DESCRIPTION

Tara gum occurs as a white to tan, nearly odorless powder obtained by grinding the endosperm of the seeds of the tara tree, Caesalpinia spinosa (Fam. Leguminosae). The gum consists of polysaccharides of high molecular weight composed mainly of galactomannans. The principal component consists of a linear chain of (1→4)-β-d-mannopyranose (mannose) units with α-d-galactopyranose (galactose) units attached by (1→6) linkages. The ratio of mannose to galactose in tara gum is approximately 3:1. Tara gum is water-soluble, but insoluble in ethanol.