Origin. - A gummy exudation from Astragalus gummifer Labillardiere, or from other species of Astragalus, low shrubs, indigenous in a portion of the territory lying between Eastern Persia and Greece.

Description and Properties. - In narrow or broad bands, more or less curved or contorted, marked by parallel lines or ridges, white or faintly yellowish, translucent, horn-like, and tough. It contains 33 per cent. of a gum, bassorin, which is only slightly soluble in water.

Official Preparation

Mucilago Tragacanthae - Macilaginis Tragacanthae - Mucilage of Traga-canth.Dose, freely.

Physiological Action and Therapeutics. - Tragacanth is demulcent and nutritious, and may be used for the same purposes as acacia, Iceland moss, etc. The mucilage of tragacanth is singularly efficacious as a soothing emollient in chapped hands and irritable conditions of the skin.