Acacia (Gum Arabic)

• Acacia (Gum Arabic) is a natural gum exudate used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent in pharmaceuticals.
• Acacia (Gum Arabic) aids in binding tablets, coating drugs, and is widely applied in food, cosmetics, and medicinal products.

General Information

• Synonyms: Gum Acacia, Gum Arabics

• Biological Source:

  • Dried exudate from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal.
• Family: Fabaceae

• Geographical Source:

  • Found in Sudan, Nigeria, Egypt, India, Australia.

Macroscopical Characters of Acacia (Gum Arabic)

• Color: Pale yellow to brown.
• Shape: Irregular pieces, sometimes tear-shaped.
• Texture: Brittle when dry, becomes soft in water.
• Taste: Bland, mucilaginous.
• Odor: Odorless.

Chemical Constituents

• Polysaccharides: Arabinogalactan, Rhamnogalacturonan.
• Sugars: Arabinose, Galactose, Rhamnose.
• Organic Acids: Glucuronic acid.
• Enzymes: Oxidases, Peroxidases.

Preparation

1. Collection: Bark is incised to obtain exudate.
2. Purification: Dissolved in water, filtered, and dried.
3. Processing: Converted into powder or granules.

Evaluation

• Solubility: Soluble in water, insoluble in alcohol.

• Purity Tests:

  • Molisch’s Test (Carbohydrate test) → Purple color.
  • Swelling Index → Assesses hydration capacity.

Preservation & Storage

• Stored in airtight containers to prevent moisture absorption and microbial growth.

Therapeutic Uses

• Demulcent (used in cough syrups).
• Suspending agent in pharmaceuticals.
• Dietary fiber in diabetic formulations.

Commercial Utility

• Used in food industry (stabilizer in beverages, confectionery).
• Used in cosmetics (lotions, creams).
• Used in printing industry (ink formulations).

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