Characterization and Analytical Data of Preparative Fractions of Talha gum (Acacia Seyal), Hashab Gum (Acacia Senegal) and Kakamut Gum (Acacia Polyacantha)

Abstract

Acacia's gum samples (A.Seyal, A.Senegal and A.Polyacantha) were collected as natural exudates. Seven water fractions were obtained. Aim: this study aim to identify some physicochemical properties of seven successive fractions obtained from A. Seyal, A.Senegal and A.Polyacantha gum by fractional precipitation using water as a solvent.  

Materials and Methods: Analysis of the fractions were carried of the following parameters; moisture, ash, viscosity, optical rotation, nitrogen, protein, refractive index, pH, equivalent weight, uronic acid, reducing sugar.

Results: Refractive index of A.Seyal and A.Polyacantha fractions were found to have same mean value (1.3322). Statistical analysis showed significant differences(p≤0.05)were obtained for several parameters of A.Seyal, A.Senegal and A.Polyacantha fractions; moisture(5.8%), (9.0%), (9.7%),ash(3.1%),(3.3%),(3.8%)and nitrogen(0..47%),(0.51%),(0.54%), then protein(3.1%),(3.4%),(3.6%) respectively. Insignificant differences (p ≤ 0.05) of parameters were found for Acacia's fractions were; viscosity (1.296), (1.292),(1.277), specific optical rotation (+23.4), (-29.1),(-19.0) respectively, specific optical rotation of A.seyal was dextrorotatory optically active(+23.4). Insignificant differences (p≤0.05) of such parameters of A.Seyal, A.Senegal and A.Polyacantha fractions as; pH (5.1), (5.3). (5.6), equivalent weight (1329.01),(11066.16),(1206.09), uronic acid (14.7%), (17.1%), (16.1%) and reducing sugar (0.14%), (0.08%),(0.13%) respectively. UV absorption showed fractions of A.Senegal (1.49) and A.Polyacantha (1.49) shared same value. The results of cationic composition showed values of this gum fraction. The results of parameters studied showed a wide variation. Accordingly, these data confirms the heterogeneity of acacia's gum fractions.