Studies on Larch Arabogalactan I

Abstract

Arabogalactan is a carbohydrate substance extracted from the stems of Larix occidentalis. Its properties and the properties of its aqueous solution have been studied, the LD50 of the compound has been determined, and a thirty-day feeding study has been carried out in which it formed 0, 2, 10, and 25 per cent of the diet of groups of albino rats. The results indicate that arabogalactan is essentially nontoxic. Its use as an emulsifier has been studied and shows it to be useful; particularly for the production of stable, low-viscosity emulsions.