Bassora Tragacanth, Goma Karaya, Gomme Karaya, Gomme Kuteera, Gomme Sterculia, Gomme de Sterculia, Indian Tragacanth, Kadaya, Kadira, Katila, Kullo, Mucara, Sterculia, Sterculia Gum, Sterculia tragacantha, Sterculia urens, Sterculia villosa.
Karaya gum is a sap-like material taken from a tree that grows in India. People use it to make medicine.
Karaya gum is used as a bulk-forming laxative to relieve constipation. It is also used to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac).
In manufacturing, karaya gum is used as a thickener in medications, cosmetics, and denture adhesives; and as a binder and stabilizer in foods and beverages.
How does work?
Karaya gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.
Possibly Effective for...
- Use as a bulk-forming laxative to treat constipation.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- Stimulating sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
- Other conditions.
SLIDESHOW
Super Tips to Boost Digestive Health: Bloating, Constipation, and More See SlideshowKaraya gum seems safe for most people when taken with plenty of fluids. It can block the intestines if you do not drink enough fluid.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of karaya gum during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Blockage in the intestine (bowel obstruction): Don't use any bulk-laxative, including karaya gum, if you have a bowel obstruction.
Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs)Interaction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.
Karaya gum contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage can decrease how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking karaya gum at the same time you take medications by mouth can decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction take karaya gum at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.
The appropriate dose of karaya gum 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 karaya gum. 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.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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
Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JB. Pharmacognosy. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea and Fibiger, 1981.