding properties and ability to control the release rate of active ingredients allow formulators to fine-tune how quickly or slowly a drug is released in the body.
Because shellac is naturally derived, biocompatible, and FDA-approved, it has become an integral part of pharmaceutical coatings—providing both safety and performance while aligning with the industry’s move toward greener, more sustainable excipients.
