Synonyms/Common Names/Related Substances:

• Agal-agal, agal-agal gum, agar (CAS 9002-18-0; EINECS 232-658-1), agar powder, agar-agar, agar-agar gum, agaro-oligosaccharides, agar-tang (Dutch), agarweed, aloe wood gum, Bengal isinglass, Ceylon agar, Ceylon isinglass, China grass, Chinese gelatin, Chinese isinglass, chun chow, colle du Japon (French), dai choy goh, Garacilaria confervoides, Gelidiella acerosa, Gelidium amansii, Gelidium amansii gum, Gelidium cartilagineum, Gelidium crinale, Gelidium divaricatum, Gelidium pacificum, Gelidium species, Gelidium spp. gum, Gelidium vagum, gelosa, gelosae, gelose, Japan agar, Japan isinglass, Japanese gelatin, Japanischer Fischleim (German), kanten, kyauk kyaw, layor carang, macassar gum, puchratka amansova (Czech), red seaweed, Rhodophyceae (Family), seaweed gelatin, vegetable gelatin, woon.

Clinical Bottom Line/Effectiveness

Brief Background:

• Agar is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from red seaweed. It has been used for centuries as a food ingredient in Japan and more recently in scientific research as a substrate for microbiological cultures.
• Agar's most notable feature is a strong gelling power, likely discovered in Japan in the 16th Century. According to secondary sources, the first agar produced there was a dried jelly similar to the agar strips found in Asian markets today. The red seaweed from which agar is extracted can be found in waters throughout the world and is harvested for a number of commercial applications.
• As a good source of soluble fiber, agar's most common therapeutic use has been as a laxative, and it is commonly employed as a diet aid in Japan. Agar has also been the focus of several clinical trials as a potential treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with mixed results, and, more recently, for glucose intolerance in type 2 diabetes mellitus; however, data supporting this application remain limited. Other preliminary research has indicated that agar may have some use as a treatment for liver disease.

Dosing/Toxicology

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Precautions/Contraindications

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Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

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Mechanism of Action

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History

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Evidence Table

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Evidence Discussion

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Products Studied

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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