SafePlants

Gum Ghatti (Anogeissus latifolia)

Gum Ghatti, also known as Indian Gum or Ghatti Gum, is a complex polysaccharide exuded from the bark of the Anogeissus latifolia tree.

Considerations for Pets

• Gum Ghatti is exuded from the bark.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Anogeissus latifolia
• Common Names: Gum Ghatti, Indian Gum, Ghatti Gum, Bakli, Tirman, Davedi, Dindal, Ghatti, Gattie
• Family: Combretaceae

Distribution and Habitat

The Anogeissus latifolia tree, the source of Gum Ghatti, is native to India.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The crude gum has a glossy fracture and occurs in rounded tears.
• Gum Ghatti is a dried exudate formed as a protective sealant from breaks in the tree's bark.

Uses and Applications

• Gum Ghatti has been widely employed in food, pharmaceuticals, paper, auto polish/wax emulsions, varnishes, beverages, and table syrup emulsions.
• It is used for calico printing.
• It functions as an emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent in food products.
• It can be used in colon-specific drug delivery systems.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The leaves of the Anogeissus latifolia tree are consumed by the Antheraea silkworm.

Chemical Properties

• Gum Ghatti is a water-soluble complex non-starch polysaccharide of high molecular weight, existing in nature as a mixed calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium salt.
• On hydrolysis, it yields a mixture of L-arabinose, D-galactose, D-mannose, and D-glucoronic acid residues.

Resources and Further Information

• Sigma-Aldrich offers Ghatti gum for research needs (Sigma-G0378).
• JECFA (Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives) evaluations and specifications are available.
• SCOGS (Select Committee on GRAS Substances) report number 12 provides a review of Gum Ghatti.