Abstract

*Dr. Umakant N. Rabb

ABSTRACT

To determine the swelling of crude drugs in water, the drugs with mucilage absorbwater and swell. In mucilage polysaccharide containing hexos and pentose sugarsand uronic acids present in the cell walls of certain seeds. The higher the mucilagecontent, greater will be the swelling index. Mucilage swells by absorbing water.This helps in thickening the membranes and seed germination. As a bulk forminglaxative in treatment of constipation. The outermost layers of plant diaspores mayinclude a seed coat or pericarp which are composed of multiple cell layers of cellthat surround the embryo and the endosperm. These cells have specialized cellularfeatures that protect the embryo and influence seed dormancy, dispersal andgermination. Mucilage is most commonly produced by the seed coat epidermalcells. The mucilage is deposited as an extracellular matrix between the primary cellwall and the plasma membrane. When mature seeds are exposed to water thehydrophilic mucilage extrudes and expands to form a hydro gel that encapsulatesthe seed. These mucilaginous drugs are soluble in dietary fiber which induce theperistaltic movements and relieves constipation. These mucilage is also help todisintegrant in formulation of tablets. The Tila seeds are Katu(Pungent),Tikta(Bitter), Kashaya(Astringent), in taste, Katu Vipaka(Pungent in post digestiveeffect), Swadu (Palatable), Snigdha(Demulcent), Ushna(Hot in potency). TheEranda is Tikta(Bitter), Madhura(Sweet), Ushna Virya(Hot in potency),Malabhedaka (Laxative). The Kulattha is Tikta(Bitter in taste), Katu Vipaka(Pungent at post digestive effect). Vidanga is Katu Vipaka(Pungent at post digestiveeffect), and Krimi Nashaka(Alleviates worms infestation). In the present workTila(Sesamum indicum Linn), Eranda(Ricinus communis Linn), Kulattha(Dolichosbiflorus Linn), Vidanga (Embelia ribes Burm. f.) are subjected for experimentationto assess the Snigdha(Demulcent), and Ruksha (Dryness).