Products
Sterculia gum is commercially available as granules for oral use (e.g., Colosan mite, Normacol). The gum is also known as karaya gum.
Structure and properties
Sterculia gum is obtained from the exudate from the trunks and branches of trees of the genus (e.g. ) of the mallow family. These are native to India and Africa. As a further plant is mentioned by the EFSA, resp. other -species from the family of the Annattogewächse (Bixaceae). The exudate comes out as mucilage and is dried. The gum is sorted, cleaned and pulverized. Sterculia gum is a polysaccharide composed of D-galacturonic acid, D-glucuronic acid, L-rhamnose and D-galactose. Many hydroxy groups are acetylated. The gum also contains acetic acid, tannins, proteins and minerals such as calcium and magnesium.
Effects
Sterculia gum has laxative and stool regulating properties. It absorbs water in the intestine and swells strongly, thus increasing stool volume and softening stool. This stimulates intestinal movements and shortens the passage time. The gum is indigestible, low in irritants and vegetable. It swells with water to 60 to 100 times its original volume (!)
Fields of application
For the prevention and treatment of constipation and for stool regulation. Sterculia gum can also be used for weight loss in obesity. Among other uses, it is also used in the food industry as an additive E 416 and as a pharmaceutical excipient.
Dosage
According to the product information. The application depends on the product. Sufficient water should be drunk when taking the medication. Sterculia gum is suitable for long-term therapy.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Intestinal obstruction
- Stenoses in the digestive tract
- Abdominal pain of unknown cause
- Children under 6 years
Full precautions can be found in the drug label.
Interactions
Sterculia gum may absorb and reduce the bioavailability of agents such as cardiac glycosides, salicylates, nitrofurantoin, and vitamin K antagonists. Therefore, it should not be taken concomitantly but should be taken at an adequate interval (>2 hours).
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain.
- Nausea, cramps (rare).
- Allergy (very rare)
- Large bowel obstruction or bolus formation in the esophagus with inadequate fluid intake.
