Official
mucilages are thick, viscid, adhesive liquids, made by dispersing gum
in water, or extracting the mucilagenous principle from vegetable
substances with water. All mucilages are prone to decomposition and
should never be made in large quantities that can be used immediately
unless a preservative is added. They are primarily used to aid in
suspending insoluble substances in liquids as their colloidal
character and viscosity help them prevent immediate sedimentation.
Example: sulfur in lotions, resins in mixtures and oils in emulsions.
As substitute for mucilages several synthetic mucilage-like
substances such polyvinyl alcohol, methycellulose,
carboxymethylcellulose may be used. Methylcellulose is used as a bulk
laxative since its absorbs water and swells to a hydrogel in the
intestine in much the same manner as psyllium or karaya gum.
Synthetic gums are non-glycogenetic and may be used in the
preparation of diabetic syrups.
Acacia Mucilage NF
Synonyms: Mucilago Acaciae; Mucilage of
Gum Arabic
Formula:
Acacia, in small fragments
..........................350g
Benzoic Acid
................................................2g
Purified Water, qs _________
To make
1000ml
Preparation:
Place the acacia in a wide mouth
graduated bottle with a capacity not exceeding 1000ml, wash the drug
with cold purified water, drain and add sufficient quantity of
purified water in which the benzoic acid has been dissolved to make
1000ml. Stopper and lay the bottle on its side, rotate occasionally,
and when acacia has been dissolved strain the mucilage.
It may be also prepared as follows:
Dissolve the benzoic acid in 400ml of
purified water with the aid of heat. Add the solution to 350g of
acacia in a mortar, triturating until the acacia is dissolved. Add
sufficient quantity of purified water to make 1000ml. Strain if
necessary.
Uses: Demulcent, suspending agent,
excipient in making pills and troches, and as emulsifying agent for
cod live oil and other substances.
Caution: Acacia mucilare must be free
from mold or any indication of decomposition.
Tragacanth Mucilage NF, BP
Synonym: Mucilago Tragacanthae
Formula:
Tragacanth
....................................6 g
Benzoic Acid
................................0.2g
Glycerin
........................................18g
Purified Water, qs
________
To make
100g
Preparation:
Mix 75ml of purified water with the
glycerin in a tared vessel, heat to boiling, discontinue application
of heat, add the tragacanth and the benzoic acid and macerate during
24 hours, stirring occasionally. Add sufficient quantity of purified
water to make the mucilage weigh 100g. Stir actively until of uniform
consistency and strain through muslin.
Uses: Excipient for pills or troches,
suspending agent for insoluble substances for internal mixtures and
as protective agent.
