larix decidua

Larix decidua, common name European larch, is a species of larch native to the mountains of central Europe, in the Alps and Carpathian Mountains, with disjunct lowland populations in northern Poland and southern Lithuania.

Contents

Uses

Larix decidua is used for infections, including the common cold, flu, H1N1(swine) flu, ear infections in children, and HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat liver cancer, as well as a brain condition caused by liver damage (hepatic encephalopathy). Some people use it to provide dietary fiber, lower cholesterol, and to boost the immune system.

In foods, Larix decidua is used as a stabilizer, binder, and sweetener.

Benefits

Larix decidua is a fiber that ferments in the intestine. It might increase intestinal bacteria, such as Lactobacillus, and have other effects that could be beneficial to digestive tract health. There is also information that suggests larch arabinogalactan might boost the immune system and help prevent cancer cells in the liver from growing.

Cautions

Larch arabinogalactan is LIKELY SAFE when eaten in food amounts. It’s POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in appropriate amounts for less than 6 months. It can cause side effects such as bloating and intestinal gas (flatulence). Not enough is known about the safety of long-term use of larch arabinogalactan.Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking larch arabinogalactan if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

“Auto-immune diseases” such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Larch arabinogalactan might cause the immune system to become more active, and this could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it’s best to avoid using larch arabinogalactan.

Organ transplant recipients: Larch arabinogalactan might increase the risk of organ transplant rejection. If you have received an organ transplant, don’t use larch arabinogalactan until more is known.

Interactions

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Larix decidua

Larch arabinogalactan seems to increase the immune system. By increasing the immune system larch arabinogalactan might decrease the effectiveness of medications that decrease the immune system.

Some medications that decrease the immune system include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.

Other names

Abies gmelinii, AG, Ara-6, Arabinogalactan de Alerce, Arabinogalactan, Arabinogalactane, Arabinogalactane de Meleze, Arabinogalactane de Mélèze, Arabinogalactin, Arabinogalactine, Dietary Fiber, Fibre Alimentaire, Fibre Soluble, Gmelinii, Gomme de Mélèze, Larch, Larch Gum, Larch Tree, Larix, Larix dahurica, Larix decidua, Larix europaea, Larix gmelinii, Larix occidentalis, Lch, Mélèze, Mélèze d’Europe, Mongolian Larch, Mongolian Larchwood, Pinus Larix, Soluble Fiber, Stractan, Western Larch, Western Larch Arabinogalactan, Wood Gum, Wood Sugar

References

Source:  Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larix_decidua#Uses

WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-974-larch%20arabinogalactan.aspx?activeingredientid=974&

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