Abstract

Different studies reported variation on the physicochemicalproperties of Acacia Senegal var. Senegal gum Arabic exudates due to different factors including soil type, condition of the plant and climatic conditions. This work was performed on gum Arabic sampled from one area within the gum Arabic belt in Sudan. The aim was to study the physicochemical properties of this single sample. The data was analyzed comparatively to previously published records (1968-2016) from different areas in the gum belt, Sudan. The main physicochemical and functional features of the exudates gum Arabic were determined using different methods. The data obtained indicate the following values: moisture (14.5%), ash (2.5%), protein (2.2%), nitrogen (0.34%), viscosity (15.2mL/g) and pH (4.34). The fat content and nitrogen free extract were also analyzed and the values obtained were 0.05%, and 80.75%, respectively. The present data were compared with that published and is evidence that the properties: ash, protein and nitrogen were stable to a great extent regardless of factors such as area of collection and climatic condition within the gum belt. Moisture content showed less constancy and might be affected mainly by climatic conditions during exudation or storage type. Viscosity and pH revealed immense variations which can be attributed to variable preparation procedures followed such the concentration and temperature of gum solutions, and laboratory conditions.

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