Gum arabic – A versatile natural gum: A review on production, processing, properties and applications

Gum arabic (GA) is the oldest gum known for its diverse application for more than 5000 years. The gum is produced from some species of Acacia, mainly growing/planted in arid and semi-arid regions of Africa and Asia. Sudan is the leading producer and exporter of GA in the world. GA is a mixture of potassium, magnesium and calcium salts of polysaccharide acid and is easily soluble in water. As it possesses a unique biochemical structure and properties, it finds application as a stabilizer, emulsifier, bulking agent, thickener, carrier, glazing and firming agent, humectant and antioxidant. GA is biocompatible and biodegradable, and its source is renewable. The people worldwide are now again feeling the necessity of using natural additives in products of human consumption, due to severe adverse effects of using synthetic additives. Such a shift in the human mindset has created additional demand for natural products like GA. This gum is produced in resource-constrained areas, where people are poor and need the creation of good livelihood options for improvement in their economic conditions. Apart from GA production, Acacia senegal trees help improve soil health and restrict climate change as well as expansion of desert in arid and semi-arid regions. Increasing production of GA by motivating farmers in arid and semi-arid regions to establish Acacia senegal plantations; creating infrastructure for processing and value addition in the regions of GA production; and finding new application areas of GA are urgent needs of this vital sector. This consolidated review on GA covers the current research work on GA production, properties, processing, application and marketing, unlike several specific reviews considering the need of those who want to initiate research work/already working for this sector.