Karaya Gum
OTHER NAME(S): 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, None., Gomme karaya, Goma karaya
Overview
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 swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.
Karaya gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.
Uses
Possibly Effective for
- Constipation. Karaya gum may work as a bulk-forming laxative.
Insufficient Evidence for
- Stimulating sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of karaya gum for these uses.
Side Effects
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.
Precautions
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.
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.
Interactions
Minor Interaction
Be watchful with this combination
- Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with Karaya GumKaraya 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.
Dosing
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.
References
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics. 2nd ed. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JB. Pharmacognosy. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Fibiger, 1981.
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=182
- Stott C, Graaf L, Morgan P, Kittscha J, Fairbrother G. Randomized controlled trial of laxative use in postcolostomy surgery patients. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs. 2012 Sep-Oct;39(5):524-8.
- Yeoh SW. Esophageal bezoar due to karaya gum granules used as a laxative. Clin J Gastroenterol. 2017 Oct;10(5):437-441.