-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
herb
Acacia senegal (Gum Arabic)
botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Acacia senegal
synonyms: gum acacia, gum arabic, cape gum, egyptian thorn, gum mimosa, gummi arabicum
part(s) used: gummy exudate
qualities:
affinities:
actions: astringent, demulcent and emollient
dosage:
» mucilage: 3.5 - 14 ml. or more
therapy: demulcent for inflammation of the throat and stomach; an emollient on burns, sore nipples and nodular leprosy; also used as a binding agent in preparations such as pills and tablets
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating:
toxicity: 2; hypersensitivity reactions, see below
» non-toxic when ingested orally
» hypersensitivity reactions reported following previous I.V. exposures; anaphylaxis may also occur with a history of administrations (von Oettingen, p. 206)
» pulmonary reactions including asthmatic-like attacks to Acacia gum powder have occurred, usually in the context of the manufacturing process where large amounts of the dust are inhaled (von Oettingen, p. 206)
» trypsin inhibitors given concurrently may result in problems (Duke, p.7)
constituents: neutral sugars (rhamnose, arabinose, and galactose), acids (glucuronic and 4-methoxyglucuronic), calcium (0.75% of ash), magnesium, potassium (0.31% of ash) and sodium
drug interactions: Reduces absorption rate of oral drugs (Wichtl), gelatinized by solutions of ferric salts of iron and inslouble in solutions of over 50% alcohol (Ruddiman)

footnotes

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Leung, A.Y. 1985. Encyclopedia of common natural ingredients used in food, drugs, and cosmetics. New York: John Wiley & Sons Inc.

Ruddiman, EA. 1925. Incompatibilities in Prescriptions. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York.

von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.

Wichtl, M (ed.). 1994. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Boca Raton: CRC Press.