Gum tree

Gum Ghatti is a complex exudate primarily composed of polysaccharides, 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 thickening properties.

Origin and Production

Gum Ghatti is harvested from the Anogeissus latifolia tree, a species native to the Indian subcontinent. The gum is obtained by making incisions in the bark of the tree, from which the gum exudes naturally. The exudate is then collected, dried, and processed for commercial use.

Composition

Gum Ghatti is a complex mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The polysaccharide portion is primarily composed of arabinose, galactose, mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid. The protein portion is rich in hydroxyproline, serine, aspartic acid, and glutamic acid.

Uses

Due to its unique properties, Gum Ghatti is used in a variety of industries:

• Food Industry: It is used as a food additive for its emulsifying, stabilizing, and thickening properties. It is also used as a fat replacer and fiber source.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: It is used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulation, and as a stabilizer in emulsions.
• Cosmetics Industry: It is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various cosmetic products.

Safety and Regulation

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

See Also

• Gum arabic
• Gum tragacanth
• Gum karaya