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Messi Biology states that when mentioning magnesium oxide, many people associate it with industrial refractory materials or construction supplies. Few realize that this seemingly ordinary inorganic compound has long been transformed into a “hidden hero” within medicinal capsules. As a medicinal ingredient that meets national pharmacopoeia standards, magnesium oxide (MgO) granules, with their unique physical and chemical properties, carry the multiple missions of regulating digestion and optimizing drug efficacy in capsule formulations, silently guarding human health.
The most well-known application of magnesium oxide granules is as a “soothing agent” for antacid and stomach protection. When improper diet leads to excessive gastric acid, acid reflux, or heartburn, capsules containing magnesium oxide enter the stomach and utilize their mild alkaline nature to neutralize gastric acid, quickly reducing acidity and relieving discomfort. More ingeniously, the magnesium chloride produced by the reaction forms a protective film on the surface of the gastric mucosa, reducing erosion from gastric acid and pepsin, thereby creating a repair environment for patients with chronic gastritis or gastric ulcers. Unlike rapid acid-suppressing drugs, its effect is long-lasting and produces no gas, avoiding side effects like bloating, making it a common formula in stomach medicine capsules.
In terms of relieving constipation, magnesium oxide granules serve as a “gentle and safe laxative.” Its laxative principle stems from osmotic pressure regulation: after oral administration, magnesium oxide, which is not easily absorbed by the intestines, creates a hypertonic environment. This prompts moisture from outside the intestinal tract to enter the intestines, softening the stool and gently stimulating intestinal peristalsis. This method takes effect smoothly—usually within 4 to 8 hours—without causing severe abdominal pain. It is particularly suitable for sensitive groups such as the elderly and pregnant women, avoiding the dependency issues often associated with stimulant laxatives.
As a pharmaceutical excipient, magnesium oxide granules are also an “optimization tool” for capsule preparations. Boasting excellent flowability and stable chemical properties, they can be uniformly mixed with medicinal ingredients, acting as a filler to ensure that the dosage of each capsule is precise and consistent. Meanwhile, its hydrophilicity and porous structure can absorb moisture and accelerate the disintegration of the capsule shell, allowing the drug ingredients to be released and absorbed by the body faster, which can improve bioavailability by 15% to 20%. Additionally, it can adsorb trace moisture and impurities within the capsule, providing a stable storage environment for drugs that perish easily and extending their shelf life. It is worth noting that the purity of pharmaceutical and food-grade magnesium oxide must reach over 99%, with heavy metals and other impurities strictly complying with standards.
From regulating gastric acid to assisting bowel movements, and from acting as a filler to optimizing drug efficacy, the application of magnesium oxide granules in capsules fully demonstrates the perfect integration of chemical properties and pharmaceutical craftsmanship. This “health helper” hidden inside the capsule guards digestive health through its diverse functions and has become an indispensable and vital component in medicinal preparations.