Overview

Gum arabic is the gum that is exuded from certain trees, such as the Acacia senegal tree. It's a source of dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.

Gum arabic tends to make people feel full, so they might stop eating earlier than they otherwise would. This might lead to weight loss and reduced cholesterol levels.

Gum arabic is used for high cholesterol, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse gum arabic with Acacia rigidula, acai, or cassie absolute (Acacia farnesiana). These are different plants with different effects.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Gum arabic overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Gum arabic is likely safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. Gum arabic is possibly safe when taken as medicine. Up to 30 grams daily has been used safely for 6 weeks. It can cause minor side effects, including gas, bloating, and nausea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gum arabic is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Gum arabic is likely safe when consumed in amounts commonly found in food. Gum arabic is possibly safe when taken as medicine. Up to 30 grams daily has been used safely for 6 weeks. It can cause minor side effects, including gas, bloating, and nausea.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gum arabic is safe when applied to the skin or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if gum arabic is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Cross-allergies: People with known allergies to quillaja bark might have a reaction to gum arabic.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox) interacts with Gum arabic

    Gum arabic can prevent the body from absorbing the antibiotic amoxicillin. To prevent this interaction, take gum arabic at least four hours before or after taking amoxicillin.

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with Gum arabic

    Gum arabic contains fiber. Taking gum arabic at the same time as medications that you take by mouth can affect how much medication the body absorbs. To prevent this interaction, take gum arabic at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of gum arabic 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.
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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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
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