Shellac Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Shellac

Shellac

Also known as
  • Goma Laca
  • Gomme-Laque
  • Gommelaque
  • Gomme Laque
  • Lac
  • Lacca
Shellac Shellac, commonly used as a natural resinous substance, is sometimes found in dietary supplements as a coating for capsules and tablets. Derived from the excretions of certain insects, shellac is applied to supplement shells to enhance their appearance, provide protection, and aid in swallowing.
There are 0 drugs known to interact with Shellac

Additional Details

Is Shellac Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Shellac should not be confused with shellac wood finishes, as they contain poisonous solvents. In terms of oral consumption in amounts commonly found in foods, shellac and shellac wax have Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status. However, there is insufficient reliable information available regarding the safety of using shellac orally in medicinal amounts or topically. It is cautioned to avoid using shellac in higher amounts than those commonly found in food during pregnancy and lactation due to limited data.

How Does Shellac Work? What is Its Mechanism of Action?

Shellac is a polymer resin that is scraped from trees after being secreted by the female lac insect in southeast Asia. The major constituents of shellac include aleuretic acid, r-butolic acid, shellolic acids A-F, and jalaric acid. The specific mechanism of action for shellac in dental hypersensitivity and other potential applications is still not well-understood and requires further investigation.

Pharmacokinetics

Information regarding the pharmacokinetics of shellac is limited, and more research is needed to understand its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination processes.

Interaction Overview

Currently, there are no known drug, supplement, or condition interactions documented for shellac. However, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional before combining shellac with any medications or if you have any existing health conditions.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Orally, shellac is generally well-tolerated when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. Topically, some people may experience allergic contact dermatitis or allergic contact cheilitis. It is important to be mindful of any adverse reactions when using shellac and consult a healthcare professional if any concerns arise.

Are Shellac Products Standardized?

The standardization of shellac products is not well-documented. To ensure safety, efficacy, and product quality, it is prudent to choose products from reputable manufacturers who follow proper quality control processes to reduce the risk of contaminants or variations in composition.

What is Shellac Typically Used For?

Traditionally, shellac has been used in pharmacy, dentistry, as a food coating, and in cosmetics. However, due to its tendency to age over time, it is now rarely utilized in these fields. Its effectiveness for dental hypersensitivity or other potential applications requires further investigation through robust scientific studies. If considering shellac for any specific use, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable for appropriate guidance and exploring alternative treatment options.

Drugs that interact with Shellac

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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