| Definition | Tara gum is obtained by grinding the endosperm of the seeds of strains of Caesalpinia spinosa (family Leguminosae). It consists chiefly of polysaccharides of high molecular weight composed mainly of galactomannans. The principal component consists of a linear chain of (1-4)-β-D-mannopyranose units with α-D-galactopyranose units attached by (1-6) linkages. The ratio of mannose to galactose in tara gum is 3:1. (In locust bean gum this ratio is 4:1 and in guar gum 2:1) |
| Einecs | 254-409-6 |
| Chemical name | |
| Chemical formula | |
| Molecular weight | |
| Assay | |
| Description | A white to white-yellow odourless powder |
| Identification |
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| Solubility | Soluble in water, insoluble in ethanol |
| Gel formation | To an aqueous solution of the sample add small amounts of sodium borate. A gel is formed |
| Purity |
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| Loss on drying | Not more than 15 % |
| Ash | Not more than 1,5 % |
| Acid insoluble matter | Not more than 2 % |
| Protein | Not more than 3,5 % (factor N x 5,7) |
| Starch | Not detectable |
| Arsenic | Not more than 3 mg/kg |
| Lead | Not more than 2 mg/kg |
| Mercury | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
| Cadmium | Not more than 1 mg/kg |
