Botanical Overview
Acacia senegal (Family Fabaceae) is a tree native to Northeast Africa, especially Sudan and the Sahel region. It is commonly known as Gum arabic, Acacia gum, or Talha. The primary part used medicinally and commercially is the gum exudate, a dried sap from the bark.
Energetics
Acacia senegal’s energetics are considered neutral in temperature with moistening qualities. Its taste is sweet, and it acts as a relaxing tonic affecting the body’s fluids.
Primary Actions
- Demulcent
- Emollient
- Prebiotic
- Soothing
Indications
Western
Used primarily for soothing irritated mucous membranes, managing diarrhea, and treating mild skin irritation.
Syndromes
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
- Dry cough
- Constipation
TCM
No authoritative traditional Chinese medicine uses documented.
Ayurveda
No widely documented applications in classical Ayurveda.
Unani
No widely documented applications in Unani medicine.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include arabinogalactan, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides which contribute to its demulcent and prebiotic properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powder: 1-5 g daily as a demulcent
- Gum exudate: 2-10 g dissolved in water
- Emulsion or syrup preparations
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe when used as food additive or medicinally. May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. No serious toxicity reported. Use cautiously with hypersensitivity to gums. Limited safety data in pregnancy; avoid medicinal high-dose use.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental rulers identified.
Selected References
- Gum Arabic (Acacia senegal) – PFAF Plant Database
- WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants. Volume 1, WHO, 1999
- Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Acacia senegal, Singh et al., 2015
- Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition, Blumenthal et al., 2013