The charcoal , also known as activated carbon
is a product deriving from the combustion of material of vegetable origin (for example wood, or the shell of coconuts). The result obtained, in the form of carbon, is heated in the presence of gases that internally create pores typical of activated carbon

Charcoal has the ability to hold onto its ownliquid surface, & nbsp; gases, bacteria, pathogens, toxins and viruses presentin the stretch & nbsp; gastrointestinal. These properties depend on the highsurface area due to the presence of a huge number ofmicroscopic pores, which imprison particles (ions and molecules)of the substance with which it is in contact.

What is vegetable carbon used for?

The typical porosity of activated charcoal is exploited to trap substances and gases in order to avoid its absorption or accumulation in the digestive system.

Its use is proposed in particular for:

• treat poisonings and food poisoning , from alkaloids, phosphorus and arsenic
• reduce the flatulence, aerophagia , meteorism
• reduce levels of cholesterol
• treat problems in bile flow during pregnancy (cholestasis gravidarum)
• intestinal problems, abdominal distention, gas, difficult digestion
• bad breath
• dispepsie with gastric and intestinal fermentations
• Gastritis , gastric hyperacidity
• Diarree , putrid diarrhea, colitis

Charcoal is used as antitoxic , thanks to the ability of absorb and retain most of the poisons forming a complex that is eliminated from the digestive tract without being absorbed. The administration of charcoal, followed by that of a saline purgative to eliminate the complex originated, represents, for example, a classic intervention strategy in case of mushroom poisoning . It is mainly used in the treatment of acute oral poisonings due to its ability to reduce the systemic absorption of ingested substances. It is not an effective antidote to poisoning by iron salts, cyanides, malathion and some organic solvents such as methanol or ethylene glycol; it is ineffective against the damaging action of corrosive acids and caustic alcohols.

Vegetable carbon is also used in the dietary preparation for some clinical tests (ultrasound of the upper abdomen), to adsorb intestinal gases that would prevent it the correct interpretation.

The absorbent properties towards liquids , hydrogen ions and gas , make charcoal a supplement particularly used in the presence of aerophagia, diarrhea , meteorism and flatulence , thanks also to the mild disinfectant effect on the intestine.

The clinical utility is however controversial because we must not forget its ability to adsorb not only gas and excess liquids, but also drugs (which must not be taken between 30 minutes before and 2 hours after).

Furthermore, charcoal has adsorbing and non-carminative properties; the latter term, in fact, is reserved for all those products that promote the expulsion of intestinal gas (such as mint, which also has a valuable antispasmodic effect, fennel, cumin and anise). In addition to directly adsorbing intestinal gases, charcoalit also retains part of the bacteria that produce them (mild action"disinfectant")