Guaiac Wood
OTHER NAME(S): Bois Saint, Bois de Vie, Gaïac, Guaiac, Guaiac Heartwood, Guaiac Resin, Guaiacum, Guajaci Lignum, Guayacán, Guayaco, Lingum Vitae, Palo de Hierro, Pockwood, Résine de Gaïac, Guaiacum officinale, Guaiacum sanctum, Guaiacum guatemalense, Guaiac, Madera de Guayaco, Bois de Gaïac
Overview
Guaiac (Guaiacum officinale) is a tree. The wood and sap (resin) of the tree are used to prepare medicinal extracts.
As a flavoring agent, guaiac wood is used in foods and in edible oils and fats. In the laboratory, guaiac resin is used in tests for finding hidden blood in urine and stool.
People use guaiac wood and resin for conditions such as muscle and joint pain and for preventing gout, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Guaiac Wood overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Guaiac wood and guaiac resin are used as flavorings in food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if higher doses are safe. Higher doses have been reported to cause some side effects, including diarrhea and stomach and intestinal problems. Guaiac wood and guaiac resin can also cause skin rashes.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guaiac wood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Guaiac wood and guaiac resin are used as flavorings in food. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if higher doses are safe. Higher doses have been reported to cause some side effects, including diarrhea and stomach and intestinal problems. Guaiac wood and guaiac resin can also cause skin rashes.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guaiac wood is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if guaiac wood is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with Guaiac WoodGuaiac wood and resin might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking guaiac wood and resin might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of guaiac wood might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- 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
- Ibrahim S, Naqvi S, Perveen R, et al. Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic effect of Guaiacum officinale in diabetes induced male albino wistar rats. Pak J Pharm Sci 2019;32(5(Supplementary)):2251-2256.
- Zhang J, Liu S, Guo W, Li N. The synergistic effects of Guaiacum officinale and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa extracts in the treatment of acne vulgaris on sensitive skin. J Cosmet Dermatol 2024;23(10):3356-3365.