Karaya gum
Family: Malvaceae
Alternate names: Bassora Tragacanth, Goma Karaya, Gomme Karaya, Gomme Kuteera, Gomme Sterculia, Gum Karaya, Gomme de Sterculia, Indian Tragacanth, Kadaya, Kadira, Karaya, Katila, Katira Gum, Kullo, Mucara, Sterculia, Sterculia Gum
Background
Karaya gum is a sap-like material taken from a tree that grows in India. People use it to make medicine.
Karaya gum is used as a bulk-forming laxative and to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac), but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
Karaya gum is used as a bulk-forming laxative and to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac), but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Karaya gum is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in the amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE to take in larger amounts, as long as it is taken with plenty of fluids. It can block the intestines if you do not drink enough fluid.
Blockage in the intestine (bowel obstruction): Don't use any bulk-laxative, including karaya gum, if you have a bowel obstruction.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if karaya gum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Blockage in the intestine (bowel obstruction): Don't use any bulk-laxative, including karaya gum, if you have a bowel obstruction.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- Constipation. Karaya gum may work as a bulk-forming laxative.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Stimulating sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of karaya gum depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for karaya gum. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)
Interaction Rating=Minor Be watchful with this combination.
Karaya gum contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage might impact how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking karaya gum at the same time as medications by mouth can change the effectiveness of the medication. To prevent this interaction, take karaya gum at least one hour after taking medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Karaya gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 29/06/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 24/12/2012 22:13:41. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
