Acacia arabica, Acacia senegal, Acacia verek, Arbre à Gomme Arabique, Bum Senegal, Bomme Arabique, Bomme de Senegal, Bummae Momosae, Goma Arábiga, Gomme Acacia, Gomme Arabique, Gomme d'Acacia, Gomme Sénégal, Gommier Blanc, Gum Acacia, Gum Arabic, Khadir, Kher, Kumatia, Mimosa senegal, Senegalia senegal.
Acacia is the gum that is exuded from the acacia tree. It's a dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.
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).
How does work?
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.
Possibly Ineffective for...
- High cholesterol. Taking acacia by mouth does not seem to lower cholesterol levels.
Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...
- 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.
SLIDESHOW
Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See SlideshowAcacia is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken by mouth in amounts commonly found in food.
Acacia is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts used for medical purposes. Up to 30 grams daily has been used safely for 6 weeks. However, it can cause minor adverse effects, including gas, bloating, nausea, and loose stools.
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.
Amoxicillin (Amoxil, Trimox)Interaction Rating: Major Do not take this combination.
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).
The appropriate dose of acacia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for acacia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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