guar gum

Guar gum is a gel-forming dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba). It is widely used as a food additive and thickener in foods and beverages. Medically and nutritionally, it acts as a bulk-forming laxative to normalize stool moisture—absorbing excess liquid in diarrhea and softening stool in constipation. Its mechanism of action involves reducing absorption of cholesterol and glucose in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing viscosity. This leads to modest reductions in serum cholesterol (by 10–15%) and positive effects on blood glucose levels. It has also been studied for use in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), obesity management (though not recommended for weight loss), diabetes mellitus type 2 adjunct therapy, prevention of atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”), reduction of postprandial hypotension risk, and recurrence reduction for anal fissures[1][2][3][5]. In addition to its medical uses as a dietary supplement or excipient/binder in pharmaceuticals[4], it is extensively used industrially.

Brand names

Glucotard

Other names

guaranCyamopsis tetragonolobaCyamopsis psoralioidesIndian cluster beanJaguar gumGuar flourGomme de GuarGoma GuarFarine de GuarDietary Fiber