| Name | Mucilage |
| Common Name | Mucilage |
| Chemical Formula | Variable (e.g., (C6H10O5)n for polysaccharides) |
| Chemical Class | Polysaccharide (heteropolysaccharides) |
| IUPAC Name | N/A (class of compounds) |
| CAS Number | N/A (class of compounds) |
| Molecular Weight |
| Therapeutic Action | Demulcent, emollient, laxative, soothing agent for gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts |
| Toxicity | Generally safe at recommended doses; excessive intake may cause gastrointestinal obstruction |
| Solubility | Insoluble in alcohol; swells in water to form viscous gel |
| Pharmacological Effects | Forms protective coating on mucous membranes; promotes bowel regularity; anti-inflammatory in GI tract; hydrates and soothes irritated tissues |
| Found in Herbs | Sambucus canadensis , Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) [↗] , Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) , Ulmus rubra (Slippery Elm) , Plantago ovata (Psyllium) , Linum usitatissimum (Flaxseed) |
| Found in Foods | Okra, chia seeds, flaxseeds, psyllium husks, aloe vera gel |
| Found in Drugs | Guar gum (in laxatives) , psyllium (Metamucil) , pectin (in some digestive aids) |
| Research Notes | Used in traditional herbal medicine (Ayurveda, TCM, Western herbalism) for coughs, ulcers, constipation; modern studies support prebiotic effects and wound healing; conventional use in pharmaceuticals as thickeners and stabilizers |
| Reference | Wikipedia: Mucilage; PubChem (related compounds like Guar Gum CID 441346) |
| URL | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mucilage |
| Image | 📷 View image on Wikimedia |
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