Agar
Agar is made up of two major polysaccharides: neutral agarose and charged agaropectin. These polysaccharides are extracted from various species of Rhodophyceae algae. Agarose is the gelling component of agar. Agar is available as a dry powder and as thin, odorless, and colorless to pale yellow, orange, or gray translucent strips, flakes, and granules. Dry powder is soluble in boiling water and produces a clear liquid that gels when cooled. Agar strips, flakes, and granules are tough when damp but become brittle when dried.
Agar is also a constituent of various multiple-ingredient preparations including Agarbil, Agarol, Demosvelte N, Diet Fibre Complex 1500, Emulsione, Falqui, Gelogastrine, Lexat, Paragar, and Pseudophage.
Benefits And Uses of Agar
Agar aids peristalsis by increasing bulk in the intestines and by swelling the intestines, thus stimulating the intestinal muscles. It’s used as an oral bulk laxative to treat chronic constipation.
Agar is also used to make dental impressions and added to other drugs in compounding emulsions, suspensions, gels, and hydrophilic suppositories.
Administration
- As a laxative: 1 to 2 teaspoons of powder by mouth with liquid, fruit, or jam before meals, every day, up to three times a day
- Oral use: 4 to 16 g every day, up to two times a day, with at least 8 oz of water.
Side Effects of Agar
Agar may cause esophageal or bowel obstruction. It may also cause hypercholesterolemia. The fiber in agar may impair absorption of oral drugs. Encourage patient to separate administration times.
Clinical considerations
- Monitor patient for chest pain, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing or breathing and advise him to seek immediate medical attention if he experiences these symptoms.
- Advise patient who has difficulty swallowing not to use agar.
- Inform patient that agar may alter the effectiveness of oral drugs, and encourage him to notify his health care provider if he’s taking it.
- Advise patient who is using agar to take it with plenty of fluid (at least 8 oz) to prevent blockage of the throat or esophagus, which could cause choking. chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement he is taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of agar and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:agar agar agar agarose bowel obstruction chronic constipation granules Herbs hypercholesterolemia intestinal muscles intestines laxative Posted by editor on June 23rd, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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