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tragacantha

A gummy exudation from astragalus species, including A. Gummifer, shrubs of the eastern end of the Mediterranean; it occurs as bands or strings of a tough gummy substance, forming a jelly-like mucilage with 50 parts of water; used as a demulcent and excipient in emulsions and suspensions.

Origin: G. Tragakantha, a gum-producing shrub, fr. Tragos, goat, _ akanthos, thorn