They are a result of phagocytosis â the process by which A. proteus engulfs its prey. A food vacuole is basically a storage unit of food for the amoeba and is formed only when the amoeba has engulfed its prey completely â then digestive enzymes are released into the vacuole.
The dried root and rhizome are the source of the medicinally useful products. Ipecac has been widely used in syrup form as a potent and effective emetic. Ipecac powder had been used to induce sweating at the onset of influenza, and small amounts of the extract have been incorporated into cough syrups as expectorants.
Mucinex is the brand name of an expectorant drug called guaifenesin. It helps reduce chest congestions caused by colds, infections, or allergies. Mucinex works by thinning the mucus in the air passages. While Mucinex can help control symptoms, it doesn't treat the cause of congestion.