Clinical effects of Gum Arabic (Acacia)‎ : a mini review

Abstract EN

Gum Arabic (GA) is a natural gummy exudate gained from the trees of Acacia species (Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal), Family: Fabaceae.

GA is considered as a dietary fiber with a high percentage of carbohydrates and low protein content.

Sugars arabinose and ribose were originally discovered and isolated from gum Arabic which represents the original source of these sugars.

A gum emanation from trees occurs under stress conditions such as heat, poor soil fertility, drought, and injury.

Mainly GA is produced in belt region of Africa mainly Sudan, Chad, and Nigeria.

In the food industry, it is used in confectionery; in the pharmaceutical industry, it is used as emulsifier, film coating and others.

Traditionally the gum used for chronic renal failure, digestive discomfort and others.

Although gum Arabic considered as an inert substance, recent information revealed multiple pharmacological and medical effects, such as weight reduction, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, anticoagulant, antibacterial, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective and other effects.

The aim of present review was to demonstrate the clinical effects of gum Arabic.