Pharmaceutical Application Carrageenan is a good substitute for gelatin (animal-based product) in hard and soft gel capsules. Theincorporation in glycerin-water mixture masks the chalkiness of antacid gels. Marcel carrageenan functions in pharmaceutical products as follows: gives stable emulsions for insoluble preparations enhances homogeneity in colloidal suspension film forming agent in crystal clear soft capsules ( vegetable origin) acts as gelling agent in antacid gels improves shelf stability prolongs shelf life of antibiotic suspension