CARBOHYDRATES (PART IV)

• Gossypium hirsutum - scientific name of cotton
• Cellulose -The major carbohydrate in cotton, making up about 90% of the cell wall in cotton fibers.
• Cellulose - is a complex polysaccharide that provides structural strength and stability to the plant.
• Traditional uses of cotton:

  • Wound dressing
  • earaches
• cotton wool - due to its soft, absorbent nature and ability to hold sterile material, this has been used for centuries as a dressing for wounds and sores.
• cotton swabs -these are a convenient tool for cleaning the outer ear and applying topical medications due to the softness and absorbency of cotton.
• Carbohydrates and Medicinal Properties of cotton:

  • Absorbency - Cellulose fibers can absorb fluids and exudates from wounds, creating a drier environment that promotes healing.
  • Bulk - Cotton wool provides a cushioning layer that protects the wound bed and promotes granulation tissue formation, a key step in wound healing.
• Agar - it is not actually a plant, but a type of algae.
• Agar - It's commonly referred to as a seaweed and is harvested from red algae species belonging to the genus Gelidium (Gelidium cartilagineum) and Gracilaria (Gracilaria salicornia) or from the genus Euchema (Euchema cottonii).
• agar is a great source of complex carbohydrates known as polysaccharides, mainly are agarose and agaropectin.
• Agarose - This is the major component, making up about 70% of agar. It's a gel-forming linear polysaccharide composed of galactose units.
• Agaropectin - This is a minor component, around 30% of agar. It also has a galactose backbone but with additional sulfate groups, making it branched and more acidic compared to agarose.
• Health benefits of Agar:

  
  

  Laxative effects: Agar's ability to absorb water in the digestive tract can help promote laxation by increasing stool bulk and easing its passage.

  • Wound healing: Studies suggest that agar can create a moist environment on wounds, which can aid healing and protect the area from infection.
  • Digestive aid: Agar might help regulate digestion by absorbing toxins and promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Acacia confusa - scientific name of acacia
• Acacia - the main type of carbohydrat present is gum arabic, a complex polysaccharide also known as acacia gum or gum acacia.
• acacia gum or gum acacia - these are a complex polysaccharide mainly known as gum arabic.
• Traditional Uses Of Acacia:

  • Wound healing and diarrhea treatment (Acacia bark)
  • Soothing coughs and sore throats (Acacia honey)
  • Dysentery and diabetes (Acacia leaves)
• Acacia bark - The demulcent properties of gum arabic in acacia bark are believed to soothe and protect irritated mucous membranes in the digestive tract, potentially aiding in wound healing and diarrhea treatment.
• Acacia honey - rich in gum arabic, might help soothe coughs and sore throats due to its demulcent properties. The gum forms a protective coating on the throat, relieving irritation and inflammation.
• acacia leaves - some cultures have traditionally used this part of acacia to treat dysentery and diabetes, although scientific evidence to support these uses is limited.
• Carohydrate contribution to medicinal properties:

  • demulcent properties
  • prebiotic effect
  • dietary fiber
• Demulcent properties - as mentioned earlier, gum arabic forms a protective coating on mucous membranes. This can soothe irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract, potentially aiding in wound healing and diarrhea treatment. It can also be helpful for coughs and sore throats.
• Prebiotic effects - Gum arabic may act as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. This can contribute to digestive health and immune function.
• Dietary fiber - Gum arabic is a soluble dietary fiber, which can help with blood sugar control and weight management.
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis - scientific name of gumamela
• Gumamela - also known as Chinese hibiscus or shoeflower, is a flowering shrub native to East and Southeast Asia. It's widely cultivated around the world for its beautiful blooms and potential medicinal properties.
• Main Types of Carbohydrates in Gumamela:

  • mucilage
  • starch
  • other polysaccharides
• Mucilage - found in gumamela, a type of polysaccharide with gooey or sticky properties. It might be present in the flowers and leaves.
• Starch - A complex carbohydrate found in GUMAMELA that provides energy. It's likely found in lower quantities throughout the plant.
• Other Polysaccharides - Gumamela may contain other complex carbohydrates with various functionalities.
• Traditional Medicinal Uses of GUMAMELA:

  • Wound healing
  • Skin conditions
  • Respiratory problems
  • Digestive issues
• Wound healing - The mucilage content found in GUMAMELA might contribute to the soothing and protective effects on wounds.
• Gumamela flowers or leaves - may be used topically for treating boils, ulcers, and skin irritations.
• A decoction of the flowers or leaves - specifically of gumamela, is sometimes used for coughs, colds, and sore throats.
• Gumamela extracts - might be used for diarrhea or stomach ulcers due to the soothing properties of mucilage.
• Carbohydrates and Medicinal Properties:

  The exact mechanisms by which gumamela exerts its medicinal effects are not fully understood, but the presence of carbohydrates might play a role:

  • Mucilage: This sticky substance can form a protective film on the skin or mucous membranes, potentially aiding wound healing and soothing irritation. It might also have some laxative effects in the digestive system.
  • Other Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates in gumamela may contribute to the plant's immune-modulating properties or act as antioxidants.