Tragacanth
Botanical Name: Astragalus gummifer
Pharmacognosy & Source
Plant Part Used
Dried gummy exudation
Geographical Source
Iran, Syria, Turkey
Macroscopic Features
Thin, flattened, ribbon-like flakes, white or pale yellowish, odorless.
Constituents & Pharmacology
Active Constituents
Bassorin (water-swellable), Tragacanthin (water-soluble)
Pharmacological Actions
Pharmaceutical excipient, mucosal protectant
Traditional Uses
Suspending agent, emulsifier, demulcent
Safety & Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity, bowel obstruction (if not taken with enough water)