Tragacanth is a plant. The sap-like material (resin) of the plant is used to make medicine.
Contents
Uses
Gum tragacanth has been used in calico printing and for other industrial purposes. It is one of the oldest drugs and was known since 300 B.C. In modern medicine it has served as an adhesive agent for pills and troches and for the suspension of insoluble powders.
Benefits
Gum tragacanth is a viscous, odorless, tasteless, water-soluble mixture of polysaccharides obtained from sap which is drained from the root of the plant and dried. The gum seeps from the plant in twisted ribbons or flakes which can be powdered. It absorbs water to become a gel, which can be stirred into a paste. The gum is used in vegetable-tanned leather working as an edge slicking and burnishing compound, and is occasionally used as a stiffener in textiles. The alkaloid it contains has been used historically as a herbal remedy for such conditions as cough and diarrhea. As a mucilage or paste, it has been used as a topical treatment for burns. It is used in pharmaceuticals and foods as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, and texturant additive (code E413). Also, it is the traditional binder used in the making of artists’ pastels, as it does not adhere to itself the same way other gums (such as gum arabic) do when dry. Gum tragacanth is also used to make a paste used in floral sugarcraftto create lifelike flowers on wires used as decorations for cakes. It makes a paste which air-dries brittle and can take colorings. It enables users to get a very fine, delicate finish to their work. Additionally, it has traditionally been used as an adhesive in the cigar-rolling process used to secure the cap or “flag” leaf to the finished cigar body.
- Gum tragacanth is less common in products than other gums, such as gum arabic or guar gum, largely because most tragacanth is grown in Middle Eastern countries which have shaky trade relations with countries where the gum is to be used. Commercial cultivation of tragacanth plants has generally not proved economically worthwhile in the West, since other gums can be used for similar purposes.
- Gum tragacanth is also used in incense-making as a binder to hold all the powdered herbs together. Its water solubility is ideal for ease of working and an even spread. Only half as much is needed, compared to gum arabic or something similar.
- In Saudi Arabia, a mixture of hydrated Tragacanth and ground dried Ziziphus spina-christi is used as a natural hair shampoo. Anecdotal claims point to its effectiveness in promoting hair growth Tragacanth is used both for diarrhea and constipation.
- It is also an ingredient in toothpastes, hand lotions, denture adhesives, and vaginal creams and jellies.
- In foods, tragacanth is important for stabilizing and thickening ingredients in salad dressings, foods, and beverages.
- In pharmaceutical products, tragacanth is used as a binding agent.
Cautions
- Tragacanth seems to be safe when taken by mouth as a medicine. But be sure to take it with plenty of water. It can block the intestines if you do not drink enough fluid. Tragacanth also seems to be safe when applied to the skin.
- Special Precautions & Warnings:Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of tragacanth during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Quillaia allergy: Tragacanth can cause breathing problems in people who are sensitive to quillaia bark.
Interactions
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- Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with TRAGACANTH
Tragacanth is a thick gel. Tragacanth can stick to medications in the stomach and intestines. Taking tragacanth at the same time as medications that you take by mouth can decrease how much medication your body absorbs, and decrease the effectiveness of your medication. To prevent this interaction, take tragacanth at least one hour after medications you take by mouth.
- Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with TRAGACANTH
Other names
Adragante, Astragale Adragant, Astragale de Marseille, Astragalus gummifer, Coussin-de-Belle-Mère, Goat’s Thorn, Gomme Adragante, Gomme de Dragon, Green Dragon, Gum Dragon, Gummi Tragacanthae, Gum Tragacanth, Hog Gum, Syrian Tragacanth, Tragacanth Gum, Tragacanthe, Tragacanto
References
Source: WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-688-tragacanth.aspx?activeingredientid=688&activeingredientname=tragacanth
Faculty ucr, http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~legneref/botany/gumresin.htm
Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tragacanth