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 & Effectiveness ?

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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 TRAGACANTH

    Tragacanth 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.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.