✅ HPMC Capsules Market: Growing Preference for Plant-Based Alternatives Fuels Demand

The Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules market is witnessing substantial growth, driven by the global shift towards plant-based solutions in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. These capsules, made from cellulose derived from plant fibers, are gaining popularity due to their non-GMO, gluten-free, and preservative-free nature, appealing to vegetarian and vegan consumers. According to industry estimates, the global HPMC capsules market is projected to reach a valuation of US$ 1.4 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.2% from 2025 to 2032.

The key growth drivers for this market include increasing consumer demand for clean-label and plant-based health supplements, rising vegan populations, and regulatory advantages over gelatin-based capsules. Pharmaceuticals dominate the end-use segment, owing to the compatibility of HPMC capsules with hygroscopic and moisture-sensitive drugs. North America leads the global market, fueled by high health awareness, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and the widespread adoption of dietary supplements among aging populations.

Get a Sample PDF Brochure of the Report (Use Corporate Email ID for a Quick Response): https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/14512

✅ Key Highlights from the Report

➤The global HPMC capsules market is forecast to exceed US$ 1.4 billion by 2032.

➤HPMC capsules offer excellent chemical stability and are ideal for moisture-sensitive formulations.

➤Rising veganism and religious dietary restrictions are boosting demand for non-animal capsules.

➤Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries remain the primary end-users of HPMC capsules.

➤North America continues to dominate due to early adoption and high supplement usage rates.

➤Market players are investing in advanced capsule customization and sustainable packaging.

✅ Frequently Searched Question

What are the advantages of HPMC capsules over gelatin capsules?

HPMC capsules offer several benefits over traditional gelatin capsules, making them increasingly preferred in both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. First, HPMC capsules are plant-derived, making them suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with dietary or religious restrictions that prohibit animal-based ingredients. Unlike gelatin capsules, which are sensitive to humidity and can become sticky or brittle in extreme conditions, HPMC capsules demonstrate superior stability and moisture resistance, allowing for longer shelf life and improved formulation integrity.

Additionally, HPMC capsules are chemically inert and do not interact with the contents inside, which is particularly beneficial for formulating drugs that are sensitive to degradation. They also have a lower microbial load, making them a safer choice for encapsulating probiotics or sensitive APIs. The growing clean-label trend further reinforces their appeal, as consumers increasingly seek products free from animal derivatives, allergens, and synthetic additives. Collectively, these benefits make HPMC capsules a superior and more versatile alternative to gelatin capsules in today’s health-conscious landscape.

✅ Market Segmentation Analysis

The HPMC capsules market can be segmented based on product type into HPMC capsules without gelling agent and HPMC capsules with gelling agent. Capsules without a gelling agent are gaining popularity due to their cleaner label and broader consumer appeal, especially among those seeking 100% plant-based products. On the other hand, capsules with a gelling agent offer enhanced mechanical strength and better dissolution control, which can be valuable in pharmaceutical formulations.

By end-use, the market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Among these, the pharmaceutical sector accounts for the highest revenue share due to the growing demand for oral solid dosage forms and the increasing use of HPMC capsules for moisture-sensitive drugs. The nutraceuticals segment is also expanding rapidly, propelled by consumer interest in dietary supplements, herbal products, and fitness-driven nutrition.

✅ Regional Insights

North America leads the global HPMC capsules market, driven by widespread use of health supplements, advanced drug delivery systems, and growing consumer preference for plant-based options. The region also benefits from favorable regulatory frameworks that encourage the development of non-gelatin capsules.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth, particularly in countries like India, China, and Japan, where the combination of rising health awareness, expanding pharmaceutical production, and growing vegetarian populations is boosting market demand.

✅ Market Dynamics

Market Drivers

The increasing shift towards plant-based lifestyles is a significant driver for the HPMC capsules market. Consumers across the globe are actively choosing vegetarian and vegan supplements, prompting manufacturers to switch from gelatin to HPMC. Additionally, the pharmaceutical industry’s growing interest in formulating drugs with high stability and shelf-life compatibility is supporting demand for HPMC capsules. Their performance in extreme environments, coupled with a clean-label appeal, is further accelerating adoption.

Market Restraints

Despite robust growth, the market faces challenges such as higher production costs of HPMC capsules compared to gelatin variants. These costs can be attributed to raw material sourcing and specialized manufacturing processes. Also, the lack of universal regulatory harmonization for plant-based capsules may delay approval processes in certain markets, slowing down adoption among pharmaceutical companies.

Market Opportunities

There are ample opportunities for market players to innovate and expand in niche segments such as customized capsule formulations, sustained-release capsules, and enteric-coated HPMC capsules. Furthermore, increasing demand for probiotic and functional food supplements in emerging markets presents lucrative expansion possibilities. Collaborations between capsule manufacturers and supplement brands to create proprietary blends can also foster long-term growth.

✅ Reasons to Buy the Report

☑Gain comprehensive insights into market trends, growth drivers, and emerging opportunities

☑Understand the evolving consumer preferences for plant-based capsule alternatives

☑Access detailed regional forecasts and segmentation data to guide investment strategies

☑Identify top players, recent developments, and competitive benchmarking in the HPMC capsules space

☑Stay updated on the latest innovations and sustainability practices shaping the industry

✅ Company Insights

✦Capsugel (a Lonza Company)

✦ACG Worldwide

✦Qualicaps

✦Sunil Healthcare Ltd

✦Bright Pharma Caps Inc.

✦Healthcaps India Ltd

✦Natural Capsules Limited

✦Shaoxing Kangke Capsule Co., Ltd.

✦Suheung Co., Ltd.

✦CapsCanada Corporation

■In April 2024, Lonza expanded its HPMC capsule manufacturing capabilities in Switzerland to meet growing demand for vegetarian capsules.

■ACG Worldwide announced a new line of HPMC capsules with enhanced oxygen barrier properties to cater to probiotic supplement manufacturers.

✅ Conclusion

The HPMC capsules market is undergoing rapid transformation, fueled by a consumer-led shift towards plant-based health products and clean-label supplements. As pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries seek alternatives that align with modern consumer values, HPMC capsules stand out with their chemical stability, moisture resistance, and vegetarian-friendly profile. Despite challenges like production cost and regulatory variances, the market is well-positioned for substantial growth. Innovations in product customization, sustainability, and capsule performance will continue to drive market expansion through 2032 and beyond.

✅About Persistence Market Research:

At Persistence Market Research, we specialize in creating research studies that serve as strategic tools for driving business growth. Established as a proprietary firm in 2012, we have evolved into a registered company in England and Wales in 2023 under the name Persistence Research & Consultancy Services Ltd. With a solid foundation, we have completed over 3600 custom and syndicate market research projects, and delivered more than 2700 projects for other leading market research companies’ clients.

Our approach combines traditional market research methods with modern tools to offer comprehensive research solutions. With a decade of experience, we pride ourselves on deriving actionable insights from data to help businesses stay ahead of the competition. Our client base spans multinational corporations, leading consulting firms, investment funds, and government departments. A significant portion of our sales comes from repeat clients, a testament to the value and trust we’ve built over the years.

Contact Us:

Persistence Market Research

G04 Golden Mile House, Clayponds Lane

Brentford, London, TW8 0GU UK

USA Phone: +1 646-878-6329

UK Phone: +44 203-837-5656

Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.com

Web: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com

This release was published on openPR.

As the number of US individuals aged 65 years and older continues to rise, age-related cognitive decline and dementia are becoming increasingly prevalent, driving demand for brain health supplements.^1,2 Although many supplements are marketed to support brain function, their safety and effectiveness remain largely unsubstantiated. Despite this, the global brain health supplements market was valued at $6.74 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $11.55 billion by 2032.²

Neuriva is one of many OTC dietary supplements marketed to enhance cognitive function. It has gained attention, in part, due to endorsements by actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik.³ Various formulations of the product are widely available online and in retail stores, including Neuriva Original, Neuriva Ultra, Neuriva Plus, and Neuriva Memory 3D.⁴ The manufacturer, Schiff Vitamins, claims that Neuriva Original supports 5 key cognitive functions: memory, accuracy, learning, focus, and concentration.⁵ However, as with all dietary supplements, these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.

Neuriva Original contains 2 active ingredients: 100 mg of coffee fruit extract and 100 mg of phosphatidylserine per capsule. The recommended dose is 1 capsule per day.⁵ Coffee fruit extract, also known as whole coffee cherry extract (CCE), is derived from the red fruit surrounding the coffee bean and is reported to have high polyphenol content and minimal caffeine (<4 mg/dose).⁶ It has been suggested that the polyphenol content in CCE may decrease inflammation and influence the gut-brain axis, potentially improving brain function.⁶ Additionally, it has been suggested that CCE may support brain health through its ability to increase brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that is essential for neuron growth and survival and is thought to modulate cognition and memory.^6,7 Despite these plausible mechanisms, there is insufficient reliable evidence to draw firm conclusions on the efficacy of CCE for improving cognitive function. The few clinical studies that have been published have used varying doses, had small sample sizes, had a short duration of treatment, and have yielded mixed results.^6,8-10

Phosphatidylserine is a phospholipid found in high concentrations in the brain.It plays a crucial role in maintaining the structure and function of brain cells and facilitating neuronal communication.¹¹ The clinical evidence regarding the use of phosphatidylserine for age-related cognitive decline suggests that it may improve attention, arousal, verbal fluency, and memory. A dose of 100 mg 3 times daily for up to 6 months was used in these studies.¹¹ Notably, this is 3 times the suggested daily dose of Neuriva Original. Additionally, most studies used bovine-derived phosphatidylserine, whereas Neuriva Original contains soybean-derived phosphatidylserine; the evidence on the latter is more sparse and less clear.¹¹

A search of the literature yielded only 1 clinical trial that evaluated the combined efficacy of CCE and phosphatidylserine, ie, the Neuriva Original formulation. Doma et al. assessed this product’s efficacy in healthy adults with self-perceived memory problems in an industry-sponsored, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.¹² Participants were randomized to receive either Neuriva Original or placebo once daily for 42 days. The 2 co-primary outcomes were changes from baseline to day 42 in plasma BDNF levels and the Computerized Mental Performance Assessment System (COMPASS) scores. COMPASS is a computerized testing program that uses a wide variety of tasks designed to evaluate cognitive domains such as memory, accuracy, focus, concentration, and learning.¹³ In this study, the tasks included choice reaction time, digit vigilance, simple reaction time, numeric working memory, computerized Corsi blocks, picture recognition, and word recognition. Secondary outcomes included a difference in the scores on the Everyday Memory Questionnaire, which assesses everyday memory, and the Go/No-Go assessment, which assesses sustained attention. Safety was assessed by evaluating the incidence of adverse events, as documented in a patient diary, and changes in vital signs, clinical chemistry, and hematology.¹²

Of the 138 randomized participants (mean age: 54), 133 completed the study. Notably, the published report only included results for the per protocol statistical analysis, which included 128 participants. At day 42, plasma BDNF levels did not significantly differ between the Neuriva Original and placebo groups. Both groups showed significant improvements across all COMPASS cognitive domains (accuracy, memory, focus and concentration, and learning), from baseline to day 42, as measured by the various tasks. The differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant, in favor of Neuriva Original, for some of the COMPASS task outcome scores, specifically the accuracy and reaction time outcomes on the numeric working memory task and overall accuracy during the picture recognition task.¹² No significant differences were noted between the groups on the secondary outcomes.

These results must be viewed considering the study’s limitations. The study’s short duration (42 days) may not fully capture long-term effects, and its relatively small sample size (138 participants) limits generalizability. The selection of participants based on self-reported memory problems introduces subjectivity, and the placebo effect may have influenced results. Additionally, the study did not control for variables such as physical activity or educational background, both of which can impact cognitive function.¹² While the study provides preliminary evidence supporting Neuriva Original, further studies using larger sample sizes, longer durations, and more rigorous controls are needed to draw definitive conclusions.

In addition to considering the efficacy of Neuriva Original, the safety must also be evaluated. The report by Doma et al. did not provide a detailed description of adverse effects other than noting that 72 adverse events were reported in total, all of which were resolved by the end of the study. The investigators noted 1 report of dry mouth as being possibly related to Neuriva Original and 1 report of anxiety possibly related to placebo. No significant safety concerns emerged in clinical chemistry, hematology, or vital sign assessments, and compliance rates were high.¹²

As for the individual ingredients of the product, phosphatidylserine has been used safely at doses of up to 300 mg daily for up to 6 months.¹¹ In theory, phosphatidylserine may interact with anticholinergic and/or cholinergic drugs because it is thought to increase acetylcholine levels. There are limited safety data on CCE. It is generally recognized as safe and has been well tolerated in clinical trials, with negligible caffeine content, reducing concerns about stimulant-related side effects.¹⁰ In total, there is a lack of data on the long-term safety of Neuriva Original, particularly in individuals with pre-existing health conditions and in other special populations. Accordingly, the labeling of Neuriva Original advises against its use in children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and those with medical conditions without physician consultation.⁵

Neuriva Original is marketed to enhance memory, focus, and cognitive performance, but these claims lack strong support from well-designed clinical trials. Patients may nevertheless be willing to try the product, despite these limitations and its cost (Neuriva Original retails for approximately $35 for a month supply). Such patients should be reminded to consult with their health care provider before using this supplement and to disclose its use to all providers.

References

1. Mather M, Scommegna P. Fact sheet: Aging in the United States. Population Reference Bureau. January 9, 2024. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.prb.org/resources/fact-sheet-aging-in-the-united-states/

2. Brain Health Supplements Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Product Type (Nootropic Supplements {Dietary Supplements, Herbal Extracts, and Others}, and Vitamins and Minerals), By Dosage Form (Tablets, Capsules, and Others), By Application (Cognitive Function, Stress & Anxiety, and Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Drug Stores & Retail Pharmacies, Online Channels, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2025-2032. Fortune Business Insights. Updated June 9, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/brain-health-supplements-market-107767.

3. Neuriva^® Partners with Mayim Bialik. Reckitt.com. Updated March 16, 2021. Accessed June 25, 2025.https://www.reckitt.com/us/newsroom/latest-news/news/2021/march/neuriva-partners-with-mayim-bialik-to-educate-and-empower-consumers-on-brain-health.

4. Schiff Vitamins. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.schiffvitamins.com/pages/neuriva-brain-health-supplement-research

5. Neuriva Original, Brain Health Supplement with Coffee Cherry Extract & Phosphatidylserine. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://www.schiffvitamins.com/products/neuriva-original-brain-health-clinically-tested-brain-supporting-supplement-with-natural-ingredients

6. Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Kern M, et al. Whole coffee cherry extract improves working memory and response inhibition: Acute and longitudinal results from a remote, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Nutrients. 2024; 16(14):2348. doi.org/10.3390/nu1614234

7. Ng TKS, Coughlan C, Heyn PC, et al. Increased plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a potential biomarker for and compensatory mechanism in mild cognitive impairment: a case-control study. Aging (Albany NY). 2021;13(19):22666-22689. doi:10.18632/aging.203598

8. Jackson PA, Kenney C, Forster J, et al. Acute cognitive performance and mood effects of coffeeberry extract: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled crossover study in healthy humans. Nutrients. 2023;15(11):2418. doi:10.3390/nu15112418

9. Robinson JL, Yanes JA, Reid MA, et al. Neurophysiological effects of whole coffee cherry extract in older adults with subjective cognitive impairment: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study. Antioxidants (Basel). 2021;10(2):144. doi:10.3390/antiox10020144

10. Robinson JL, Hunter JM, Reyes-Izquierdo T, et al. Cognitive short- and long-term effects of coffee cherry extract in older adults with mild cognitive decline. Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition. 2019;27(6):918–934. doi.org/10.1080/13825585.2019.1702622

11. Phosphatidylserine. NatMedPro. Updated June 23, 2025. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com/

12. Doma KM, Lewis ED, Barracato JM, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study investigating the efficacy of a whole coffee cherry extract and phosphatidylserine formulation on cognitive performance of healthy adults with self-perceived memory problems. Neurol Ther. 2023;12(3):777-794. doi:10.1007/s40120-023-00454-z

13. Compass – Computerised Mental Performance Assessment System. Accessed June 25, 2025. https://cognitivetesting.co.uk/#:~:text=Compass%20%7C%20Cognitive%20Assessment%20System&text=Compass%20provides%20a%20simple%20solution.