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Tragacanth

Tragacanth is the name of a plant genus whose resin is used to make medicine.

Tragacanth products are used for both diarrhea and constipation. Tragacanth components are also used as ingredients in toothpaste, hand lotions, adhesive creams and vaginal creams. In food products, tragacanth products are used to stabilize and thicken ingredients in salad dressings, other foods and beverages. In pharmaceutical products, tragacanth components are used as binding agents.

How do tragacanth products work?

Tragacanth products contain ingredients that stimulate intestinal movements.

How effective are tragacanth products?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of tragacanth products for constipation and diarrhea. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Tragant products in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Tragacanth products appear to be safe and harmless when taken orally in medicinal quantities. Tragacanth products should always be taken with plenty of water, as they can clog the intestines if not taken with enough liquid.

Tragacanth products also appear to be safe for use on the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of tragacanth products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should refrain from using it.

Quillaja allergy: Tragacanth products can cause breathing problems in people who are allergic to quillaja bark.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining tragacanth products with the following medications:

Medications taken orally

Tragacanth resin is a viscous gel. Tragacanth resin can stick together with medication in the stomach and intestines. Taking tragacanth products together with oral medications can reduce the amount of active drug ingredients absorbed by the body and thus reduce the effectiveness of these medications. To prevent this interaction, Tragacanth products should be taken at least one hour after oral medication.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of tragacanth products depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Tragant products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Anon. Final report on the safety assessment of Tragacanth Gum. J Am Coll Toxicol 1987;6:1-22.
  2. Eastwood MA, Brydon WG, Anderson DM, et al. The effects of dietary gum tragacanth in man. Toxicol Lett 1984;21:73-81. view abstract.
  3. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  4. Jenkins DJ, Wolever TM, Leeds AR, et al. Dietary fibres, fiber analogues, and glucose tolerance: importance of viscosity. Br Med J 1978;1:1392-4. view abstract.
  5. 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. view abstract.