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Ceratonia siliqua L.
Natural Encyclopaedia

Ceratonia siliqua L. (Carob tree)

FAMILY: Fabaceae.

HABITAT: It is a spontaneous plant in the Mediterranean basin, Atlantic Portugal and Morocco, living in the arid areas of this region. In Italy it is present in the wild in southern regions while it is naturalised in Tuscany and north of it, where it is rare. In Apulia, a regional law (Art. 18 L. R. 04/06/2007) makes it a protected species.

USED PART: the fruits, which are pods. The carob fruits are the most widely used parts in phytotherapy. Two distinct products can be obtained: locust bean gum, which originates from the thin casing of the seeds, and locust bean flour, which comes from drying, roasting and crushing the pods.

RECOMMENDED PHARMACEUTICAL FORMS: powders, crushes, drinks, syrups, capsules.

The flour (powder) is obtained by drying the pulp and grinding it together with the seeds of the plant. In the food industry, it is used as an additive with a thickening, emulsifying, stabilising and gelling function.
This ingredient, sometimes referred to as E410, has in fact the ability to adsorb moisture and other substances from its surroundings to 50-100 times its weight.

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:
The fruit contains several carbohydrates, including glucose, sucrose, mucilage (3%) and pectin (2-3%). It is used as food for its high sugar content and pleasant taste. The hygroscopic characteristics of this flour are conferred by the presence of a substance called carrubine, similarly for adsorbents.

THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES:
Taken orally, carob has a regulatory function on intestinal motility due to its high fibre content. It is used to treat chronic diarrhoea, gastrointestinal disorders and constipation. Locust bean gum has a beneficial action in the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux. It also alleviates irritable bowel symptoms.

Adsorptive action: recent studies have shown that carob bean gum is able to reduce intestinal gas and the formation of the same gas that causes the pain typical of colic.
In a 2004 clinical trial, oral administration of carob flour to patients with functional gastrointestinal symptoms was shown to significantly reduce symptoms related to intestinal gas overproduction in particular:

  • Abdominal distension

The evaluations were performed by means of magnetic resonance imaging and the subjects evaluated had no adverse events.
In fact, the results of the study show that oral administration of locust bean gum reduces intestinal gas distension in a time-dependent manner, going from an intestinal lumen diameter of about 20mm (T0) to a smaller diameter only 30 minutes after administration. Furthermore, the same results were obtained from an MRI scan, which showed that the small Gut was less distended within only 30 minutes of ingesting Carob flour.

Anti-diarrhoeal action: Dried and pulverised carob, suspended in water, is a traditional remedy for diarrhoea and is used especially for children. Carob flour helps eliminate toxins from the gastro-intestinal tract that are responsible for acute diarrhoea events; moreover, thanks to the very high amount of fibre, it helps keep the intestinal transit active, for a healthier bacterial flora that is essential for the proper functioning of the Gut. The efficacy of carob preparations has been demonstrated in several randomised clinical trials.

Prevailing action: This natural remedy is particularly recommended in cases of digestive disorders, frequent gastric reflux, irritation of the colon, persistent vomiting, gastric acidity, steatorrhea (a medical term used to indicate the excessive presence of fat in stools), haemorrhoids, anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.

Other actions: The carob tree is also an excellent ally in slimming diets. Scientific studies have shown that this medicinal plant can cure the problems associated with overweight and obesity by inhibiting certain digestive enzymes due to its high tannin content, on the one hand, and by creating a feeling of satiety, on the other. Its rich nutrients prevent possible deficiencies that may accompany slimming regimes.

Main indications: improves the functionality of the digestive system , especially in IBS.

SIDE EFFECTS: none relevant have been demonstrated so far

CONTRAINDICATIONS: none known. It is essential to consult a specialist before starting a long-term treatment with carob powder. With regard to diabetic, anaemic, and renal insufficiency patients, medical supervision is a must.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: there are no phytovigilance data that place a focus on co-administration of drugs or the risk of malabsorption.

It can be found in relaxcol® and relaxcol junior®

Bibliography:

  • Capasso F., Grandolini G., Izzo A.A. Fitoterapia, Impiego razionale delle droghe vegetali. Springer; 2006

  • Ajaj W et al. Oral contrast agents for small bowel MRI: comparison of different additives to optimise bowel distension. EurRadiol. 2004

  • Koecher Kj, et al. Estimation and interpretation of fermentation in gut: coupling results from a 24h batch in vitro system with faecal measurements from a human intervention feeding study using fructo-oligosaccharidies, inulin, gum acacia, and pea fibre. J.Agric Foss Chem. 2014 Feb 12;62(6):1332-7.Epub 2014 Jan 31.