Mucilago Tragacanthae (U. S. P.)—Mucilage of Tragacanth.
Related entry: Tragacantha (U. S. P.)—Tragacanth
Preparation.—"Tragacanth, six grammes (6 Gm.) [93 grs.]; glycerin, eighteen grammes (18 Gm.) [278 grs.]; water, a sufficient quantity to make one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 231 grs.]. Mix the glycerin with seventy-five cubic centimeters (75 Cc.) [2 fl℥, 257♏︎] of water in a tared vessel, heat the mixture to boiling, add the tragacanth, and let it macerate during 24 hours, stirring occasionally. Then add enough water to make the mixture weigh one hundred grammes (100 Gm.) [3 ozs. av., 231 grs.], beat it so as to make it of uniform consistence, and strain it forcibly through muslin"—(U. S. P.). Tragacanth is but partly soluble in water. The mucilage is viscid and thick.
Action and Medical Uses.—This has been applied locally to burns, scalds, ulcers, etc., for its protective purposes. It is employed as an excipient where a slowly dissolving preparation is desired, as in troches, and in laxatives and nonirritating mixtures. It is also used as a pill excipient.
