PDR for Herbal Medicines

376 /GUA1AC PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl, Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
   mbH Stuttgart 1997.

Guaiacum officinale

See Guaiac

Guar Gum

Cyamopsis tetragonoloba

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The whole plant has medicinal properties.

Flower and Fruit: The flowers are in axillary, 6- to 30-

flowered racemes. The structures of the flowers are arranged

in fives. The sepals are fused and hairy on the outside; the

lower calyx teeth are longer than the upper ones. The corolla

is butterfly-shaped (flag, 2 wings, keel formed from 2 fused

petals), small and reddish; there are 10 stamens. The fruit

developing from a carpel is an upright, 3.8 to 5 cm long,

sparsely haired legume with 5 to 6 seeds; these have a very

well-developed, slimy endosperm.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Cyamopsis tetragonoloba is an

annual herb, which grows up to 60 cm high. The leaves are

alternate, triple-pinnate; the leaflets are broad-elliptical,

acuminate, dentate, pubescent on both surfaces. They

measure 3.8 to 7.5 cm long and 1.2 to 5 cm wide. The petiole

is 2.5 to 3.8 cm long, while the stipules are 6 to 10 mm long.

The root and root tuber have symbiotic bacteria, which

bonds nitrogen from the air.

Habitat: The plant is native to the Indian subcontinent. It

originated from India, Australia, South Africa and the U.S.

Production: Guar Gum is the powder extracted by milling

from the endosperm of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. A dry or

wet milling process separates the endosperm from the seed

shell!

Other Names: Aconite Bean, Calcutta Lucerne, Guar,

Clusterbean

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS

Water-soluble polysaccharides: galactomannans (85%)

Proteins (2 to 5%)

Saponins (0.1%)

EFFECTS

Clusterbean or Guar Gum causes a lowering of postprandial

serum glucose values through (among other things) the

influence of the hydrocolloid guar upon glucose resorption

(delaying of stomach emptying into the duodenum), a

reduction of glucosuria, improvement of the HBA1 value

and leveling of the blood sugar profile. A lipid-lowering

effect has also been demonstrated.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: Internal application: Guar Gum has been

used for diabetes mellitus, for postprandial hyperglycemia

and glucosuria, and for hyperlipoproteinemia. It has also

been used to regulate digestion.

Indian Medicine: Night blindness, dyspeptic complaints,

anorexia, constipation and agalactia have all been treated

with Guar Gum.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contraindicated in diseases of esophagus, stomach and

intestine, which might hinder passage of the chyme.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

No health hazards are known in conjunction with the proper

administration of designated therapeutic dosages of the drug,

nor with its use as a pharmaceutical vehicle. Possible side

effects, particularly at the beginning of treatment, might

include feelings of fullness, nausea, wind and diarrhea.

Symptoms of hypoglycemia (outbreaks of sweating, vertigo,

ravenous hunger) and resorption difficulties involving vita-

mins, minerals and medications (such as contraceptives!)

have been observed, although rarely. Inadequate intake of

fluids could lead to the danger of bolus formation.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Powdered drug, granules and

tablets for internal use.

Daily Dosage: Commercial pharmaceutical preparation with

one dose of 5 gm per tablet or granules, 3 times daily.

Storage: Keep Guar Gum sealed tightly.

LITERATURE

Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed.), Hagers

Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6

(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-

1994.

Guarana

Paullinia cupana

TRADE NAME

Guarana (available from numerous manufacturers), Guarana

Seed