Arabic gum

Arabic Gum (Gum Acacia) is a natural, water-soluble polysaccharide obtained from the sap of Acacia trees. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, and cosmetic formulations as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and binder.

🏭⚗️ Production
Arabic gum is harvested from the exudates of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees. The collected gum is cleaned, sorted, and dried. For pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, it may be ground into a fine powder or processed into granules to ensure consistent quality and solubility.

🔬 Properties
Arabic gum appears as a pale yellow to light brown powder or granules. It is highly soluble in water, forming viscous solutions or gels, and is insoluble in most organic solvents. Chemically, it is a complex mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, exhibiting excellent emulsifying, film-forming, and stabilizing properties.

🧪 Applications
In pharmaceuticals, Arabic gum is used as a binder in tablets, a suspending agent in liquid formulations, and a stabilizer for emulsions. In cosmetics, it is applied in creams, lotions, and hair care products for its thickening and stabilizing effects. In food products, it serves as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and encapsulating agent in confectionery, beverages, and flavor oils.

⚠️ Safety
Arabic gum is generally regarded as safe for oral and topical use. Rarely, some individuals may exhibit mild allergic reactions. Handling should involve avoiding inhalation of fine dust, and storage should be in a cool, dry place away from moisture and contaminants to maintain its solubility and functionality.