Ghon complex

Ghatti Gum is a complex exudate primarily composed of arabinogalactans, obtained from the bark of the Anogeissus latifolia tree, native to India and Sri Lanka. It is used in various industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics due to its emulsifying, stabilizing, and binding properties.

Origin and Production

Ghatti Gum is harvested from the Anogeissus latifolia tree, commonly known as the Axlewood tree. The gum exudes naturally from the bark of the tree and is collected manually. The collected gum is then dried and sorted for commercial use.

Composition

The primary component of Ghatti Gum is arabinogalactan, a type of polysaccharide. It also contains glycoproteins and pectins. The exact composition can vary depending on the age of the tree and environmental conditions.

Uses

Food Industry

In the food industry, Ghatti Gum is used as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent. It is also used in confectionery to prevent sugar crystallization.

Pharmaceutical Industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, Ghatti Gum is used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulation. It is also used in controlled drug delivery systems due to its ability to form hydrogels.

Cosmetics Industry

In the cosmetics industry, Ghatti Gum is used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in various products such as creams and lotions.

Safety and Regulation

Ghatti Gum is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. It is also approved for use in food by the EFSA.

See Also

• Arabic gum
• Karaya gum
• Tragacanth