GUM KARAYA

GUM KARAYA
Synonym

Indiantragacanth, Sterculia gum; Karaya gum

Biological Source


Gum karaya is a dried gummy exudate obtained from the tree Sterculiaurens (Roxburgh); Sterculiavillosa (Roxburgh), Sterculiatragacantha (Lindley) or other species of Sterculia (Sterculiaceae)

Gęographical Source


Surterculiaurens is wide spread in India, especially in north central parts.

Description


It is found in the form of irregular tears or vermiform pieces from white to brown in Colour. It has slight acetous odour and bland mucilaginous taste. Wood fibres and small sand particles may be present in the drug. It is insoluble in water, but forms a translucent Colloidal solution. Powdered gum swells in water .



Uses

1.      It swells about 60-100 times in water. It is neither digested nor absorbed by the body and hence, it is a good bulk laxative.
2.       It is also used as denture adhesive in dental treatment and in pharmaceuticals as emulsifier, thickener and stabiliser.
3.      Karaya gum is listed in the food chemical Codex and hence, used on large scale in foods such as ice pops, cheese spread, sherbets, and ground meat products.
4.      It is also used in paper and textile industries.



During 1995-96 and 1996-97, India has exported Karayagum of worth R 675 lac and R 894 lac respectively.


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