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.
Anon. Final report on the safety assessment of Tragacanth Gum. J Am Coll Toxicol 1987;6:1-22.
Eastwood MA, Brydon WG, Anderson DM, et al. The effects of dietary gum tragacanth in man. Toxicol Lett 1984;21:73-81. View abstract.
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
Jenkins DJ, Wolever TM, Leeds AR, et al. Dietary fibres, fibre analogues, and glucose tolerance: importance of viscosity. Br Med J 1978;1:1392-4. View abstract.
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.
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.