Karaya Gum

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Karaya gum (gum karaya, sterculia gum) is a natural exudate from Sterculia urens and related trees, used as a soluble fiber bulk laxative and as a thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying agent in foods and supplements.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Constipation (bulk laxative)

Good Evidence

Karaya gum is an established bulk-forming laxative; older clinical use supports softer, more regular stools when adequately hydrated.

How it works

Karaya gum is a partially acetylated complex polysaccharide that absorbs water in the gut to form a viscous gel, increasing stool bulk and softness. Its swelling capacity makes it effective as a bulk laxative; smaller amounts function as a texture and stability aid in formulations. It is one of the older natural soluble fibers used in regulatory-recognized bulk laxatives.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Bulk laxative use is typically 5-10 g/day with plenty of water. As an excipient, only trace amounts are present. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Take with at least 8 oz of water. Best with meals when used as fiber. As an excipient, follow the parent supplement's timing.

1 commercial form

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Karaya gum (Sterculia urens exudate)

Used in bulk laxatives and as a food/supplement excipient.

Not absorbed; acts in the GI tract.

Safety

GRAS-listed by FDA at food-additive levels. As a fiber supplement, mild bloating and gas are common when starting. Bowel obstruction risk if taken with inadequate water.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in bowel obstruction or severe GI motility disorders. Allergic reactions are rare but reported in occupational exposure.

Interactions

Like other fibers, can slow absorption of some oral medications; separate by about 2 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is karaya gum safe?⌄

Yes, at food-additive and standard fiber doses, with adequate water. Avoid in suspected bowel obstruction.

Why is it in my supplement?⌄

As a soluble fiber, thickener, or stabilizer to improve texture and consistency.

References

Karaya Gum on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Karaya Gum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Karaya Gum (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.