This paper presents a review of the industrially most relevant exudate gums: gum arabic, gum karya, and gum tragacanth. Exudate gums are obtained as the natural exudates of different tree species and exhibit unique properties in a wide variety of applications. This review covers the chemical structure, occurrence and production of the different gums. It also deals with the size and relative importance of the various players on the world market. Furthermore, it gives an overview of the main application fields of the different gums, both food and non-food.

Exudate gums: occurrence, production, and applications

Polysaccharides, Protein and Lipid -Based Natural Edible Films in Food Packaging: A Review.

A review of recent developments on the regulatory, structural and functional aspects of gum arabic.

Biological effects of gum arabic: a review of some recent research.

A review study on chemical composition and molecular structure of newly plant gum exudates and seed gums

The JECFA Specification for gum arabic was revised in 1990 to reflect more closely the specification of the Test Article used in evaluations that led to its classification 'ADI not specified' in 1982/83. Some producers and traders have objected to the Revised Specification; in contrast, consumer-protection groups consider that it remains too lax to provide the degree of safety assurance expected. This paper presents analytical data that confirm the mean values previously established for nitrogen and the specific rotation of bulk commercial gum arabic from Acacia senegal. The data also establish that natural gum arabic imported into the USA and Europe in 1989/91 met the Revised Specification, but that a disturbingly high proportion of spray-dried, processed gums sold as 'gum arabic' did not. NMR spectroscopy has (a) indicated that some such samples are based on non-permitted gums and (b) confirmed that the 1983 Test Article represents not only typical 1990/91 shipments but also a wide range of reference gum arabic samples from other reputable sources. Details of a representative 13C-NMR spectrum, derived by averaging the relative intensities for the characteristic resonances of 35 gum arabic samples, are given for future regulatory/legislative purposes. Some limitations of the Revised Specification and its susceptibility to commercial exploitation are discussed.

Gum arabic (Acacia senegal): unambiguous identification by 13C-NMR spectroscopy as an adjunct to the Revised JECFA Specification, and the application of 13C-NMR spectra for regulatory/legislative purposes.

Processing of gum arabic and some new opportunities

The characterization of gum arabic (Acacia senegal) samples from Uganda

The composition and properties of eight gum exudates (Leguminosae) of American origin

The characterization of proteinaceous Prosopis (mesquite) gums which are not permitted food additives

Wang Weiping

Papers

Gum arabic (Acacia senegal): unambiguous identification by 13C-NMR spectroscopy as an adjunct to the Revised JECFA Specification, and the application of 13C-NMR spectra for regulatory/legislative purposes.

Processing of gum arabic and some new opportunities

The characterization of gum arabic (Acacia senegal) samples from Uganda

The composition and properties of eight gum exudates (Leguminosae) of American origin

The characterization of proteinaceous Prosopis (mesquite) gums which are not permitted food additives