• Basic Info

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to acacia or the Fabaceae or Leguminosae family. There is cross-sensitivity between acacia and rye grass pollen allergens and date palm.

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to pollen, particularly mimosa, other pollens, bee pollen, other inhalants and foods containing related substances.

Side Effects and Warnings

Acacia gum is regarded as safe when used orally and in amounts commonly found in foods. Acacia has generally recognized as safe status (GRAS) for use in foods in the United States.

When sucked or chewed, acacia may cause gastrointestinal disturbances and neurological side effects.

Allergic reactions including asthma, rhinitis, conjunctivitis and rash may occur.

Acacia senegal can cause minor gastrointestinal disturbances such as bloating, loose stools, and flatulence. Side effects may diminish with continued use.

Iridocyclitis, a type of anterior uveitis, can be caused by acacia thorns.

Use cautiously in patients taking amoxicillin or iron.

Use cautiously in patients with respiratory disorders

Be aware that the fiber of acacia may impair the absorption of oral drugs.

Be aware that tannins from Acacia catechu L. plant may contribute to oral and esophageal cancer when combined with other substances that also contain high amounts of tannins.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Acacia is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Acacia may affect the absorption of amoxicillin when taken concurrently; doses should be separated by at least four hours.

Use of acacia as a surfactant (substance that lowers surface tension) may increase the intestinal absorption of some anticancer drugs.

Mixing acacia with a substance containing more than 50% concentration of ethyl alcohol may cause acacia to become insoluble.

Acacia can be gelatinized by solutions of iron salts.

Theoretically, the fiber in acacia may impair the absorption of oral drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Theoretically, the fiber in acacia may impair the absorption of oral herbs and supplements.

Theoretically, tannins from Acacia catechu L. plant may contribute to oral and esophageal cancer when combined with other substances that also contain high amounts of tannins.

Attribution

Author/Editors: Tracee Rae Abrams, PharmD (University of Rhode Island); Chi Dam, PharmD (Northeastern University); Mary Giles (University of Rhode Island); Adrianne Rogers, MD (Harvard Medical School); Erica Rusie, PharmD (Nova Southeastern University); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Lisa Wendt, PharmD (Albany College of Pharmacy).