Manna
OTHER NAME(S): Flake Manna, Flowering Ash, Frêne à Fleurs, Frêne à Manne, Frêne Orne, Manna Ash, Fraxinus ornus, Maná, Manne
Overview
Manna is made from the dried sap (juice) of the Fraxinus ornus tree. It is sometimes used as a laxative.
Manna contains a chemical called mannitol that can act as a laxative to help move the stool through the intestine.
People use manna for constipation and other purposes, but there isn't any good scientific research to support its use.
Uses
We currently have no information for Manna overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Manna is possibly safe when used appropriately for a few days. In some people, manna might cause nausea or gas.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Manna is possibly safe when used appropriately for a few days. In some people, manna might cause nausea or gas.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if manna is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Intestinal disorders, including intestinal blockage, appendicitis, Crohn disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or ulcerative colitis: Don't take manna if you have any of these conditions.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with MannaManna is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking manna along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
- Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with MannaManna can work as a laxative. In some people manna can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of manna.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with MannaManna is a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of side effects from digoxin.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with MannaManna is a laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking manna with other stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of manna 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.
- Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Stefanova Z, Neychev H, Ivanovska N, Kostova I. Effect of a total extract from Fraxinus ornus stem bark and esculin on zymosan- and carrageenan-induced paw oedema in mice. J Ethnopharmacol 1995;46:101-6.