Larch Arabinogalactan Side Effects and Warnings

Safety Issues

Based on animal studies and limited evidence in humans, LA appears to be essentially nontoxic. ¹ However, like other sources of dietary fiber, LA might lead to colonic problems like bloating and flatulence.

One additional set of potential risks derives from its supposed benefits: If LA does in fact meaningfully stimulate the immune system, it might be dangerous. The immune system is balanced on a knife's edge. An immune system that is too relaxed fails to defend us from infections; an immune system that is too active attacks healthy tissues, causing autoimmune diseases. If LA truly boosts immunity, it might cause or worsen such conditions as lupus , Crohn’s disease , asthma , Graves’ disease , Hashimoto’s thyroiditis , multiple sclerosis , or rheumatoid arthritis , among other problems. In addition, people who take immune suppressant drugs for organ transplants would be at risk of organ rejection. However, there is no actual evidence that it causes problems.

Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.

Interactions You Should Know About

If you are taking an immunosuppressant drug such as cyclosporine , methotrexate , or corticosteroids , use of LA could conceivably decrease the drug’s effectiveness by stimulating your immune system.