Acacia contraindications The genus Acacia is characterized by its unusually shaped trees and shrubs, which typically display upward-growing branches and stems, as well as leaves and flowers growing from the tips of those branches. The small valves give the stem a fern-like or pinnate appearance.
Depending on the species, acacias can reach a height of 70 to 80 feet (21 to 24 m), with a diameter of three feet (1 m).
Foliage colors vary from silvery gray to blue. Small flowers make up the flower, which has the appearance of a yellow ball. Tiny petals lie behind long stamens, and the legumes contain acacia seeds.
Acacia is one of the largest genera of trees and shrubs in the world and belongs to the Fabaceae or bean family, which comprises 700 genera and approximately 17,000 species, including economically important crops such as alfalfa (Medicago sativa), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) , fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), soybean (Glycine max) and tamarind (Tamarindus Indica).
Acacia plants are considered woody legumes. They occur naturally on all continents except Europe and Antarctica, and range in size from small shrubs to large forest trees.
Worldwide, there are approximately 1,300 varieties of acacias, most of them native to Australia. The five most common species of Acacia are acacia (from Australia and tropical Asia); acaciella and mariosousa (from the Americas); and vachellia and senegalia (from outside Australia).
In Australia the plant is also known as wattle. The golden wattle, or Acacia pycnantha, is the country’s national flower. In the United States, as well as in Africa, it is simply called the acacia tree.
The acacia plant is believed to have been in use by humans since the Egyptian civilization, when it was considered sacred, and containers were made from the plant’s wood. However, the widely accepted origin of the acacia tree in common use dates from AD 40 – 90, when the Greek botanist Discorides mentioned Acacia nilotica in his treatise Materia Medica. Later, the medicinal use of wood and flowers was mentioned by the first-century Roman Pliny the Elder in his Natural History book.
In the 17th century, the acacia seed was introduced to North America by herbalist Jean Robin, and its popularity continued from there. To this day, the plant retains its usefulness for industrial and medicinal uses.
There are more than two million hectares of commercial acacia plantations spread across Asia and Africa, as well as Central and South America. Acacia’s suitability for desert landscapes and its robust growth, coupled with its abundant seed production, has resulted in the rapid flourishing of industrial plantations.
Gum arabic is usually harvested from Acacia senegal, as this species is praised for having superior properties. Consequently, gum acacia has dominated the international trade market. The main importers of A. senegal gum are the European Union, the United States and India. Chad, Sudan and Nigeria are the largest producers of this chewing gum.
Some believe that Acacia seyal, the shittah tree from the Bible, was used in the construction of the Ark of the Covenant and that the acacia is a symbol of the eternal soul.
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acacia tree
its uses
Gardening. The acacia plant is used in a variety of products. The tree is planted for ornamental purposes in parks and gardens, and its woolly flowers are used in perfumes for their sweet fragrance.
Carpentry. The home furnishings are also made of acacia wood. Acacia melanoxylon wood, also known as Australian blackwood, is of a specific quality prized for its durability and high polish.
Gum. Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic, is soluble in water and food and is often used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickener.
confectionery industry. Acacia gum is used as an ingredient for candies, jellies, icings, and chewing gum.
Beverage industry. It has also been used as a stabilizer in soft drinks and beers.
cosmetic industry Gum Arabic is also used as an adhesive for masks and powders, and to give lotions a smooth feel.
Acacia has been used for thousands of years in the preparation of food, medicine, cosmetics, and more. Its medicinal uses range from helping to heal wounds and preventing liver damage to controlling blood sugar levels and maintaining healthy bowel movements. Whether purchased as gum or in another form, the benefits of this herb make it worth a try. Let’s see, below, the benefits and contraindications of acacia.
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acacia benefits
Acacia exhibits various pharmaceutical activities due to many of its chemical compounds, mainly phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. Acacia is also renowned for its high fiber content, further contributing to its astringent, antiviral and antioxidant benefits, leading to its use in the following ways:
Healing wounds. Research has shown that aqueous extracts of the stem bark of Acacia auriculiformis possess significant astringent properties.
Prevents liver damage Extracts of Acacia mellifera leaves have been shown to be hepatoprotective.
In addition, the water-soluble fiber from acacia not only helps reduce the risk of developing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, but also promotes colon health by increasing the weight and size of stool, making it easier to pass more easily through the digestive tract.
Let’s see, next, the contraindications of acacia
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Acacia contraindications
Pregnancy: There are insufficient data on the safety of the use of acacia in pregnant and lactating women. Therefore, it is better to avoid the use of acacia in such women.
High blood pressure (BP): Elevated blood pressure levels have been reported in some patients who have used acacia supplements. It is not yet clear if the acacia or other stimulants in the supplement have caused this high blood pressure side effect.
Cross allergies: If you are allergic to plants such as rye or quillaja, you may also be allergic to acacia. Therefore, please use it with proper caution.
take oral medications: If you are already using amoxicillin or any iron supplement, talk to your doctor before using acacia, as it has some properties to slow down the mechanism of these oral medications.
Respiratory disorders: Please take sufficient precautions before using acacia if you are already suffering from respiratory disorders like cough or cold.
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Other contraindications of acacia
drug interactions
Exact drug interactions for acacia are yet to be found. However, the drug interactions of acacia extracts, in general, are listed below:
Amoxicillin: it is an important contraindication. People who take Trimox or Amoxil should be very careful when taking acacia, as it can prevent the body from absorbing them. To avoid this interaction, acacia should be taken at least four hours before or after taking amoxicillin.
Cancer drugs: Acacia, when dissolved in water, forms a surfactant that increases intestinal absorption of drugs such as cancer drugs. This results in an ineffective action of drugs.
When acacia is mixed with a substance that is >50% ethyl alcohol, it can lead to insolubility of acacia. Iron salts can mix and gelatinize acacia. All those mixtures can give rise to various complications such as indigestion. Acacia may also affect the absorption of herbs or oral supplements.
The tannins in the herb when combined with other substances that contain high amounts of tannins can lead to the development of esophageal and oral cancer.
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