Plant Seed Mucilage—Great Potential for Sticky Matter

Abstract

Some seeds of flowering plants can differentiate their seed coat epidermis into the specialized cell layer producing a hydrophilic mucilage with several ecological functions, such as seed hydration, protection, spatial fixation, stimulation of metabolic activity and development of seed. Due to the species- and genotype-dependent variabilities in the chemical composition of mucilage, mucilage does not display the same functional properties and its role depends on the respective species and environment. Mucilaginous substances, depending on their composition, exhibit many preventive and curative effects for human and animal health, which has significant potential in the agricultural, food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This paper summarizes the ecological, biological, and functional properties of mucilaginous plant substances and highlights their significant nutritional potential in terms of the development of functional foods, and nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. A paragraph describing the gene regulation of seed mucilage synthesis is included, and some recommendations for the direction of further research on mucilaginous substances are outlined.

Egyptian Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) Residues: Recovery and Characterization of Fresh Mucilage from Cladodes

“…Mucilage can be classified as a hydrocolloid as it is a long-chain polymer that dissolves in water to give a thickening or viscosity-producing effect. The mucilage in plants plays various functions, such as H 2 O storage, seed germination helper, and thickening of membranes [4]. For human utilization, plant mucilage has been traditionally exploited for food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries due to its non-toxic and biodegradable properties [5].…”

Unveiling the potential of linseed mucilage, its health benefits, and applications in food packaging

“…The possible mechanism for this may be that an increase in the viscosity of the gastrointestinal content plays a vital role in defecation; due to its high water-binding capacity, it enhances the moisture level in feces, which causes a change in the quality, resulting in increased peristalsis (bowel movement). The other possible mechanism is via a cholinergic pathway that makes cell lines spasmogenic in nature ( 131 ). LM activates the chlorogenic receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) that stimulate the muscarinic receptors (M2 and M3) to produce spasmogenic action, enhancing peristaltic movement in the GIT ( 132 ).…”

Novel Pectin/Chia-Mucilage Membranes: Human Serum Albumin Adsorption, Biocompatibility, and Physical-Chemical Properties

“…Additionally, anti-quorum sensing (Chromobacterium violaceum) properties were attributed to the presence of CM in the films (55°C), but some cracks also have been observed on their surface [26]. Although, CM blends with other biomaterials have shown adequate biological properties to be used as wound dressing [27], mechanical fragility limits their application. While it is true that CM is an important component to be used as biomaterial, interest in developing novel biomaterials based on blends with other biopolymers remains to provide better structural support to MC and maintain its biological properties.…”