Mucilage membrane

Figure 2. Higher magnification of laccase-labelling in the hyphal wall and mucilage layer. No label is seen on the plasma membrane or within the cytoplasm. Magnification x 59,500.

The mucilage is sometimes a food reserve (Linum, Cruciferae) and in plants living in dry climates it may act as a water reservoir. The formation of resins and oils is said to be the function of a mucilaginous membrane. 

N.A. Mucilage, citric, malic, tartaric acids, hibiscus acid, thiamine, gossypetin, anthocyanin, myristic acid, palmitic acid.100,107 Soothing effect on mucous membranes that line the respiratory and digestive tracts. Seeds used for cramps, flowers as an astrigent. 

Mucilage is formed in plants in several ways, viz. either as a product of the protoplasm, as a disorganization product of some of the carbohydrates, as a secondary thickening or addition to the cell wall, or as a metamorphosis of it. In the first two cases the mucilage is called cell-content mucilage, in the last two, membrane mucilage. 

Membrane mucilage has been observed in Barosma, Ulmus, Althaa, Linum, Astragalus, and Acacia species, in the Blue-green Algae, and many of the Brown and Red Algae. 

Mucilage-containing drugs The polysaccharide mucilage prevents physical and chemical irritation of the epithelium of the mouth cavity and pharynx by forming a protective layer over the mucous membrane. 

The pharmacological effects of marshmallow root are due to its content of mucilage, which forms a protective layer on mucous membranes or skin, soothing irritation and inflammation. It is used topically as a mouthwash or gargle for inflammation of the mouth and pharynx. It is a component in tablets, tea, and mixtures. 

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