Evidence supporting the use of: Mucilage
For the health condition: Anal Fistula or Fissure
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mucilage, a gelatinous substance derived from plants such as psyllium, flaxseed, and slippery elm, has been traditionally used in various cultures to support gastrointestinal and anal health, including conditions like anal fissure and fistula. Its use is primarily based on its demulcent and bulk-forming properties. Mucilage can soften stool and provide a soothing, protective layer over irritated mucous membranes, which may help reduce pain during defecation and promote comfort in patients with anal fissures. Psyllium husk, for example, is commonly used to prevent constipation, thereby reducing straining and further injury to the anal mucosa. Historical texts from Ayurvedic and traditional Western herbal medicine mention the use of mucilaginous herbs for their soothing and healing properties in rectal and anal disorders. However, scientific studies directly evaluating mucilage for anal fissure or fistula are very limited. Existing clinical guidelines sometimes recommend fiber supplementation (including psyllium) for fissures, but not specifically for fistula. The evidence supporting mucilage's efficacy for these conditions is mostly anecdotal or extrapolated from its general effects on bowel regularity and mucosal protection, rather than from robust clinical trials. In summary, the use of mucilage for anal fissure and fistula is primarily rooted in traditional practice with modest indirect evidence, but lacks strong scientific validation specific to these conditions.
Other ingredients used for Anal Fistula or Fissure
AchyranthesAerva lanata
Alkanna
Aloe vera
bai ji
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
black nightshade
Bletilla
Boerhavia diffusa
Caesalpinia crista
Calotropis gigantea
castor oil
chamomile
colocynth
curcumin
Diosmin
elephant\'s head
Euphorbia
fiber
fiber blend (proprietary)
Ficus simplicissima
gotu kola
honey
Huang hua
Hydrocolloid
Indian bael
Kachnar
Kamala
Lebbek
licorice root
lodhtree
Malva sylvestris
Marking Nut Tree
Marshmallow
Mucilage
Myrobalan
Nimbidin
nut grass
Patrinia
Pellitory
Plantago
plantain
Plumbago zeylanica
Podophyllum
psyllium
Sangre de Grado
Sanguisorba
serratiopeptidase
Slippery Elm
slippery elm bark
Tannins
Trichosanthes
turmeric
Varuna
vitamin C
Witch Hazel
Other health conditions supported by Mucilage
Acid IndigestionAnal Fistula or Fissure
Asthma
Burns and Scalds
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Gastritis
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Phlebitis
Pleurisy
Psoriasis
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
