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Karaya Gum Herb - Uses And Side Effects

Karaya gum is the dried sap of Sterculia urens and other Sterculia species. Native to India and Pakistan, this softwood tree grows to a height of about 30 feet. All parts of the tree ooze a soft gum when injured. To gather the gum, people cut the trunk, let the gum seep out, then wash and dry the gum.

Use of karaya gum became widespread in the early 1900s, when it began to replace a substance called tragacanth gum in many products. Currently, the food and pharmaceutical industries use karaya gum as a bulk ingredient and emulsifying agent.

Common doses of Karaya Gum

Karaya gum powder is used to form gels or pastes for bases in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The dose is expressed as a percentage of karaya gum used in the final product.

Uses of Karaya Gum herb

Karaya gum is a soluble fiber which aids in the intestinal processes of the digestive system. Most of the digestive engineering is in the intestine where pancreatic enzymes, bile salts, and bicarbonate break food matter into basic proteins, fats, carbohydrates, electrolytes, and water-soluble vitamins and minerals to be absorbed by the small intestine and used in the metabolism process Specifically, karaya gum may help to :-

• As a denture adhesive
• Constipation
• Sore throat
• To clean dentures
• Warts

Side effects of Karaya Gum

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of karaya gum:

• abdominal pain
• choking (seek immediate treatment)
• diarrhea

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important paints to remember

• Don't use karaya gum if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.
• Use only small amounts of karaya gum if you're prone to a condition called gastric outlet obstruction (ask y?ur health care practitioner).
• Know that using large amounts of karaya gum may lower blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, consult your health care practitioner and watch for low blood sugar symptoms.
• If you're using other drugs, take them at least 2 hours before or after ingesting karaya gum.

What the research shows

Research suggests karaya gum has little effect-good or bad. Its use as a bulk laxative appears safe and may be effective, but large, controlled clinical studies haven't been done.

Other names for Karaya Gum

Other names for karaya gum include Bassora tragacanth, Indian tragacanth, kadaya, kadira, katila, kullo, mucara, Sterculia, and sterculia gum.