Arrowroot
OTHER NAME(S): Arrow-Root, Dictame, Herbe aux Flèches, Maranta, Marante Arundinacée, Maranta arundinacea, Arrow Root, Arrurruz, Marante
Overview
Arrowroot is a plant. People use the root and rhizome (underground stem) of arrowroot as a source of starch. It is also sometimes used to make medicine.
Arrowroot is used for a long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS), diarrhea, other stomach and intestinal disorders, painful gums, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support many of these uses.
Arrowroot is used in foods, such as cookies. It is also used as an ingredient in cooking. However, arrowroot is often replaced with cheaper starches, including potato, corn, wheat, or rice starch.
There is some scientific evidence that arrowroot may help get rid of cholesterol in the body. There isn't enough information to know how it works for stomach and intestinal problems or for other uses.
There is some scientific evidence that arrowroot may help get rid of cholesterol in the body. There isn't enough information to know how it works for stomach and intestinal problems or for other uses.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- A long-term disorder of the large intestines that causes stomach pain (irritable bowel syndrome or IBS). Early research suggests that taking powdered arrowroot with meals for one month reduces stomach pain and diarrhea in people with IBS.
- Diarrhea.
- Soothing mucous membranes, such as the mouth and gum linings.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of arrowroot for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Arrowroot is LIKELY SAFE when the starch is used in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it safe when used in the larger amounts found in medicine. It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Arrowroot is LIKELY SAFE when the starch is used in foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it safe when used in the larger amounts found in medicine. It might cause constipation and stomach discomfort.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Arrowroot is POSSIBLY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women when taken by mouth in food amounts. There isn't enough reliable information to know if arrowroot is safe to use in the larger amounts found in medicine. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Arrowroot overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of arrowroot 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 arrowroot. 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
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Cooke, C., Carr, I., Abrams, K., and Mayberry, J. Arrowroot as a treatment for diarrhoea in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a pilot study. Arq Gastroenterol. 2000;37(1):20-24.
- Perez, E. and Lares, M. Chemical composition, mineral profile, and functional properties of Canna (Canna edulis) and Arrowroot (Maranta spp.) starches. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 2005;60(3):113-116.