Gum Arabic (Acacia Gum)‎ : a review

Abstract EN

Gum Arabic (GA)(E414) is an important natural product, used in many life fields such as nutrition, food industries, pharmaceutical industries, and others.

GA exudates have a hydrocolloid and emulsification physical properties, and a polysaccharide chemical nature.

GA exudates derive from Acacia trees (mainly A.Senegal and A.Seyal), which are cultivated and naturally exist in semi-desert areas, mainly in Sudan.

There are many gum types distributed throughout the world, but the Arabic gum (Gum Arabic) is considered the best type of these gums, noting that the term “Gum Arabic (GA)” is not restricted to the exudates from the Acacias species.

As a natural food additive and “multi-functional” material, with good emulsification, stabilizing and colloidal properties, GA is expected to be a promising factor in future industries, in addition to its non-toxic properties, harmlessness and safety, which have been approved by many global organizations.

This review will try to shed light on GA also known as Acacia Senegal gum, mentioning some comparisons between this gum type and others.

The overview aims to collect and summarize a considerable number of studies done on GA, its definitions, types, medicinal properties, and the physiochemical differentiation between gum types.