Tag: Karaya gum

Sterculia gum, a natural polysaccharide harvested primarily from the tree species *Sterculia urens*, is commercially known by several names. The most recognized of these is karaya gum, used widely in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries for over a century.

Recent research has highlighted the significant and varied nutritional components within the *Sterculia* genus, with edible seeds from species like *Sterculia striata* containing up to 19.58% protein and 21.15% fat. This diversity in composition across different species means that the overall nutritional profile is not uniform and depends heavily on the specific plant part and species being examined.

Derived from the sap of the Sterculia tree, karaya gum is a complex polysaccharide that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. The primary benefit of karaya gum is its powerful function as a bulk-forming laxative, effectively alleviating constipation by absorbing water and swelling in the intestines.

Derived from the *Sterculia urens* tree, karaya gum is a natural exudate that has been utilized in India and Africa for centuries for its unique properties. A key player in both the food and pharmaceutical industries, this polysaccharide and dietary fiber serves various purposes, raising the important question: **What is the use of Karaya gum?**.