sterculia

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

Actions:  

Sterculia, or karaya gum, acts as a natural fiber and laxative, aiding digestion by increasing bulk and promoting smooth stool passage. It may also have potential for treating throat infections due to its physical properties or interactions with throat membranes. 

Spectrum:  

Its chemical composition includes glycanorhamnogalactouran, making it useful in food and textile industries as a stabilizer and adhesive. Gum karaya is second only to gum arabic in commercial importance among naturally occurring gums. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Flatulence  

Impaction  

Constipation  

Abdominal cramping  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Contraindications  

Hypersensitivity  

Fecal impaction  

Appendicitis  

Rectal bleeding  

GI ulceration  

Obstruction  

Dysphagia  

Cautions  

Renal impairment  

Dehydration  

Nausea  

Fever  

Vomiting  

Hepatic impairment  

Drug interactions 

Pregnancy   

Breastfeeding  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:   

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy.  

Breastfeeding warnings:   

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk.  

Pregnancy category:  

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.  

<b>Category B: There was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.  

Category C: There was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.     

Category D: Adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.     

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.     

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology:  

The gum acts as a laxative, expanding in the digestive system to help bowel movements. It’s also used to treat throat infections. 

Pharmacodynamics:  

Sterculia, or karaya gum, acts as a natural fiber and laxative, aiding digestion by increasing bulk and promoting smooth stool passage. It may also have potential for treating throat infections due to its physical properties or interactions with throat membranes. 

Pharmacokinetics:  

Absorption  

Onset of action: 12-72 hours  

Elimination and Excretion  

Fecal excretion 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

The route of administration is oral. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: sterculia  

Pronounced: stur-KYOO-lee-uh  

Why do we use sterculia?  

Sterculia is a genus of flowering plants, including Sterculia foetida, also known as Indian almond or Java olive. Its diverse species have various uses: edible seeds, traditional medicine, gum for thickening agents, wood for construction, and ornamental gardening.