Gum Arabic (Acacia gum): composition, functional properties, applications, safety, and sustainability

Definition
Gum Arabic, also called Acacia gum, is a natural dried exudate obtained from the stems and branches of various Acacia species, primarily Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It is composed of complex polysaccharides and glycoproteins and is used as a natural food additive (E414), emulsifier, stabilizer, film-forming agent, and soluble dietary fiber.

It is valued for its high solubility, low viscosity, and excellent stability across a wide pH and temperature range.

1. Chemical composition

• Polysaccharides: 85–90%

  • mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid

• Glycoproteins: 1–3%

  • responsible for emulsifying activity

• Residual moisture: 10–15%

• Ash content: 2–4%

• Recognized as soluble dietary fiber (EFSA, FDA)

2. Physical and technological characteristics

• Appearance: white to pale yellow powder or granules

• Odour: neutral or mildly sweet

• Solubility: highly water-soluble (up to 50%), insoluble in ethanol

• pH in solution: mildly acidic (4.5–5.5)

• Thermal and pH stability: excellent (stable between pH 3–8 and under heat)

• Film-forming ability: strong, making it ideal for edible coatings and spray-drying carriers

3. Functional and technological roles

• Natural emulsifier, especially for essential oils, flavors, and lipophilic substances

• Stabilizer in beverages and suspensions

• Mild thickener, with low viscosity even at high concentrations

• Encapsulation agent for flavors, vitamins, and probiotics

• Prebiotic: supports growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus

• Does not form gels, making it ideal for clear liquids and sprays

4. Main applications

Food industry

• Soft drinks (flavor emulsions, clouding agents)

• Confectionery (gums, coatings, glazes)

• Baked goods (as fiber, stabilizer, texture improver)

• Functional foods and supplements (as soluble fiber)

• Microencapsulation of sensitive compounds

Cosmetics

• Emulsifier and stabilizer in creams and serums

• Film-forming agent in hair and skin products

• Lifting/tightening effect in anti-aging formulations

Pharmaceuticals and supplements

• Binder in tablets and capsules

• Prebiotic ingredient in fiber blends

• Carrier for probiotics and herbal actives

Other industries

• Water-soluble adhesives and inks

• Casting and mold-release agents

• Surface finishing in textiles and ceramics

5. Safety and tolerability

• Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FDA

• Approved as food additive E414 in the EU

• No known toxic effects at approved use levels

• Non-allergenic under normal conditions (rare sensitivity may occur)

• Excessive doses may cause bloating or gas due to fermentation in the colon

• Suitable for children, adults, and elderly as a natural soluble fiber

6. Environmental and sustainability aspects

• Harvested from wild Acacia trees, without intensive cultivation

• Supports agroforestry and biodiversity in semi-arid regions of Africa

• Major production countries: Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, Mali

• Provides sustainable income for rural communities

• Biodegradable, non-toxic, and eco-friendly

7. Conclusion

Gum Arabic is a versatile, natural hydrocolloid with wide-ranging applications in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Its high solubility, excellent emulsifying and stabilizing power, and prebiotic benefits make it a key ingredient in both traditional and modern formulations.

Arabic gum studies

• Molecular Formula: C₁₂H₇ClN₂O₃  
• EINECS: 232-519-5
• CAS : 9000-01-5
• MDL number: MFCD00081264
• FEMA: 2001

Synonyms :

• 5-Chlorooxazolo[4,5-h]quinoline-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester 
• 8604-84-0 
• E414
• 86048-40-0 
• CID24747 
• D05670 
• methyl 5-chloro-[1,3]oxazolo[4,5-h]quinoline-2-carboxylate 
• methyl 5-chlorooxazolo[4,5-h]quinoline-2-carboxylate 
• Methyl 5-chlorooxazolo(4,5-h)quinoline-2-carboxylate 
• Oxazolo(4,5-h)quinoline-2-carboxylic acid, 
• 5-chloro- 
• Quazolastum 
• Quazolast
• RHC 3988

References________________________________________________________________

(1) Manawi Y, Kochkodan V, Mahmoudi E, Johnson DJ, Mohammad AW, Atieh MA Characterization and Separation Performance of a Novel Polyethersulfone Membrane Blended with Acacia Gum.  Sci Rep. 2017 Nov 20;7(1):15831. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-14735-9.