Gumiarabicum

Gum arabic, also known as acacia gum, is a natural gum obtained from the hardened sap of two species of the acacia tree, Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It is a complex mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The gum is harvested by tapping the trees, and the dried sap is then collected. Gum arabic is soluble in water, forming a viscous solution, and is insoluble in alcohol.

Historically, gum arabic has been used for a wide range of applications. It was famously used as a binder in ancient Egyptian art and in early printing techniques. Its adhesive properties made it valuable for sealing documents and as a component in inks. Today, its primary uses are in the food industry as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener. It is commonly found in confectionery, beverages, and baked goods. It also serves as a binder in the production of paper, textiles, and cosmetics. In pharmaceuticals, it is used as a coating for tablets and as a suspending agent. The chemical composition of gum arabic gives it these versatile functional properties, making it a valuable natural ingredient across various industries.