Overview

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 and to increase sexual desire (as an aphrodisiac), but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.

How does it work ?

Karaya gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.

Karaya gum swells in the intestine, which stimulates the digestive tract to push stool through.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

  • Constipation. Karaya gum may work as a bulk-forming laxative.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Stimulating sexual desire (aphrodisiac).
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of karaya gum for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Karaya gum is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in the amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE to take in larger amounts, as long as it is taken with plenty of fluids. It can block the intestines if you do not drink enough fluid.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Karaya gum is LIKELY SAFE for most people when consumed in the amounts found in foods. It is POSSIBLY SAFE to take in larger amounts, as long as it is taken with plenty of fluids. It can block the intestines if you do not drink enough fluid.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if karaya gum is safe to use when pregnant or 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.

Interactions ?

    Minor Interaction

    Be watchful with this combination

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with KARAYA GUM

    Karaya gum contains a type of soft fiber called mucilage. Mucilage might impact how much medicine the body absorbs. Taking karaya gum at the same time as medications by mouth can change the effectiveness of the medication. To prevent this interaction, take karaya gum at least one hour after taking medications.

Dosing

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.

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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.