E416 (Karaya gum) is a hydrocolloid, complex acid polysaccharide, the exudate product of the plant Sterculia Urens, which belongs to the Sterculiaceae family.
It is partially acetylated by D-galacturonic acid, D-glucuronic acid, D-galactose, and rhamnose.
It appears as an amber yellow powder that is poorly soluble in water, insoluble in acetone.
Medical
It is used in the routine treatment of ileostomies and colostomies for its skin barrier function. However, although it is biocompatible with gelling adhesion capacity and high viscosity, it has pH-dependent solubility and has problems with uncontrolled rates of hydration.
In traditional medical practice, it treats sore throats.
Food
Ingrediente inserito nella lista degli additivi alimentari europei come E416, addensante.
Cosmetics
Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.
Emulsion stabilizer. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, molar mass plays an important role.
Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product.
Hair fixative. This ingredient has the ability to create, with its protective film, stiffness and hold in the hair, and also has the ability to form, with its hydrophilic and elastic properties, bonds between the hair fibres, to keep the hair in a particular shape for a certain time.
Viscosity control agent. It controls and adapts viscosity to the required level for optimal chemical and physical stability of the product and dosage in gels, suspensions, emulsions, solutions.
CAS 9000-36-6
EC number 232-539-4
