Page 120 - Pharmd general phytochemistry I-Final2024_LEUCTERS

Uses:
1- In culture media as a fermentation identifying agent for certain bacteria.
2- In the evaluation of renal function. It is filtered only by the glomeruli and is neither

excreted nor reabsorbed by the tubules.

Heteropolysaccharides
Gums

 They are translucent, amorphous substances that are frequently produced in higher
plants as a protective after Injury.

 Gums are typically heterogenous in composition, Upon hydrolysis, arabinose,
galactose, mannose, xylose and various uronic acids are the most frequently
observed components.

 The uronic acids may form salts with calcium, magnesium and other cations.
 Generally speaking, gums are pathogenic products.

Mucilages

 Mucilages are physiologic products, which yield colloidal, viscous, non-adhesive
solution with water.

 They are a complex polysaccharide containing uronic acid and other units.

Gums and mucilages find diverse application in pharmacy. They are ingredients in
dental and other adhesives and in bulk laxatives. As pharmaceutic necessity, they are
used as tablet binders, emulsifiers, Gelating agents, suspending agents, and as tablet

excipients and disintegrants.

Gum Acacia

Occurrence:
 Acacia (Gum Arabic) is the dried gum obtained from the stems and branches of

Acacia senegal and some other species of Acacia (Leguminosae).

Chemical composition:
 It consists mainly of arabin which is a mixture of the calcium, magnesium and

potassium salts of Arabic acid.
 Acacia also contains an oxidase enzyme, about 14% water and small amounts of

protein including arabinogalactan-protein.

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