DESCRIPTION

Gum Arabic occurs as a dried, gummy exudation obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal (L.) Willdenow or of related species of Acacia (Fam. Leguminosae). The unground product occurs as white or yellow-white, spheroidal tears of varying size or in angular fragments. It is also available commercially as white to yellow-white flakes, granules, or powder. One g dissolves in 2 mL of water, forming a solution that flows readily and is acid to litmus. It is insoluble in alcohol.