Analytical comparison of gums from Acacia hebeclada and other gummiferae species

Abstract

Analysis of the arabinogalactan-protein isolated from a specimen of Acacia hebeclada gum has shown major differences in composition between this and a specimen previously examined in another laboratory. In its much lower proportions of protein and uronic acid, and higher arabinose content, the present specimen of A. hebeclada gum resembles more closely gum from the taxonomically related species A. tortilis, this similarity extending to the modes of linkage of the constituent sugar and uronic acid residues. The hydroxyproline content of the protein moiety is also close to that in A. tortilis gum. The wide variation in composition between different specimens of A. hebeclada gum is comparable with that of the gums of A. karroo and A. erioloba, from the same series (Gummiferae Benth.).