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What is Karaya Gum?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Karaya gum is also known by its scientific name, Sterculia urens, or by one of its common names, Indian tragacanth, mucara, sterculia, or Bassora tragacanth. Although it is often used in both food and cosmetics, it is also used as a laxative. The bark is commonly used as an astringent, as well. Native to Pakistan and India, Sterculia urens is a tree that grows in dry, rocky areas. If the tree is bruised or injured, it releases a soft gum called karaya gum. In areas where the tree is cultivated simply to harvest the gum, the tree is intentionally scarred and holes are drilled directly into the trunk of the tree. Then, the gum oozes from the scars and is collected, cleaned, and dried. The gum is then graded and sold.

How the karaya gum is used, determines its purity. For example, if it is used in food, the gum is typically pink, yellow, or white and smells like vinegar. If it is used as an herbal remedy, it is practically clear.

Karaya gum can be used as a laxative.
Karaya gum can be used as a laxative.

One of the main medicinal uses for karaya gum is as a laxative. Although it is water insoluble, it does swell greatly when it comes in contact with water. Research has shown that .04 ounces (1 gram) of karaya gum can bind nearly 1.4 ounces (40 grams) of water together. The binding action lowers the re-absorption of water from the colon. Because the water is not reabsorbed, the intestines become larger in volume and this raise in volume actually works to move the intestines, creating a bowel movement.

Side effects of karaya gum may include abdominal discomfort.
Side effects of karaya gum may include abdominal discomfort.

Besides being used as a laxative, karaya gum is also sometimes used as a dental adhesive and to treat skin ulcers. In that case the gum is usually in the form of powder. The powder is brushed across the dental plate of dentures. It then swells and sticks to the damp surface of the person’s gums. In addition, many homeopathic remedy practitioners recommend the gum for patients who have ulcers on their skin.

The overuse of laxatives may lead to unintentional weight loss.
The overuse of laxatives may lead to unintentional weight loss.

As with any natural remedy, it is always best to consult an expert in the field of homeopathic medicine or a doctor before using karaya gum. Some people who consumed the gum for a week reported abdominal discomfort. People who inhaled the powder often suffered from allergy-like symptoms. In all, there is little known toxicity toward people who use it. It should always be used in the proper doses and for the recommended length of time.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to WiseGEEK.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon299638

My pediatrician prescribes it to my children for diaper rash. You mix Karaya gum powder, with equal parts of zinc oxide cream, and nystatin powder. It works great.

ElizaBennett

@Kat919 - My understanding is that the medical community recommends against it in pregnant or breastfeeding women because they just don't have any information. You can ask your doctor about stool softeners or fiber laxatives, which are sometimes options.

But there might be non-laxative options to reduce your constipation. Drinking tons and tons of water, eating lots of fruit and other sources of fiber, getting exercise, etc. I think some people find certain juices, like apple, pear, or prune, to be helpful, too. I would encourage anyone, not just pregnant women, to try all of those things before considering a medical laxative, stool softener, or herbal treatment like karaya.

One contributing factor to constipation during pregnancy is that pregnant women often take prenatal vitamins with a lot of iron. You might talk to your doctor about this possibility and ask about gentler options (though you do, of course, need a lot of iron during pregnancy).

Kat919

Is karaya paste safe to use as a laxative during pregnancy? I'm planning my next pregnancy and I got sooo backed up last time. It seems like something natural would be a good choice for pregnancy, but I know not everything herbal is safe.

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    • Karaya gum can be used as a laxative.
      By: Africa Studio
      Karaya gum can be used as a laxative.
    • Side effects of karaya gum may include abdominal discomfort.
      By: Ljupco Smokovski
      Side effects of karaya gum may include abdominal discomfort.
    • The overuse of laxatives may lead to unintentional weight loss.
      By: Lsantilli
      The overuse of laxatives may lead to unintentional weight loss.
    • One of the main medicinal uses for karaya gum is as a laxative, as it can lower the re-absorption of water from the colon.
      By: graphicgeoff
      One of the main medicinal uses for karaya gum is as a laxative, as it can lower the re-absorption of water from the colon.
    • Karaya gum is often found in cosmetics.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      Karaya gum is often found in cosmetics.
    • Karaya gum can be used as a dental adhesive for dentures.
      By: Minerva Studio
      Karaya gum can be used as a dental adhesive for dentures.