Acacia Arabica Common Name: Babul, Kikar
Latin Name: Acacia arabica Wild, Syn. Acacia nilotica (Linn)
Family: Mimosaceae
Description: It is estimated that there are roughly 1380 species of Acacia worldwide, about two-third of them native to Australia and rest of spread around tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Perennial shrub or tree, 2.5–10 (–20) m tall, variable in many aspects. Branches spreading, forming a dense flat or rounded crown with dark to black coloured stems.
Chemical Composition: Acacia gum contains chiefly arabin which is the mixture of calcium, magnesium and potassium salts of arabic acid. On hydrolysis arabic acid yields L-rhamnophyranose, galactopyranose, L-arabofuranose and the aldobionic acid 6- -d-glucuronosido-d-galactose.
Properties: Acacia fiber is helpful in increasing the levels of the good cholesterol, HDL, in the body. It possesses a unique characteristic of detoxifying the body. The fiber binds itself with the toxins and gets rid of them as body waste matter. The bark of acacia tree is often used to sooth the digestive system, mitigate skin rashes, and reduce inflammations. On oral use, ailments of the respiratory and digestive tracts and urinary disorders are relieved. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is secreted in lesser amounts than required, thus causing much of the sugars to remain in the blood stream. Acacia is also believed to increase the level of beta cells, thus encouraging them to secrete more insulin. This is helpful for type 2 diabetes mellitus. At the same time, the underlying insulin resistance in the case of type 2 diabetic persons should also be addressed with other lines of treatment.
Acacia contains water soluble fiber of plant origin. Fiber is an important requisite to provide roughage and smooth bowel movements of the intestines. Thus, acacia also enhances the colon cleanse process in the body. The effectiveness of acacia is felt more when it relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome in a natural way.
Used in the following MATXIN product: