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What Are the Medical Uses of Acacia Senegal?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

Acacia senegal, which is also referred to as gum acacia or gum arabic, is a tree native to parts of Africa and Asia. It has been used historically as a treatment for pain and irritation and is sometimes used for these purposes in modern medicine. This plant is also used to treat a variety of other conditions including bleeding, respiratory infections, and diseases that affect the internal organs. In the past, it has also been used as a treatment for low blood pressure.

In modern medicine, Acacia senegal is frequently used as a treatment for pain and irritation. It has a soothing effect on mucous membranes and may be taken orally if a patient has discomfort in the throat or stomach. Swallowing this herbal treatment puts it in direct contact with the digestive system, allowing it to work effectively. Similarly, Acacia senegal may also be placed on an external wound such as a cut or sore, where it works as a minor pain reliever and helps to prevent infection.

Acacia senegal is a tree native to parts of Africa.
Acacia senegal is a tree native to parts of Africa.

Dentists may also make use of the medical properties of Acacia senegal. Scientific studies have shown that it has anti-bacterial properties that specifically target periodontal bacteria. The use of this herbal treatment can help prevent cavities and gum disease by destroying harmful bacteria in the mouth. It also inhibits the growth of plaque on the teeth and patients may chew Acacia senegal as a gum in order to receive these medicinal benefits.

Acacia senegal treatments can help prevent cavities.
Acacia senegal treatments can help prevent cavities.

In the past, doctors have used Acacia senegal to raise a patient's blood pressure. It has been shown to effectively raise blood pressure when injected into a patient's veins. Though the treatment works, it can also cause potentially serious reactions and can lead to disease of the liver or kidneys. The adverse effects of this plant have led doctors to discontinue this use of it.

The antibacterial properties of Acacia senegal may help ward off gum disease.
The antibacterial properties of Acacia senegal may help ward off gum disease.

Historically, Acacia senegal has also been used in the treatment of a number of other disorders. In the Middle East, one of the regions where the plant is endemic, doctors would often prescribe this type of acacia to patients who suffered from intestinal disorders, leprosy, and gonorrhea. Though it does have antibiotic and anti-microbial properties that make it somewhat effective against these ailments, modern medical treatments are more reliable than Acacia senegal in the treatment of serious infections. The historical uses for this plant also included the treatment of minor gastrointestinal problems such as pain, indigestion, and diarrhea.

Discussion Comments

Sinbad

I would love to use acacia senegal for the minor purposes described above.

I seem to regularly have abdominal pain, so maybe this would help get rid of the pain I have, and also make it not come back. I think it is great that you can swallow the acacia senegal, to get the full potential of the pain-relieving and bacteria fighting properties. Also, it seems pretty safe of a natural product if you can take it safely orally without harmful side-effects.

I also seem to have a lot of bacteria in my mouth, as I have had several cavities, and I also only brush my teeth once a day, instead of the recommended two or three times a day.

It seems like chewing on some gum that was made out of acacia senegal would be helpful, although I know it would and should not replace the act of brushing and flossing your teeth. But it would be good to have in case of emergencies, like when you are on a road trip, or somewhere else where it is difficult to brush and floss your teeth.

You never know when you may need an emergency acacia senegal piece of gum, like right after going to a holiday party, which usually entails lots of sweets and other foods and drinks that are not good for your body. You may also need to take acacia senegal orally if you have to much to eat or drink also.

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    • Acacia senegal is a tree native to parts of Africa.
      By: Ruslan Olinchuk
      Acacia senegal is a tree native to parts of Africa.
    • Acacia senegal treatments can help prevent cavities.
      By: patrisyu
      Acacia senegal treatments can help prevent cavities.
    • The antibacterial properties of Acacia senegal may help ward off gum disease.
      By: CandyBox Images
      The antibacterial properties of Acacia senegal may help ward off gum disease.
    • Respiratory infections may be treated with acacia senegal.
      By: joshya
      Respiratory infections may be treated with acacia senegal.
    • Acracia senegal may be helpful in treating stomach discomfort.
      By: Klaus Eppele
      Acracia senegal may be helpful in treating stomach discomfort.
    • Acacia senegal has been used to treat gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
      By: Ivan Montero
      Acacia senegal has been used to treat gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease.
    • Acacia Senegal may be taken orally if a patient has pain in their throat.
      By: stokkete
      Acacia Senegal may be taken orally if a patient has pain in their throat.