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Write in detail pharmacognostic note on cotton?
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pharmacognostic note on cotton Gossypium herbaceum biological source chemical constituents uses
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cotton pharmacognosy Gossypium herbaceum microscopical characters cellulose gossypol trichomes identification tests
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cotton fiber Gossypium herbaceum microscopy trichome cellulose pharmacognosy
This image is a three-dimensional reconstruction of a cotton textile structure obtained via two-photon (2p) fluorescence microscopy, visualized to a depth of 350 µm. The image illustrates the complex spatial arrangement of individual cellulose fibers, which appear as elongated, cylindrical structures with green fluorescence. The fibers demonstrate varying orientations, with some layers aligned parallel while others intersect and overlap, forming a multi-layered woven network. Subtle surface undulations and variations in fiber thickness are visible across the tomographic volume. Within a biomedical and clinical context, such imaging techniques are utilized to evaluate the homogeneity and distribution of nano-functionalized coatings, such as luminescent Ir@SiO2 nanoparticles. These coatings are studied for their potential applications in antimicrobial textiles and transdermal drug delivery systems. The 3D reconstruction provides critical insights into the physical interactions between specialized chemical agents and the textile substrate, serving as a model for researching skin-to-textile exposure and the efficacy of protective medical garments.
This set of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images illustrates the surface morphology of cotton fibers before and after bioengineering functionalization. Panel (a) displays bare, pristine cotton fibers, which appear as smooth, elongated, and well-defined cylindrical structures with subtle longitudinal striations. Panel (b) shows the same fiber type functionalized with the metal-organic framework (MOF) UiO-66. This panel demonstrates a significant change in texture, where the previously smooth cellulose surfaces are now covered by a dense, granular, and uniform layer of crystalline particulates. This functionalization creates a rough, high-surface-area morphology, obscuring the primary fiber structure and causing individual fibers to appear more clustered or aggregated. These images are used in bioengineering and materials science research to verify the successful growth of photocatalytic MOFs on natural textile substrates, which have potential medical applications in specialized wound dressings, antimicrobial textiles, or the degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants like acetaminophen. The scale bar indicated is 10 m.
Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images at 200x magnification comparing the microstructures of a standard cotton dressing and a gauze-chitosan hemostatic dressing. Image (a) depicts the standard cotton gauze, characterized by a loose, porous network of distinct, individual cellulose fibers with visible spacing and clear morphology. Image (b) shows the gauze-chitosan dressing, where a thin, semi-transparent film or matrix of chitosan polysaccharide covers the cotton fibers. In this modified dressing, the chitosan coating fills several of the inter-fiber spaces and creates a smoother, more uniform surface texture while maintaining some porosity. This visual comparison illustrates the surface modification of cotton fibers to enhance biological interaction, specifically aimed at promoting erythrocyte adhesion, platelet activation, and rapid clot formation for clinical hemorrhage control. The images highlight the structural differences between a simple mechanical dressing and a functionalized biomaterial used in hemostatic therapy.
Here is the complete, detailed pharmacognostic note on Cotton, formatted in the same style as your Agar notes:
COTTON
Synonyms
- Raw Cotton, Cotton Wool, Purified Cotton, Absorbent Cotton, Surgical Cotton
- Botanical synonym: Gossypium herbaceum is also called Levant Cotton or African-Asian Cotton
Biological Source
Cotton consists of the epidermal trichomes (seed hairs) of the seeds of cultivated species of Gossypium herbaceum Linn. and other species such as Gossypium hirsutum Linn. and Gossypium barbadense Linn., freed from impurities, fats, and sterilized.
- Family: Malvaceae
- Drug type: Vegetable fibre (natural cellulosic fibre)
Geographical Source
- India - primarily cultivated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab
- United States - G. hirsutum (accounts for ~90% of world production)
- Egypt - famous for high-quality long-staple cotton
- Africa (Ethiopia, Sudan), China, Pakistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan
G. hirsutum (Upland cotton) dominates world trade (~90%). G. barbadense contributes ~8% (Sea Island/Egyptian cotton). G. herbaceum and G. arboreum are the Old World species grown in South/South-East Asia.
Plant Description
- Habit: Perennial shrub or annual herbaceous plant, 2-6 feet (60-180 cm) tall
- Leaves: Wide, palmate, hairy, lobes lanceolate and acute
- Flowers: Small, yellow with a purple spot at the centre (characteristic of Malvaceae)
- Fruits: Capsules (called "bolls"); when ripe, split to expose loose white fibrous clumps surrounding the seeds
- Seeds: Covered in hairy down; fibres grow from the outer seed coat (testa)
Cultivation, Collection and Preparation
Cultivation:
- Seeds sown in rows about 4-5 ft apart, using fertilizers and good irrigation
- Warm, semi-arid climates preferred; requires warm weather to ripen seeds
Collection:
- Capsules (bolls) burst open when ripe, exposing cotton fibres
- Harvested by hand or machine
- Ginning - mechanical separation of lint (long fibres) from seeds using a cotton gin
- Linters (short fibres firmly attached to seeds) are separated separately
Preparation/Purification:
- Raw cotton collected → boiled with dilute NaOH or alkali to remove fats, waxes, and impurities
- Bleached with sodium hypochlorite or hydrogen peroxide
- Washed thoroughly with water to remove bleaching agents
- Dried and sterilized (by autoclaving or gamma radiation)
- Packed into rolls or balls as purified/absorbent cotton
Macroscopic Characters
| Feature | Raw Cotton | Purified (Absorbent) Cotton |
|---|---|---|
| Colour | Yellowish-white to creamy | Pure white |
| Odour | Odourless | Odourless |
| Taste | Tasteless | Tasteless |
| Texture | Soft, fluffy, non-absorbent (due to wax coating) | Soft, highly absorbent |
| Shape | Fine filaments like hairs; unicellular | Same, unicellular |
| Size | 2.2-4.6 cm long; 20-35 microns in diameter | Same |
| Feel | Does not absorb water readily | Readily absorbs water and aqueous solutions |
| Strength | Strong fibre; tenacity 3-5 g/denier; wet strength increases by 20% | Similar |
Microscopic (Microscopical) Characters
Under the microscope, cotton fibres show the following characteristics:
- Unicellular trichomes - each fibre is a single elongated epidermal cell
- Twisted ribbon-like appearance - when dry, the lumen (central canal) collapses and the fibre appears as a flat, twisted ribbon with characteristic convolutions; this is the most distinctive microscopic feature of cotton
- Primary wall - thin outer cellulose wall visible in cross-section
- Secondary wall - thicker inner wall of cellulose microfibrils, laid down in spiral layers (daily growth rings visible under polarized light)
- Lumen - central canal; wide in raw cotton, collapsed/narrow in mature dried fibre
- Cross-section: Kidney-shaped or bean-shaped (due to collapsed lumen)
- No lignin - fibres are non-lignified
- Cell wall - shows birefringence under polarized light (cellulosic)
- Fibres are smooth with no nodes or septa (unlike flax or hemp which have nodes)
Scanning electron microscopy showing cellulose cotton fibre structure; a) bare cotton fibres with smooth cylindrical surfaces and longitudinal striations
Chemical Constituents
Raw Cotton (Unprocessed):
| Constituent | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Cellulose | 88-96.5% |
| Moisture | 7-8% |
| Waxes and fats | ~0.5% |
| Proteins | ~1.1% |
| Pectin | ~0.9% |
| Ash (mineral matter) | ~1.2% |
| Natural pigments | trace |
Purified (Absorbent) Cotton:
- Cellulose: ~99% (nearly pure alpha-cellulose)
- Moisture: 6-7%
- Ash: 0.2-0.3%
- Waxes, fats, and proteins are almost entirely removed during purification
Cellulose Structure:
- Cellulose is a polysaccharide of beta-D-glucopyranose units linked by beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds
- Chain formula: (C6H10O5)n
- Degree of polymerization: ~15,000 glucose units in cotton cellulose
Non-Cellulosic Constituents of Cotton Seed (pharmacologically relevant):
- Gossypol - a toxic polyphenolic pigment found in seed glands (NOT present in the purified fibre); investigated as a male contraceptive agent (causes azoospermia/oligospermia)
- Fatty acids in seed oil - linoleic acid (~36%), oleic acid, palmitic acid
- Vitamin E (tocopherols) - in cottonseed oil
- Flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids - in seed extracts
Identification Tests (Chemical Tests)
| Test | Reagent/Procedure | Observation/Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Iodine-Sulphuric Acid Test | Moisten dried cotton with N/50 iodine solution; add 80% H2SO4 | Blue colour produced | Confirms cellulose; distinguishes cotton from acetate rayon, jute, hemp, wool, silk, nylon |
| 2. Ignition Test | Burn a small sample | Burns with a flame, slight odour/fumes, NO bead formed, leaves small white ash | Distinguishes from animal fibres (wool, silk - leave a bead) and synthetics |
| 3. Phloroglucinol-HCl Test | Treat with phloroglucinol + HCl | No red/pink colour | Absence of lignin; distinguishes from jute, hemp, kapok (which give red = lignified) |
| 4. Shirla Stain A (cold, 1 min) | Apply cold Shirla stain A for 1 minute, wash | Blue, lilac or purple shade | Distinguishes from viscose/acetate rayons, alginate, wool, silk, nylon |
| 5. Shirla Stain C (cold, 5 min) | Apply cold Shirla stain C for 5 min, wash | Raw cotton = mauve to reddish-brown; Absorbent cotton = pink | Distinguishes from flax, jute, hemp |
| 6. Copper Sulphate-Ammonia Test | Immerse in Cuprammonium solution (Schweitzer's reagent) | Fibres dissolve (cellulose dissolves in cuprammonium hydroxide) | Confirms cellulosic nature |
| 7. Microscopic Twist Test | Examine under microscope | Twisted ribbon with convolutions | Most characteristic; absent in synthetic fibres |
Adulterants and Allied Drugs
- Jute (Corchorus capsularis) - fibres show nodes, lignified (gives red with phloroglucinol), no twists
- Hemp (Cannabis sativa) - lignified, shows lumen, polygonal cross-section
- Kapok (Ceiba pentandra) - hollow fibres, smooth, not twisted
- Flax (Linum usitatissimum) - shows cross-markings/nodes, different staining
- Synthetic fibres (rayon, nylon) - do not dissolve in cuprammonium, no twists visible
Pharmacopoeial Standards (IP/BP)
- Loss on drying: Not more than 8.0%
- Ash value: Not more than 0.5%
- Absorbency test: A pledget of 5 g should sink within 10 seconds when placed on the surface of water
- Acidity/Alkalinity: pH of aqueous extract 5.0-7.5
- Wettability: Rapid (test for complete removal of hydrophobic wax)
- Freedom from foreign matter: Should be free from seeds, leaves, and extraneous matter
Uses
Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Uses:
- Surgical dressing - primary use; absorbs blood, pus, and wound exudates
- Filtration medium in pharmaceutical preparations
- Padding material in bandages, splints, and casts
- Pledgets and swabs for wound cleaning and medication application
- Dental rolls in dentistry for moisture control
- Preparation of collodion - cotton dissolved in ether/alcohol for wound sealing
- Preparation of gun cotton (pyroxylin) - nitrated cellulose used in collodion and as a propellant
- Carrier in transdermal drug delivery systems
- Gossypol (from seed) - investigated as a male contraceptive agent
Industrial Uses:
- Textile fibre - primary commercial use for clothing and fabrics
- Cottonseed oil - edible oil (after gossypol removal by refining)
- Cottonseed meal - cattle feed (after detoxification)
- Paper and cellulose products manufacture
- Preparation of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) - pharmaceutical excipient (binder, disintegrant)
- Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) - derived from cotton cellulose; used as tablet binders, suspending agents, viscosity enhancers
Special Notes
- Cotton is referred to as the "King of Fibres" - most important natural textile fibre globally
- The characteristic twisted ribbon appearance under the microscope is the single most important microscopical diagnostic feature
- Raw cotton is NOT absorbent because the outer waxy coating (cuticle) repels water; purification removes this wax, converting it to highly absorbent surgical cotton
- Gossypol, present only in the seed glands and NOT in the purified fibre, was studied in the 1970s-80s as a male oral contraceptive (causes irreversible azoospermia in high doses) - referenced in Park's Preventive & Social Medicine as a "male pill"
- The three commercially important species are: G. hirsutum (90%), G. barbadense (8%), and G. herbaceum/arboreum (2%)
Summary Table (Quick Reference)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Synonym | Raw cotton, Absorbent cotton, Purified cotton |
| Biological source | Epidermal trichomes of Gossypium herbaceum and allied spp. |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Drug type | Vegetable fibre |
| Active constituent | Cellulose (~90-99%) |
| Microscopical feature | Twisted ribbon with convolutions (flat, collapsed lumen) |
| Confirmatory test | Iodine + H2SO4 → Blue colour |
| Key use | Surgical dressing, filtration |
| Adulterant detection | Phloroglucinol-HCl (no red = cotton; red = jute/hemp) |
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Here is a concise pharmacognostic note on Cotton, formatted like your Agar image:
COTTON
Synonym: Raw Cotton, Purified Cotton, Absorbent Cotton, Surgical Cotton
Biological Source: Epidermal trichomes (seed hairs) of seeds of Gossypium herbaceum Linn. and other species (G. hirsutum, G. barbadense), freed from impurities, fats and sterilized
Family: Malvaceae
Geographical Source: India, USA, Egypt, China, Africa, Pakistan
Collection and Preparation: Bolls harvested when ripe → Ginning to separate fibres from seeds → Boiled with dilute NaOH to remove wax/fats → Bleached with H₂O₂ or NaOCl → Washed, dried and sterilized → Packed as absorbent cotton
Macroscopic Characters:
- Colour: White (purified); creamy white (raw)
- Odour: Odourless; Taste: Tasteless
- Shape: Fine, soft, unicellular filaments; 2.2-4.6 cm long, 20-35 microns diameter
- Raw cotton: non-absorbent (due to wax); Purified cotton: highly absorbent
Microscopic Characters:
- Unicellular trichomes
- Characteristic twisted ribbon appearance with convolutions (collapsed lumen)
- Cross-section: kidney-shaped
- No lignin, no nodes or septa
Chemical Constituents:
- Cellulose: 88-96.5% (raw); ~99% (purified) - beta-1,4-glucan polymer
- Moisture: 7-8%; Wax and fats: ~0.5%; Protein: ~1.1%; Pectin: ~0.9%
- Cottonseed contains Gossypol (toxic polyphenol) - NOT present in purified fibre
Identification Tests:
- Dried cotton + N/50 iodine → 80% H₂SO₄ added → Blue colour (confirms cellulose)
- Ignition → Burns with flame, little odour, no bead, leaves small white ash
- Phloroglucinol + HCl → No red colour (no lignin; distinction from jute, hemp)
- Microscopy → Twisted ribbon with convolutions
Uses:
- Surgical dressings - absorbs blood, pus and wound exudate
- Filtering medium in pharmaceutical preparations
- Padding in bandages, splints and casts
- Preparation of pyroxylin (gun cotton/collodion)
- Source of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) and CMC - pharmaceutical excipients
Write in detail about pharmacognostic note on tragacanth
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tragacanth pharmacognosy biological source macroscopic microscopic chemical constituents identification tests uses Astragalus
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https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8000171
Here is the detailed pharmacognostic note on Tragacanth:
TRAGACANTH
Synonym: Gum Tragacanth, Hog Gum, Syrian Tragacanth, Tragant, Gum Dragon
Biological Source:
Tragacanth is the dried gummy exudate obtained from the stem and branches of Astragalus gummifer Labillardiere and other Asiatic species of Astragalus (A. microcephalus, A. verus, A. brachycalyx, A. myriacanthus).
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Geographical Source:
Iran (largest producer), Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Greece, India. Iran produces the highest quality tragacanth exported worldwide.
Plant Description:
- Low, thorny, perennial shrubs, 30-100 cm tall
- Leaves: pinnate, with stipules modified into hard spines
- Flowers: small, whitish to pale yellow, papilionaceous
- Fruits: small legume pods
- Taproot system is deep and woody; gum exudes naturally or after incision from the woody root and stem
Collection and Preparation:
Gum collection → Incisions made on root and lower stem of 2-year-old plants in summer (June-August) → Gum exudes as ribbon-like or flake forms → Hardens on exposure to air within 24 hours → Collected by hand → Sorted into grades (Ribbon > Flake) → Dried in sun → Packed for export
- Ribbon (flake) grade: Best quality; pale yellowish-white, flat curved ribbons
- Flake grade: Second quality; irregular pieces
- Ribbons are graded into 5 grades in Iran; flakes into 7 grades
Macroscopic Characters:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Form | Flat, ribbon-like, curved or straight pieces (ribbon type) OR irregular flakes |
| Colour | White to pale yellowish-white |
| Odour | Odourless (faint, characteristic when powdered) |
| Taste | Mucilaginous, insipid |
| Texture | Hard, horny, brittle when dry |
| Size | Ribbons: 0.5-2.5 cm wide, 1-3 mm thick |
| Surface | Shows fine longitudinal striations |
| Water behaviour | Swells greatly in water forming thick, viscous gel; does NOT completely dissolve - forms a stiff mucilage |
Microscopic Characters:
- No organised cellular structure visible (amorphous gum)
- Under microscope with water: irregular, angular fragments of translucent gum
- Shows lamellar (layered) structure when sections cut from natural gum pieces
- Starch granules absent
- With iodine - no blue colour (confirms absence of starch)
- Calcium oxalate crystals may be present as impurity
- With ruthenium red - pink/red colour (confirms mucilage/pectic nature of tragacanthin)
- Polarised light - shows birefringence in lamellar layers of bassorin
Chemical Constituents:
Tragacanth is composed of two main polysaccharide fractions:
1. Bassorin (60-70%) - Water-insoluble fraction
- Responsible for gel/swelling property
- A methylated acid with pectin-like structure
- On hydrolysis yields: D-galacturonic acid, D-xylose, L-fucose, D-galactose
- Forms high-viscosity gel in water
2. Tragacanthin (30-40%) - Water-soluble fraction
- Also called tragacanthic acid or arabinogalactan
- Dissolves in water forming a viscous colloidal sol (hydrosol)
- On hydrolysis yields: L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-galacturonic acid
Other constituents:
- Water: 10-15%
- Starch: absent (distinguishes from many other gums)
- Protein: ~3%
- Ash: ~3%
- Cellulose: small amounts
Identification Tests:
| Test | Reagent | Observation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mucilage test | Add water, allow to swell | Forms thick, stiff, opaque mucilage (viscous gel) - does NOT form clear solution |
| 2. Iodine test | Add iodine solution | No blue colour (confirms absence of starch) |
| 3. Ruthenium red test | Add ruthenium red solution | Pink/red colour (confirms pectic/mucilaginous nature) |
| 4. Ferric chloride test | Add FeCl₃ to aqueous mucilage | Yellowish-brown colour |
| 5. Lead acetate test | Add lead acetate solution | White precipitate (due to pectic acid salts) |
| 6. Acetic acid test | Add dilute acetic acid to mucilage | No precipitate (distinguishes from agar, gelatin) |
| 7. Fehling's test after hydrolysis | Hydrolyse with HCl, then add Fehling's | Red precipitate (reducing sugars - arabinose, galactose) |
| 8. Viscosity test | 1% aqueous dispersion | Most viscous of all natural gums; viscosity between 1000-4000 mPa·s |
Adulterants and Substitutes:
- Karaya gum (Sterculia urens) - stronger odour (acetic acid), dissolves more completely
- Acacia gum (Acacia senegal) - completely water-soluble, much less viscous
- Indian tragacanth (Sterculia gum) - has distinct odour, different viscosity
- Gum ghatti - Indian substitute; different composition
Distinction of Tragacanth from Acacia:
- Tragacanth - swells but does NOT dissolve completely; highly viscous; lead acetate gives precipitate
- Acacia - dissolves completely in water; freely mobile solution; no precipitate with lead acetate
Pharmacopoeial Standards (IP/BP):
- Loss on drying: Not more than 15%
- Total ash: Not more than 4%
- Acid-insoluble ash: Not more than 0.5%
- Arsenic: Not more than 5 ppm
- Lead: Not more than 10 ppm
- Microbial limits: Specified limits for E. coli, Salmonella, mould count
Uses:
Pharmaceutical Uses:
- Emulsifying agent - most commonly used for fixed oils and resins (emulsifies oils like liquid paraffin, castor oil)
- Suspending agent - for insoluble powders in mixtures and lotions
- Binding agent in tablet formulations
- Demulcent - soothes inflamed mucous membranes; used in cough mixtures and lozenges
- Viscosity enhancer in ophthalmic preparations
- Thickening agent in creams, ointments and gels
- Drug delivery - hydrogels, nanoparticles, scaffolds in controlled release systems
Food Industry:
- Emulsifier, stabilizer and thickener in food products (confectionery, ice cream, salad dressings)
- GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) by USFDA
Other Uses:
- Textile industry as sizing agent
- Cosmetics - hair creams, hand lotions, toothpaste
- Paper marbling (traditional use)
Storage:
Stored in a cool, dry place, in well-closed containers. Aqueous mucilage should be freshly prepared as it is susceptible to microbial contamination; antimicrobials (benzoic acid, sodium benzoate) may be added as preservatives.
Summary (Quick Reference)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Synonym | Gum Tragacanth, Hog Gum |
| Biological source | Dried exudate of Astragalus gummifer and allied spp. |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Type | Exudate gum (hydrocolloid) |
| Active fractions | Bassorin (60-70%) + Tragacanthin (30-40%) |
| Key property | Most viscous natural plant gum |
| Confirmatory test | Swells but does NOT dissolve in water; ruthenium red → pink |
| Distinguishing feature | No blue with iodine (no starch); white precipitate with lead acetate |
| Primary pharmaceutical use | Emulsifying and suspending agent |
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TRAGACANTH
Synonym: Gum Tragacanth, Hog Gum, Syrian Tragacanth, Gum Dragon
Biological Source: Dried gummy exudate obtained from the stem and branches of Astragalus gummifer Labillardiere and other Asiatic species (A. microcephalus, A. verus, A. brachycalyx), belonging to family Fabaceae
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Geographical Source: Iran, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Greece, India
Collection and Preparation: Incisions made on stem/root of 2-year-old plants in summer → Gum exudes as ribbon or flake forms → Hardens on exposure to air within 24 hours → Collected by hand → Sorted into grades → Dried in sun → Packed for export
Macroscopic Characters:
- Colour: White to pale yellowish-white
- Odour: Odourless; Taste: Mucilaginous, insipid
- Shape: Flat, ribbon-like curved pieces OR irregular flakes; hard, horny and brittle when dry
- Swells greatly in water forming thick, viscous gel; does NOT dissolve completely
Microscopic Characters:
- No organised cellular structure (amorphous gum)
- Shows lamellar (layered) structure under polarised light
- Starch granules absent
- With ruthenium red → pink/red colour (confirms mucilaginous nature)
Chemical Constituents:
- Bassorin (60-70%): water-insoluble fraction; responsible for gel/swelling; yields D-galacturonic acid, D-xylose, L-fucose on hydrolysis
- Tragacanthin (30-40%): water-soluble fraction (arabinogalactan); yields L-arabinose, D-galactose on hydrolysis
- Water: 10-15%; Protein: ~3%; Ash: ~3%; Starch: absent
Identification Tests:
- Add water → Swells but does NOT dissolve → Forms thick, stiff, opaque viscous mucilage
- Add iodine solution → No blue colour (confirms absence of starch)
- Ruthenium red → Pink/red colour (confirms pectic/mucilaginous nature)
- Lead acetate solution added → White precipitate (due to pectic acid salts)
- Dilute acetic acid added → No precipitate (distinction from agar and gelatin)
Uses:
- Emulsifying agent for oils and resins in pharmaceutical preparations
- Suspending agent for insoluble powders in mixtures and lotions
- Demulcent - soothes inflamed mucous membranes; used in cough syrups
- Binding agent in tablet formulations
- Thickening/stabilizing agent in food industry (ice cream, confectionery)
- Used in cosmetics - hair creams, toothpaste and hand lotions
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