Page 132 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

Constituents:
Polymer of galacturonic acid, galactose, galactose, arabinose and xylose:

• Water-insoluble fraction Bassorine (represents 70%).
• 30% Tragacanthin which is cold water soluble.
Uses:
1. Suspending agent, binder in pills and tablets.

2. Employed in cosmetics and food industry.

3. Carrier for flavors and odor of oils.

Advantage: can be used in acidic condition due to its resistance
to hydrolysis.

Chemical tests

Gum tragacanth Gum acacia

Molisch’s Violet ring at the junction between 2 layers.

Fehling’s Red ppt after hydrolysis with HCl.

Lead acetate to a filtered White ppt -
aqueous solution

Iodine solution Olive green Red-if adulterated with
dextrin

Blue-if adulterated with
starch

FeCl3 to a solution of the gum No color if good sample*
Test for oxidase enzyme: - Blue color

Add benzidine solution, H2O2 to
an aqueous solution.

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