| 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">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 | https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4e/Mucilage.jpg/220px-Mucilage.jpg |
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