With the rise of the green pharmaceutical concept, the selection of pharmaceutical raw materials is increasingly leaning towards environmental protection, safety, and sustainability. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂), as a low-toxicity, naturally abundant, and renewably processed inorganic alkaline substance, is gradually gaining attention in the pharmaceutical industry.
I. The Green Attributes of Magnesium Hydroxide
- Wide Natural Sources:
- Derived from natural resources such as brucite and seawater extraction.
- The extraction process has high energy efficiency and generates less waste, making it suitable for large-scale industrial green production.
- Low Toxicity and Low Side Effects:
- Can be decomposed into magnesium ions and water in the body, with minimal impact on human health.
- Recognized as a safe pharmaceutical excipient by the FDA and EU food and drug regulations.
- Biodegradable:
- Compared to other complex organic pharmaceutical excipients, magnesium hydroxide does not accumulate or pollute the environment.
II. Potential Application Areas in Green Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Green Antacid Alternative:
- Replaces aluminum salt-based antacids (such as aluminum hydroxide), reducing potential negative effects on the nervous system.
- Contains no heavy metals, offering higher safety.
- Sustainable Laxative Option:
- Gently stimulates intestinal peristalsis, avoiding dependence or irritating side effects.
- Suitable for patients with chronic constipation, especially the elderly and children.
- Environmentally Friendly pH Adjuster in Pharmaceutical Formulations:
- Commonly used as a pH buffer in tablets and suspensions.
- Replaces phosphate salts or synthetic amino alkaline regulators, offering a milder and more environmentally friendly option.
- Green Neutralizing Agent in Pharmaceutical Processes:
- Used to neutralize excess acid in neutralization reactions, improving product purity and reducing the cost of treating environmental waste liquid.
III. New Trends in Environmentally Friendly Pharmaceutical Packaging
Research is exploring the incorporation of magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles into biodegradable plastic films for pharmaceutical packaging. This can enhance oxygen and moisture barrier properties while also providing antibacterial effects.
This approach can extend packaging lifespan, reduce plastic pollution, and is suitable for the packaging needs of green pharmaceuticals and natural products.