A STUDY OF THE CHINESE DRUG“BAI-GI”,RHIZOMES OF BLETILLA STRIATA

1.The extraction of the mucilage from the rhizomes of Bletilla striata (Thunb.)Reichb.f.and the properties of the mucilage have been investigated. 2.The apparent viscosity and suspending power of the mucilage of Bletilla striata were determined and compared with the mucilages of acacia and traga- canth under the same conditions. 3.In order to determine the comparative emulsifying properties of the muci- lages of Bletilla striata and acacia;a series of emulsions were prepared,and observations were made through the globules counting method and the measure- ment of creaming degree after storage at room temperature every five days,con- tinued for twenty five days. 4.It is concluded that the mucilage of Bletilla striata is a good substitute for acacia and tragacanth as a suspending or emulsifying agent.