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Questions and Answers
How do water soluble fibers like oat bran help lower cholesterol?
How do water soluble fibers like oat bran help lower cholesterol?
By producing a sensation of 'fullness' in the stomach without providing calories.
What is the purpose of using guar gum and similar fibers for appetite suppression?
What is the purpose of using guar gum and similar fibers for appetite suppression?
To produce a sensation of 'fullness' without adding calories.
How do the soothing effects of gums and mucilages benefit irritable states of the urinary and respiratory tract?
How do the soothing effects of gums and mucilages benefit irritable states of the urinary and respiratory tract?
By providing demulcent effects.
What blood sugar lowering effect has been observed in both diabetics and normal subjects related to water soluble fibers?
What blood sugar lowering effect has been observed in both diabetics and normal subjects related to water soluble fibers?
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How do mucilagenous herbs like Althaea officinalis benefit bronchitis?
How do mucilagenous herbs like Althaea officinalis benefit bronchitis?
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Give an example of a mucilagenous herb used for bronchitis.
Give an example of a mucilagenous herb used for bronchitis.
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Explain the mode of operation of mucilages on organs like the respiratory tract and uterus if they don't come in contact directly.
Explain the mode of operation of mucilages on organs like the respiratory tract and uterus if they don't come in contact directly.
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What are immunostimulating polysaccharides characterized by?
What are immunostimulating polysaccharides characterized by?
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What may immunostimulating polysaccharides be bound to?
What may immunostimulating polysaccharides be bound to?
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What property of water soluble fibers helps in appetite suppression and lowering cholesterol?
What property of water soluble fibers helps in appetite suppression and lowering cholesterol?
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Study Notes
Medicinal Plants and Polysaccharides
- Symphytum officinalis, Tussilago farfara, Ulmus fulva, and Plantago ovata are notable for their similarities to seaweed gums.
- Aqueous suspensions of gums and gelatinized starches exhibit properties that are beneficial in medicinal applications.
Properties of Gum and Mucilage
- Hydrophilic, attracting water, with cooling and sweet energetic properties.
- Physical properties hold more significance compared to chemical properties in therapeutic applications.
- Generally indigestible; breakdown in the digestive tract leads to sugars and uronic acid with limited pharmacological effects, often viewed as inert.
Solubility
- Polysaccharides are insoluble in alcohol, precipitating from alcohol-based solvents.
- Tinctures with 45% alcohol or higher are ineffective for demulcent or emollient effects.
- Water solubility varies significantly based on structure; linear polymers (mucilages) are less soluble and may precipitate at high temperatures, forming slimy solutions, while branched polymers (gums) are more soluble, forming tacky gels.
Local Effects
- Primary action occurs locally by direct contact with mucous membranes or skin.
- Creates a protective coating (slime) that soothes irritated surfaces in the gastrointestinal tract, acting as a demulcent.
- On the skin, this effect is referred to as an emollient, aiding in the management of irritability and ulceration in digestive disorders.
Influence on Bowel Behavior
- Polysaccharides have laxative effects due to their bulkiness, promoting peristalsis.
- Can act as anti-diarrhoeal agents by absorbing excess water in the colon, with substances like tannins providing a binding effect.
- High-fiber diets, which include polysaccharides, are effective for maintaining bowel health.
Therapeutic Applications
- Ideal for treating irritable bowel disorders, particularly psyllium husk.
- Alginates from seaweeds are used in gastric anti-acids for conditions like gastric reflux, esophagitis, and hiatal hernias.
- Slippery elm powder is similarly effective for addressing digestive issues.
- Mucilage retains water and maintains elevated temperatures, aiding in deep tissue penetration, suppressing fermentation and bacterial growth, while helping eliminate toxins and wastes from the body.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the properties of gums and mucilage found in medicinal plants such as Symphytum officinalis, Tussilago farfara, Ulmus fulva, and Plantago ovata. Explore the hydrophilic nature, cooling effect, and sweet taste associated with these polysaccharides.
