Gum Arabic also known as Acacia is the gum that is exuded from the acacia tree. It’s a dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.
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Uses
- As a medicine, acacia is taken by mouth to reduce cholesterol levels and to help increase weight loss.
- In manufacturing, acacia is used as a pharmaceutical ingredient in medications for throat or stomach inflammation and as a film-forming agent in peel-off skin masks.
- Don’t confuse acacia with sweet acacia (Acacia farnesiana).
Benefits
- Acacia is a source of dietary fiber. It 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.
- Dental plaque. Early research suggests that chewing acacia gum for 10 minutes five times daily for 7 days reduces dental plaque more than sugar-free chewing gum.
- Weight loss. There is early evidence that shows taking 30 grams of powdered acacia daily might help weight loss.
- Like other dietary fibers, acacia may have a role in lowering cholesterol. While a study by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) couldn’t establish a direct link between acacia gum and cholesterol, research has shown that adding soluble fiber to your diet can lower cholesterol levels significantly.
- Gum Arabia is a demulcent, a substance that relieves irritation in the mucus membranes of the mouth by creating a protective film. Historically, this is why it was used to heal wounds, mouth sores, and cold symptoms. Today it’s an ingredient in many cold medications such as throat lozenges and cough medicines.
Cautions
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of acacia during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Major Interaction – Do not take this combination
- Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox) interacts with ACACIA
- Acacia can prevent the body from absorbing the antibiotic amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox). To prevent this interaction, take acacia at least four hours before or after taking amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox).
References
Source: WebMD, “Acacia”, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/