Tragacanth
OTHER NAME(S): Adragante, Goat's Thorn, Green Dragon, Gum Dragon, Gum Tragacanth, Gummi Tragacanthae, Hog Gum, Syrian Tragacanth, Tragacanth Gum, Astragalus gummifer, Tragacanto, Astragale adragant
Overview
Tragacanth (Astragalus gummifer) is a shrub that grows in areas of the Middle East. The sap-like material (resin) of the bark is used to make medicine.
Tragacanth contains chemicals that stimulate the bowel.
People use tragacanth for diarrhea, constipation, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse tragacanth with astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus). These are not the same plant.
Uses
We currently have no information for Tragacanth overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Tragacanth is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as medicine. But be sure to take it with plenty of water. It can block the throat and intestines if you don't drink enough fluid.
When applied to the skin: Tragacanth is likely safe when used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Tragacanth is commonly consumed in foods. It is possibly safe when used as medicine. But be sure to take it with plenty of water. It can block the throat and intestines if you don't drink enough fluid.
When applied to the skin: Tragacanth is likely safe when used as an ingredient in cosmetics.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if tragacanth is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Quillaia allergy: Tragacanth can cause breathing problems in people who are sensitive to quillaia bark.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with TragacanthTragacanth is a thick gel. Taking tragacanth at the same time as medications that you take by mouth can affect how much medication your body absorbs, and change the effects of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take tragacanth 30-60 minutes after taking medications by mouth.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of tragacanth 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
- 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.
- Gennaro A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 19th ed. Lippincott: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
- 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.
- Eastwood MA, Brydon WG, Anderson DM, et al. The effects of dietary gum tragacanth in man. Toxicol Lett 1984;21:73-81.
- Jenkins DJ, Wolever TM, Leeds AR, et al. Dietary fibres, fibre analogues, and glucose tolerance: importance of viscosity. Br Med J 1978;1:1392-4.
- Smee DF, Sidwell RW, Huffman JH, et al. Antiviral activities of tragacanthin polysaccharides on Punta Toro virus infections in mice. Chemotherapy 1996;42:286-93.
- Anon. Final report on the safety assessment of Tragacanth Gum. J Am Coll Toxicol 1987;6:1-22.
- 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