arrowroot
Place in Therapy
Place in Therapy
Arrowroot is an edible starch that is obtained from the rhizomes of Maranta arundicacea. It has been a traditional home remedy for the treatment of diarrhea.(1) Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) was thought to have soothing properties and allow healing of smooth muscle. Based on limited evidence, the mechanism of action may be due to its high starch content.(1)
For noninfectious diarrhea the evidence for the recommendation of arrowroot is minimal. Natural Standard appraised the evidence for arrowroot and rated it Grade-C for the use in diarrhea. Grade C is considered unclear or conflicting evidence.(1) The published literature for arrowroot is lacking and is limited to one pilot study by Cooke. However, this early study by Cooke does seem to benefit patients with diarrhea predominant IBS at doses of 10mL three times per day with meals. Benefits included decreases in bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, and reduction in constipation 1 month after cessation of therapy.(2) The validity of this study is poor and further studies need to replicate results.
The safety of arrowroot has not been established. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database does recommend this product as safe when rhizomes are consumed as a normal part of diet.(3) Arrowroot may be beneficial to patients suffering from celiac disease since Arrowroot is a gluten free dietary option starch.(4) The long term safety profile of taking arrowroot for longer than 30 days at the dose recommended by Cooke is not established. Natural Standard recommend arrowroot to be potentially unsafe when used in large amount or when used longer than one month.(3) Constipation was the major adverse drug effect.
In conclusion due to the lack of data and safety information, further studied need to be completed before recommending arrowroot for noninfectious diarrhea. Predominantly diarrhea-IBS patients who failed conventional therapy may benefit from arrowroot at doses 10 mL three times per day. The evidence may not be extrapolated to other conditions with noninfectious diarrhea. The safety data of continuous use for over 30 days is not established.
References:
(1) Natural Standard Comprehensive Database. Arrowroot: Professional Monograph. https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/a/arrowroot/professional.aspx#. Accessed June 2, 2014
(2) Cooke C, Carr I, Abrams K, Mayberry J. Arrowroot as a treatment for diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a pilot study. Arg Gastroenterol.2000;1,20-24.
(3) Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Arrowroot. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/PrintVersion.aspx?id=283. Accessed June 1, 2014.
(4) Use of Arrow root in celiac patients as a glutain free starch Bai JC, Fried M, Corazza GR, Schuppan D, Farthing M, Catassi C, Greco L, Cohen H, Caicci C, Fasano A, Gonzalex A, Krabshuis J, LeMair. Celiac disease. WGCO Global Guidelines. 2012. http://www.nutritotal.com.br/diretrizes/files/266--2012_Celiac%20Disease_long_FINAL.pdf
Arrowroot is an edible starch that is obtained from the rhizomes of Maranta arundicacea. It has been a traditional home remedy for the treatment of diarrhea.(1) Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) was thought to have soothing properties and allow healing of smooth muscle. Based on limited evidence, the mechanism of action may be due to its high starch content.(1)
For noninfectious diarrhea the evidence for the recommendation of arrowroot is minimal. Natural Standard appraised the evidence for arrowroot and rated it Grade-C for the use in diarrhea. Grade C is considered unclear or conflicting evidence.(1) The published literature for arrowroot is lacking and is limited to one pilot study by Cooke. However, this early study by Cooke does seem to benefit patients with diarrhea predominant IBS at doses of 10mL three times per day with meals. Benefits included decreases in bowel movement frequency, abdominal pain, and reduction in constipation 1 month after cessation of therapy.(2) The validity of this study is poor and further studies need to replicate results.
The safety of arrowroot has not been established. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database does recommend this product as safe when rhizomes are consumed as a normal part of diet.(3) Arrowroot may be beneficial to patients suffering from celiac disease since Arrowroot is a gluten free dietary option starch.(4) The long term safety profile of taking arrowroot for longer than 30 days at the dose recommended by Cooke is not established. Natural Standard recommend arrowroot to be potentially unsafe when used in large amount or when used longer than one month.(3) Constipation was the major adverse drug effect.
In conclusion due to the lack of data and safety information, further studied need to be completed before recommending arrowroot for noninfectious diarrhea. Predominantly diarrhea-IBS patients who failed conventional therapy may benefit from arrowroot at doses 10 mL three times per day. The evidence may not be extrapolated to other conditions with noninfectious diarrhea. The safety data of continuous use for over 30 days is not established.
References:
(1) Natural Standard Comprehensive Database. Arrowroot: Professional Monograph. https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.proxy.lib.uwaterloo.ca/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/a/arrowroot/professional.aspx#. Accessed June 2, 2014
(2) Cooke C, Carr I, Abrams K, Mayberry J. Arrowroot as a treatment for diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome patients: a pilot study. Arg Gastroenterol.2000;1,20-24.
(3) Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Arrowroot. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/PrintVersion.aspx?id=283. Accessed June 1, 2014.
(4) Use of Arrow root in celiac patients as a glutain free starch Bai JC, Fried M, Corazza GR, Schuppan D, Farthing M, Catassi C, Greco L, Cohen H, Caicci C, Fasano A, Gonzalex A, Krabshuis J, LeMair. Celiac disease. WGCO Global Guidelines. 2012. http://www.nutritotal.com.br/diretrizes/files/266--2012_Celiac%20Disease_long_FINAL.pdf