Gum Arabic: The Complete FAQ Guide In 2024

1.What's Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic- Picture Courtesy: Drytech

Gum in botanical language,  an adhesive obtained from plant sources that’s mostly taken from barks shrubs used for various preparation of products from cosmetics, medicines, foods and other.

Gum Arabic which is an exude produced from certain trees used as a good source of fiber which readily dissolves in water. Due to its greater usefulness, many people use gum Arabic to stay active and wellbeing.

The gum obtained is known as gummosis,  which is mostly ooze out as a preventive measure that tree follows after cutting on its surface against unwanted progression of microbes.

This is also known as a natural gum Arabic that shows a highly sticky, viscous, and gummy texture holding a complex mixture of nutritional components inside. Upon reacting with water, it gives you a stabilizing effect that’s why it is preferable to add in various eatables to enhance the thickening and emulsification of products.

Gum Arabic consists of two polysaccharides: a high molecular weight glycoprotein, and low molecular weight heterogenous polysaccharides sugars. Also, it is composed of very essential trace mineral constituents such as magnesium, copper, zinc, and iron. That ultimately makes a good source of nutrients.

2.Where Does Gum Arabic Come From?

Gum Arabic Origin Sudan

As mentioned above, this is a natural substance in the form of exudate with slimy gummy texture presented originated from sap of the acacia tree including Acacia Seyal and Acacia Senegal umbrella-shaped branches which is basically harvested in the Sahel regions of Africa.

Sap is actually known as the blood of a tree. Means it carries energy and nutrient and transport to various parts of the tree. Just imagine how nutritious it would be.

A strong is made over the branches and you can see oozing of exudate that becomes harden when exposed to air.

An effective and safest gum Arabic which is mainly found in Sudan, Nigeria and Chad structurally composed of arabinogalactan–protein complex. Beside this, tree is enriched with content of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and salts. Its structure is composed of ‘1-3-linked β-D-galactopyranosyl units’ linked with branches of 5 to 5 β-D-galactopyranosyl residues linked via1,3-ether linkages and bonded to β-D-galactopyranosyl chain by 1,6-linkages.

This tree is not only giving a significant gum Arabic, but it has driven power to entire Africa Nation as it is offering huge potential health benefits. Therefore, its growth is exported all around the world and generating high income revenue.

3.What Is the Common Name for Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic Common Names- Picture Courtesy: Reuters

Since ancient times, gum Arabic used for healing and commercial purposes, therefore, you can find various names associated with this component. The name of gum Arabic mainly depends on different types of originated plant species from where it is extracted. The common names of gum Arabic are:

• Acacia Senegal
• Gum Hashab
• Kordofan Gum
• Acacia Seyal
• Gum Talha
• Acacia Gum
• Acacia catechu or black khair

4.What Are the Types of Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic is not a single product but is available in two different types which are discussed below:

Acacia Senegal Gum

Acacia Senegal Gum- Picture Courtesy: Kala Nature

It is also called gum Senegal or gum Hashab or gum Kordofan. It is named after the tree Acacia Senegal, from which it is produced. It is the most important type of gum Arabic, as it has the highest quality. It is considered a grade-one commercial type. It has a hard texture and has a clear or amber color.

Due to its low consistency and high dissolution in the water, it is the most favored type of gum Arabic. It is a good thickening agent and an excellent emulsifying agent. It is also used as a disintegrant excipient in pharmaceutical oral dosages like tablets and capsules.

Acacia Seyal Gum

Acacia Seyal Gum- Picture Courtesy: Alland & Robert

It is also referred to as Gum Seyal or gum Talha. Its name is derived from the tree- Acacia Seyal- from which it is produced. It is a second-grade commercial type of gum Arabic. It has a yellow, reddish-orange, and brown color. This type of gum Arabic has less retail value than gum Senegal.

It has more consistency than Gum Senegal and has less dissolution in water, so it is less favored for pharmaceutical and food uses. Nevertheless, it is still used as an emulsifier in the confectionery industry.

5.How is Gum Arabic Manufactured?

Gum Arabic is a highly useful substance serving different purposes. How to make gum Arabic, The process of manufacturing gum Arabic is divided into several steps which are detailed below:

Tapping

Tapping- Picture Courtesy: Better Globe Media

The process of gum Arabic manufacturing starts with the tapping of trees. In this step, a small cut is made on the bark of trees for collection of sap.

Hardening

Hardening of Sap- Picture Courtesy: DW

The sap comes out of the cut and this sap is hardened because of air and sunlight. The hardening process of sap continues for several weeks, this process changes sap into hard, amber-colored material.

Collection, Cleaning, and Sorting

Collection and Cleaning- Picture Courtesy: GotoChef

Once the sap is hardened, it is collected manually by the workforce. For the removal of dust, bark fragments, pests, and other debris, the sap is washed with clean water.  Then this hardened sap is arranged by color, size, and quality.

Drying

AIPAK Fluid Bed Dryer

In this step, the hardened sap is placed on the clean sheet for air drying in sunlight. Different machines like fluid bed dryers or centrifuge atomizing dryers are used to completely remove water content from the raw ingredients.

Grinding

Grinding Machine

High crushing forces are applied in the grinding machine to break down hardened gum Arabic sap into smaller pieces.

Sieving

AIPAK Vibro Sifter

Vibro sifter or other machines are utilized for separating gum Arabic of different particle sizes and grades. It is an important step as different-sized gum Arabic has different uses.

Packaging

AIPAK Packaging Machine

In the final step, the gum Arabic is packed into different pouches, sachet, and stick packs for retailing, handling, and distribution.

6.What Is the Use of Gum Arabic?

Gum Arabic has several domestic and industrial uses; please check the below for the enlisted common uses of gum Arabic:

Carbonated Drinks	Arabic is a very important ingredient used in carbonated drinks. This includes the most famous drink Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and the Chinese Version of Coca-Cola. The Gum Arabic in beverages and carbonated drinks serves as emulsifier and stabilizer ensuring the stability of fizz by holding carbon dioxide content stable in the drinks. So, this is considered an irreplaceable ingredient behind its flavor and success.	Gum Arabic In Your Favorite Drinks And Beverages- Picture Courtesy: Business Standard
Ink	It acts as a thickener and stabilizer in paints, inks, watercolors, and oil paints,. As it improves flowability upon application on the surface.	Gum Arabic in ink- Picture Courtesy: Thoughtco
Adhesives	It is used as an essential component in the manufacturing of general binders and adhesives due to sticky properties	Gum Arabic In Adhesives- Picture Courtesy: Anglo Adhesive
Dietary Foods	In the preparation of foods, gum Arabic is used to enhance certain properties such as stabilizing and emulsifying. This is mainly used in products that are viscous in nature, for example, sauces, dressings, desserts, condensed milk, chocolates, ice-creams, etc., This is a miracle ingredient used in drinks and is known as safe at the maximum dose level of 20% recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Besides, gum Arabic plays an important role in soft drink companies as it interacts and binds with sugar and stabilizes your drinks without altering tastes.	Foods product with gum Arabic- picture courtesy: AMETEK Brookfield
Medicine Making	Gum Arabic functions as a stabilizer in emulsions, acts as a binder when making tablets or capsules, and acts as a mucilage when used in tablet or capsule’s coating.  Similarly, in syrups, it is used to enhance emollient effects.	Gum Arabic In Medicine- Picture Courtesy: MedicalNewToday
Paper Making	Gum Arabic is used in the preparation of paper for coating and acts as coacervate (enrich thickness) in carbon-less paper.	Paper Making Application In Gum Arabic- Picture Courtesy: Poppy Desi
Textiles	It is used in textiles for final printing and improving more finished and clear appearance of designs.	Textile Gum Arabic Making- Picture Courtesy: OFS

7.How long does it take for Gum Arabic to Dissolve?

Natural Gum Arabic Dissolving Time- Picture Courtesy: Verywell Fit

Usually, if you’re taking gum Arabic is available in powderous form that hardly takes 10 to minutes to dissolve in warm water.

This is because of small pieces and high temperatures that allow gum Arabic to interact with water and dissolve fast.

However, the natural Arabic gum dissolving theory is different. It is not easy to make a solution, therefore, it is soaked in water 2 to 3 days before use.

Dissolve gum Arabic in cold water and under the same water keep stirring from time to time. Once you check solution is prepared, sieve the solution using a nylon.

However, it is not recommended to subject gum Arabic in hot water for a longer time, because it can lose its power if stays much in higher temperatures.

8.What Does Gum Arabic Taste Like?

Tasteless Properties of Gum Arabic- Picture Courtesy: Alland & Robert

Gum Arabic is kind of a Secret Helper in making foods, beverages, and confectioneries due to its tasteless properties.

It actually doesn’t bond to any strong taste and makes work better. That’s why it is best known as an ideal thickening and emulsifying agent as it doesn’t produce any taste in any formulation.

You have might noticed the role of Arabic gum in foods.

For example, it is basically used to make gummies chewy and elastic without significant taste or flavors.

In the same way, it is used in the making of soft drinks and shakes, as it holds all ingredients in subtle form and acts as an emulsifier. So, once you take them, it doesn’t give any taste or flavors and you can enjoy beverages. 

9.How To Make Gum Arabic Powder?

AIPAK High Speed Centrifuge Atomizing Dryer is best for Gum Arabic

To prepare powder gum Arabic, you need to collect raw materials and then subject them to the dryer machine. there are various available dryer machines specifically used for drying gum Arabic.

AIPAK Fluidized Bed Granulator

When hot air goes through an air filter and heaters, the air distribution helps entrance over all around chambers of the machine to dry wet composition of the gum Arabic. This is done by using a fluidized bed granulator that suspends the particle of gum Arabic and ensures proper drying. This specialized machine takes less time to dry material faster.

Making Gum Arabic Powder

Clean the dried composition of gum Arabic then subject it to the grinder to get the finest gum Arabic powder.

10.Is Gum Arabic Used in Medicines?

Gum Arabic in Medicines

Absolutely yes!

In the past people used gum Arabic for various treatments because it provided good health effects. Whether topically, or orally; you can find gum Arabic very effective that’s why a broad range of medicine manufacturing companies utilize gum Arabic for the preparation of medicines.

Whether, inducing potential actions inside the body, integrating components of medicines, or enhancing aesthetics., gum Arabic is considered a potential key ingredient in medicines.

Gum Arabic in medicine is basically used in combination with polymers that cross-link together and have been used in the manufacturing of micro-capsules, and emulsions.

Indeed, the process of Gum Arabic in medicine usage could take various different approaches. For instance, its compatibility and interaction with other ingredients. Its effects on the release of drugs, physical properties like reduced viscosity, formation of nano-particles, stabilizing droplets., etc.,

11.How To Make Gum Arabic for Medicine?

The applications of Gum Arabic for medicine are pretty varied from product to product. It is used as a binding and coating agent when it comes to oral solid dosage form.

Making of Gum Arabic in Tablet & Capsule

Importance of Gum arabic company medicine

For that, we’ll present a general presentation of gum Arabic as its ratio as a binder used in the making of tablets and capsules that varies from 2 to 8%.

Ingredients

Content	Percentage
Gum Arabic	2 to 8%
Fillers, such as lactose	40 to 60%
Disintegrants	1 to 10%
Lubricant	0.5 to 2.5%

Method

Step 1	For tablets, all ingredients are mixed together and subjected to tablet press to form a hard press tablet.	AIPAK Tablet Press
Step 2	Similarly, for capsules, the powders are filled inside empty capsules to form ready-to-use capsules.	AIPAK Capsule Filling Machine

Making of Gum Arabic Coating Solutions

Gum Arabic An Important Ingredient in Coating 

This is must must-used ingredient of coating solution that is mostly done in medicines preparation for various therapeutic effects and improving aesthetics as well as increasing user compliance.

Ingredients

Content	Percentage
Gum Arabic	10%-15%
Titanium dioxide	1%
Glycerine	1%
Starch	2%
PEG	3%
color	0.1%
water	85%

Researchgate, Alkarib et al.

Method

Step 1	All ingredients are mixed together by using a mixing vessel that is helpful in continuous stirring, and mixing of the coating solution till it forms a thick and viscous formulation. Once it is formed, you can transfer it into the coating machine.	AIPAK Vacuum Emulsifying Mixer
Step 2	The highly efficient coating machine is capable of distributing even spray of coating solution over the coating bed. This machine is capable of coating and drying of coated solution.	AIPAK Coating Machine

Making of Gum Arabic Syrups

Highly viscous syrup attained by Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is best known as a thickening and emulsifying agent used in medicinal syrups to induce efficacy by stabilizing the consistency. The medicinal companies use spray-dried versions of Gum Arabic to prevent clumping and aggregation of sugar and keep them intact and well-dispersed with consistent taste and flavor.

Ingredients

Content	Percentage
Gum Arabic	10 to 15%
Vehicle or water	80-90%
Sweetening agent flavoring agent and preservative	variable

Method

Step 1	Measure all the ingredients. The gum Arabic mixing must be continuous by offering gentle heat. Once it is dissolved follow the next step.
Step 2	Add desirable ingredients into the same solution make up the volume and transfer it to the packaging bottle. It is recommended to shake well syrup prior to usage.

12.What Does Gum Arabic Do Therapeutically?

Gum Arabic is traditionally known as the potent therapeutic agent used widely for treatments. But what does gum Arabic do with your body; for that please find below points.

Relieves Pain and Irritation

Relieves Pain and Irritation of Gum Arabic- picture Courtesy: Daily Express

Due to the sticky nature of gum Arabic, it is often ingested to minimize irritation and inflammation inside the body. For e.g., managing stomach discomfort, inflammation of bones, sore throat, etc.,

Helps Wound Healing

Gum Arabic effective for wound healing- Picture Courtesy: Daily mail

Medical sciences believe that Gum Arabic is readily effective in managing wound healing rapidly by exerting the action of glycosides, alkaloids, and flavonoids leading to quick healing.

Promotes Oral Health

Dental product of Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is traditionally used to promote oral health in the form of dental mouthwashes that protect against ailments like gingivitis. Moreover, gum Arabic powder has shown tremendous results in teeth cleaning without being too harsh on its surface, and removes tooth plaque of your teeth.

Good Source of Fiber

Gum Arabic uses- Picture Courtesy: Prepared Foods

This is also known as water-soluble dietary fibers (WSDF) which is very effective in keeping body cholesterol levels pretty balanced. In research studies, it was suggested that taking 15-gram Gum Arabic in liquid regularly is sufficient to control blood cholesterol.

Reduces Body Fat

Gum Arabic uses- Picture Courtesy :table.itti

Taking Gum Arabic lowers the risks of obesity by reducing body mass index and keeping your health ideal and weight in a healthy range.

Restricts Blood Loss

Gum Arabic uses- Picture Courtesy: Vinemec

Pouring Gum Arabic in hot water or applying an infusion of gum Arabic on body cuts helps in controlling blood loss. It is used as a wash to clean bacterial growth over wounds and reduce blood flow in gashes.

Digestive Supporter

Gum Arabic Edible- Picture Courtesy: WFLA

Due to astringent properties, gum Arabic is used for GI discomfort including diarrhea and stomach upsets hence promoting overall bowel movement.

Prebiotic Effects

Gum Arabic medicine- picture courtesy: FoodAdditives.net

Prebiotics or serving food for bacteria that are known as good bacteria for your gut. Gum Arabic helps in the maintenance of stomach flora and is known as a potent prebiotic.

Potential Cardiovascular

Gum Arabic Cardiac Effect- Picture Courtesy: Thaitrade

Due to controlling fats, and lipid profiles, it is best known to control heart health.

13.How to Utilize Gum Arabic in Cosmetics?

Gum Arabic in Cosmetic- Picture Courtesy: Formula Botanica

Gum Arabic is one of those cosmetics ingredients newbies or new formulator come across. This is mainly used in cosmetics to make stable and thick emulsions. You can consider it simple in the making of formulation using all-natural ingredients.

In contrast, gum Arabic doesn’t associate with any unwanted odor and is more prone to interact with lipids (commonly used ingredients in cosmetics) and stabilize them offering an emollient and nice skin feel and soft silky touch when applied.

This ingredient is capable of showing adhesive properties which is one of the prime reasons it is commonly used in color cosmetics as it ensures pigments adhere to your skin.

The use of gum Arabic in cosmetics takes place by dissolving them in cold water first then warming them by providing heat at 70ºC until fully dissolved.

14.How To Use Gum Arabic in Drinks?

Gum Arabic in Drinks

Have you ever experienced opening a fizzy drink and found sugar had fallen down and displayed a crystalline form? It would be disappointing, but you won’t find this problem if you use gum Arabic in drinks. For that, you must know How to make gum Arabic powder?

Let’s see how you can use gum Arabic in drinks:

Take 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons of food-grade gum Arabic available in powdered form. 1 cup sugar 3/4 cup water which must be taken in divided way.

Method

	To make a gum Arabic drink, first gather all the ingredients for an easy approach to making., Check our further steps to know more.
	Start with heating ¼ cup of water near to boiling temperature, once you’re done; take an empty container and start pouring Gum Arabic and water by gently stirring. Allow the powder to dissolve well which may take some hours. With time, you may feel stickiness and thickness in water like glue. Set it aside.
	In a saucepan boil the remaining water and add sugar to dissolve.
	Now slow down the heat and slowly add gum Arabic paste and stir continuously.
	Allow the solution to cool. Then, filter it using cheesecloth or using a mesh sieve.
	You can enjoy the Gum Arabic drink bottle now. Seal it tight and refrigerate and you may add in your favorite drinks

Picture Courtesy: the spruce eat

15.How To Use Arabic Gum in Food?

Use Arabic Gum in Food

Whether it is Turkish foods, Asian foods, Chinese cuisines, Japanese or any other., Gum Arabic is used in every mentioned food, but How To Use Gum Arabic In Foods?

Application Categories	Description
Chocolates and, nuts	It is used as a Film-forming agent in the processing of chocolates and nuts as it forms a thin film over its surface to enhance gloss and make it insoluble in water or oxidation in a humid or moist environment.
Milk candies and other candies	Due to its anti-crystallization properties, it is helpful in milk and candies to prevent the crystallization of sugars.
Baked products	In bakery items, it works as a glazing agent that improves shiny and good flavoring carrier in baked items.
Healthy Food	This is considered as good supplementary source of eatable with no possibility of increasing cholesterol level in your body.

First of all, if you think is gum Arabic edible, then there is gum Arabic safe approved quantity used in food products and confectioneries that helps you in rising and formation of sponginess and smooth texture with the highest safety profile with improved texture.

How Much Gum Arabic to Use; a very common proportion for stabilizing and thickening is used as 1.0-45.0% by weight.

Due to this property, it is also used in baked foods that enhance more shiny and glossy finish.

16.What Is the Safest Gum Arabic Dosage?

Safe Dosage of Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is safe and edible when taken in small amounts orally. It is present in low amounts in food. It is also safe when gum Arabic is prescribed as medicine.

The safest dosage of gum Arabic is about 30 grams per day.

It is ingested safely for 6-12 weeks. It seldom, exerts adverse effects and has fewer adverse reactions like flatulence, bloating, diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea.

17.How To Use Gum Arabic In Watercolor?

Mixing of Gum Arabic Solution with Water Paints

Gum Arabic is used as a binder in the watercolor. The process of using gum Arabic in watercolor is mentioned below:

• First, prepare materials for painting like watercolor, gum Arabic, brushes, paper, and board.
• Place a small amount of watercolor onto the board.
• Next, some drops of gum Arabic with the dropper on the watercolor according to your need. Generally, one part of the gum Arabic is added to 10 parts of the water paint.
• Now mix the gum Arabic drops with watercolor to boost the paint's transparency. Different ratio of gum Arabic and watercolor create different levels of transparency.

18.Is Gum Arabic Safe? Or IsGum Arabic Bad for You?

Safe Use of Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is a good source of complex fermentable carbohydrates like galactose, arabinose, glucuronic acid, and rhamnose. It is extremely safe as long as it is taken within the safe dosage.

It is extremely good for health as it is a rich source of prebiotics. In addition to being a source of prebiotics, it is an anti-diabetic agent. It also has kidney protective properties because it decreases the production of creatine. Gum Arabic is also an anti-cancer agent, and it inhibits angiogenin.

19.Does Gum Arabic Expire?

Safest Gum Arabic

Yes, gum Arabic goes off with passing years since it gets spoiled. It has a shelf life of 3 years. With time, gum Arabic will acquire hardness and brittleness.

Furthermore, it becomes tasteless gradually with each passing year.

To extend the shelf-life, these should be stored in airtight jars and pouches. It should be placed in a cool and dark place, for instance, refrigerator. The temperature of the storage place of gum Arabic should not be greater than 25°C or 75°F. Gum Arabic should be placed in an environment with a humidity of less than 60%.

Conclusion

This is gum Arabic natural magical effects which is the reason behind its popularity and high demand. Of course, this is an edible substance that provides promising action for physiological, topical, and general applications as well. We hope that the blog on Gum Arabic: The Complete FAQ Guide In 2024 has explored every required aspect you need to know. Want to speak to our team? AIPAK experts are here to welcome and answer your queries in a brief time. Message us now.