Cassia Gum Research Articles

Cassia Seed Gum Films Incorporated with Partridge Tea Extract as an Edible Antioxidant Food Packaging Film for Preservation of Chicken Jerky.

The use of edible packaging films to delay food spoilage has attracted widespread attention. In this study, partridge tea extract (PTE) was added to cassia gum (CG) to prepare CG/PTE films. The microstructure, optical, mechanical, barrier, and antioxidant properties of CG/PTE films were investigated, and the effect of PTE on CG films was shown. The films had high transparency and smooth surface structure. Additionally, PTE significantly improved the elongation at break and antioxidant activity of films. At 2.5% of PTE, the 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging rate of the film was 46.88% after diluting 50 times, indicating excellent antioxidant property, which could be applied to food preservation. After 9 days of storage, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values (TBARS) of chicken jerk packaged with films containing 0% and 2.5% PTE increased from 0.12% to 1.04% and 0.11% to 0.40%, respectively. This study suggests that CG/PTE films can be used to preserve cooked meat.

An efficient protocol for preparing linear β-manno-oligosaccharides

Linear β-manno-oligosaccharides (l-β-MOS) are widely used to investigate oligo- and poly-saccharide structures and mannanolytic enzyme activities. l-β-MOS are also being used as prebiotic agents with potential bio-active properties. In this study, we developed an efficient protocol to prepare a series of l-β-MOS by hydrolyzing cassia gum (CG) using mannanolytic enzymes (endo-1,4-β-mannanase, α-galactosidases and β-glucosidases). By using medium pressure liquid chromatography (MPLC), we purified l-β-MOS with different degrees of polymerization (DPs). HPAEC-PAD, MALDI-TOF-MS and NMR studies confirmed that these l-β-MOS species ranged from 1,4-β-d-mannobiose to 1,4-β-d-mannononaose (DP 2–9) with >95% purity. Our results provide a robust approach to preparing l-β-MOS, thus enabling l-β-MOS to be further used in the fields of chemistry, life science, and nutritional food.

Sustainable biopolymer soil stabilisation: the effect of microscale chemical characteristics on macroscale mechanical properties

Sustainable biopolymer additives offer a promising soil stabilisation methodology, with a strong potential to be tuned to soil’s specific nature, allowing the tailoring of mechanical properties for a range of geotechnical applications. However, the biopolymer chemical characteristics driving soil mechanical property modifications have yet to be fully established. Within this study we employ a cross-scale approach, utilising the differing galactose:mannose (G:M) ratios of various Galactomannan biopolymers (Guar Gum G:M 1:2, Locust Bean Gum G:M 1:4, Cassia Gum G:M 1:5) to investigate the effect of microscale chemical functionality upon macroscale soil mechanical properties. Molecular weight effects are also investigated, utilising Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC). Soil systems comprising of SiO2 (100%) (SiO2) and a Mine Tailing (MT) exemplar composed of SiO2 (90%) + Fe2O3 (10%) (SiO2 + Fe) are investigated. The critical importance of biopolymer additive chemical functionality for the resultant soil mechanical properties, is demonstrated..For Galactomannan G:M 1:5 stabilised soils the ‘high-affinity, high-strength’, mannose-Fe interactions at the microscale (confirmed by mineral binding characterisation) are attributed to the 297% increase in the SiO2 + Fe systems Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), relative to SiO2 only. Conversely for SiO2 Galactomannan-stabilised soils, when increasing the G:M ratio from 1:2 to 1:5, a 85% reduction in UCS is observed, attributed to mannose’s inability to interact with SiO2. UCS variations of up to a factor of 12 were observed across the biopolymer–soil mixes studied, in line with theoretically and experimentally expected values, due to the differences in the G:M ratios. The limited impact of molecular weight upon soil strength properties is also shown in CMC-stabilised soils. When considering a soil’s stiffness and energy absorbance, the importance of biopolymer–biopolymer interaction strength and quantity is discussed, further deciphering biopolymer characteristics driving soil property modifications. This study highlights the importance of biopolymer chemistry for biopolymer stabilisation studies, illustrating the use of simple low-cost, accessible chemistry-based instrumental tools and outlining key design principles for the tailoring of biopolymer–soil composites for specific geotechnical applications.Graphical abstract

An Edible and Quick-Dissolving Film from Cassia Gum and Ethyl Cellulose with Improved Moisture Barrier for Packaging Dried Vegetables.

A quick-dissolving edible film was made from cassia gum (CG) incorporated with ethyl cellulose (EC). Mechanical results show that addition of 5% EC based on CG gave rise to the highest tensile strength (TS) of the composite film. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that excess addition of EC slightly decreased the homogeneousness of films. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that the compatibility between CG and EC was good and the incorporation of EC changed the original interaction of molecules by forming hydrogen bonds with CG. Although film light transmittance decreased, it is transparent enough for packaging. The film water vapour barrier property improved dramatically by blending CG and EC, although they showed dissolution rates over 80% in boiling water after 5 min. The dried carrot cube packaged by CG-EC films showed lower mass growth rates in 53% RH. Therefore, the film presents a potential application in packaging of dried vegetables in convenience foods.

Taguchi design-based synthesis and structural analysis of Cassia galactomannan hydroxypropyl derivative

Hydroxypropylation is a significant industrial process for diverse applications of polysaccharides. In the present study hydroxypropylation of Cassia gum derived from ruderal Cassia tora species was investigated using Taguchi's L'16 orthogonal array design of experiments. The optimized reaction conditions comprised: reaction temperature 50 °C, time 240 min, sodium hydroxide (0.015 mol), propylene oxide (0.0755 mol) and 60% aq. propane-2-ol. The maximum hydroxypropyl content, 8.43 and 7.71% were achieved using chromic acid titration and 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis respectively in the optimized product. The chemical shift values of substituted hydroxypropyl groups for methyl, methine and methylene protons at 0.98, 3.87 & 3.41 ppm along with respective carbons at δ 18.23, 69.41 & 79.13, and other assignments, 1H and 13C signals, were confirmed by COSY and HSQC correlation spectral analysis. The substituted hydroxypropyl groups, C 6 of the β-D-1, 4-linked-Manp unit, were established at 66.18 ppm.

Isolation and Identification of Endophytic Fungi from Cassia senna L.: A Medicinal plant

Endophytic fungi are present within all plants and more than one million species are predicted to be present. They are widely studied as they promote plant growth as well as resistance to environmental stress, produce bioactive compounds that have industrial applications and play a vital role in biogeochemical cycles. The medicinal plant Cassia (commonly known as seenas) belongs to the Order Fabales Family Caesalpiniaceae. This plant is a native of tropics which is useful as an ornamental plant, cassia gum, cuisines, etc. It is also a source for the laxative drug known as Sennosides complex, which has been used by Egyptians since ancient times. This drug is mainly obtained from Cassia augustifolia and Cassia fistula. The active constituents of this drug are dianthrone glycosides (Sennosides A, B, C, D, etc.), free anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, rhein) and anthraquinones glycosides. However, due to urbanization the plant source has become scarce, so an attempt has been made to isolate endophytic fungi from this medicinal plant and screen for biosynthesis of Sennosides complex. Plants were collected from six (6) locations/sites at Ahmedabad, Anand (Boriavi), Bavla, Bhuj (Madhapur and Saiyadpur), Dantiwada in Gujarat; and Jodhpur in Rajasthan. 22 isolates were identified based on colony, microscopic/morphological characteristics; and identity of thirteen isolates was also done by phylogenetic analysis. The endophytes belonged to the genera Alterneria, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Phellinus, etc. The isolates were obtained to screen for production of Sennosides (extracellular). A further study on the potential for their application in sustainable development, and alternative for bioprospecting of bioactive compounds is envisaged.

Extraction, characterization and rheological behavior of galactomannans in high salinity and temperature conditions

Galactomannans can be extracted from various plant species, including those of the Cassia grandis Linn. f. (Fam. Caesalpiniaceae), a native Brazilian tree. The objective of this work was to obtain galactomannans by three different extraction methods and to characterize them owing to structure and rheological behavior in aqueous saline fluids that are typically applied for enhanced oil recovery. The largest yield obtained was 23.4 wt% and the mannose/galactose ratios were between 1.1 and 1.5. All the gums extracted were characterized by Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Elementary Analysis (CHN) and X-Ray Diffraction demonstrating their galactomannan structures. Thermogravimetric analyses allowed determining the real concentration of organic matter present in the final extraction product, which was near 70 wt%. The greatest molar mass of the Cassia gum was Mw = 1.01 × 106 g/mol, determined by Size-exclusion chromatography and since it is a nonionic biopolymer, it was not influenced by the salinity of the prepared synthetic aqueous solutions with high salt concentrations (TDS = 29,711 mg/L and 68,317 mg/L), including the solutions containing divalent cations. Under a shear rate of 7.3 s−1, Cassia gum from method A showed the highest apparent viscosity values that were approximately 158, 78 and 55 mPa s, at concentration of 5,000 ppm and temperatures of 25, 60 and 80 °C, respectively. Thus, Cassia gum stood as a promising biopolymer for enhanced oil recovery application.

Self-assembling crystals of an extract of Flos Sophorae Immaturus for improving the antioxidant, mechanical and barrier properties of a cassia gum film

A novel antioxidative film was prepared by drying a film-forming solution containing the Flos Sophorae Immaturus extract (FSIE) (0–3.5%) and cassia gum (CG). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that FSIE was successfully compounded with CG. Although the addition of FSIE slightly increased the water vapor permeability (WVP) and O2 permeability (OP) of the film, it also improved its ability to block ultraviolet light significantly. The appropriate amounts of FSIE increased the tensile strength (TS) from 20.9 MPa to 30.2 MPa but reduced the elongation at break (EB) from 38.7% to 27.6%. The films doped with FSIE exhibited strong antioxidative activity and high rates of free radical scavenging. Total phenols exhibited a positive trend as the amount of FSIE increased in 50% of ethanol. The practical application of these composite films was investigated by evaluating the quality of lard wrapped in the films. After 25 d, the acid value (XAV) and peroxide value (POV) of lard packaged in CG/FSIE2% were lower than the values for lard packaged in CG/FSIE0% and plastic bag. These results showed that the CG/FSIE film had superior antioxidative activity compared to films made from plastic and pure CG.

Investigations on Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Carboxymethyl Cassia Gum

The objective of this study was to chemically alter Cassia gum by means of carboxymethylation reaction with the aid of microwave radiations, producing highly substituted carboxymethylated Cassia gum. The carboxymethyl substitution of Cassia gum was optimized using response surface methodology. The optimal parameters were found to be microwave power of 50 W and microwave exposure time of 7.36 minute which provided carboxymethylated gum with a degree of substitution of 2.5 (Predicted 2.3). Structural changes after carboxymethylation reaction were confirmed using Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray diffraction. Further, diclofenac sodium-loaded Ca2+- gelled carboxymethylated Cassia gum beads were prepared. The effect of microwave exposure on beads was studied at different powers. However, no significant influence of microwave exposure on the release of diclofenac from beads was observed. The beads were observed to release diclofenac by zero-order kinetics with anamolous release mechanism. In conclusion, the microwave-assisted carboxymethyl modification of Cassia gum can be carried out to prepare modified gum with potential for use as matrix material for pharmaceutical applications.

Fabrication of a high tensile and antioxidative film via a green strategy of self-growing needle-like quercetin crystals in cassia gum for lipid preservation

Although active packaging materials have attracted many attentions, weak mechanical and barrier properties from active-ingredient addition need to be resolved. Here, a bio-degradable and anti-oxidative packaging film with a high tensile strength and a low permeability was prepared by self-growing needle-like quercetin in cassia gum solution during drying. Stereoscopic (SM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the quercetin was distributed evenly in needle-like ∼50-nm-diameter crystals in the film for an addition lower than 3.0%; and formed an urchin-like crystal when the addition was equal to or greater than 3.0% and the distribution was uneven. The needle-like quercetin crystal could enhance the mechanical and barrier properties, however, the urchin-like crystals contributed negatively. As quercetin dosage increased from 0% to 2.5%, tensile strength (TS) increased from 22.08 to 47.19 MPa, water vapor permeability (WVP) decreased from 2.16 to 1.45 g m−1 s−1 Pa−1 and oxygen permeability (OP) decreased from 1.69 to 1.20 cm3 mm m−2 day−1, respectively. The composite film exhibited an excellent ultraviolet resistance and antioxidative performances for DPPH, ABTS•+, •HO and O2•- free radicals, and the corresponding scavenging activities were 80.07%, 92.15%, 124.42% and 96.92% in ethanol simulant, respectively. Its practical application in packaging pork lard showed that the cassia gum–quercetin film could delay oxidation and extend storage life. Therefore, the films prepared may provide guidelines for active packaging films that simultaneously with high mechanical and barrier properties.

Preparation, characterization, and prebiotic activity of manno-oligosaccharides produced from cassia gum by a glycoside hydrolase family 134 β-mannanase

To produce manno-oligosaccharides from cassia gum, a mutated glycoside hydrolase family 134 β-mannanase gene (mRmMan134A) from Rhizopus microsporus var. rhizopodiformis F518 was expressed in Pichia pastoris and a high expression level (3680 U mL−1) was obtained through high cell density fermentation. mRmMan134A exhibited maximum activity at pH 5.5 and 50 °C. It was then subjected to hydrolyze cassia gum with 70.6% of overall yield of manno-oligosaccharides. From the hydrolysate, seven components (F1–F7) were separated and identified as mannose, mannobiose, galactose, mannotriose, mannotetraose, 61-α-d-galactosyl-β-d-mannobiose, and mannopentaose, respectively. According to in vitro fermentation, the manno-oligosaccharides were able to promote the growth of three Bifidobacterium strains and six Lactobaillus strains with 3.0-fold increment in culture absorbance, and these strains preferred manno-oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization (DP) 2–3 rather than those with DP 4–5. Novel manno-oligosaccharides from cassia gum with promising prebiotic activity were provided in the present study.

An edible oil packaging film with improved barrier properties and heat sealability from cassia gum incorporating carboxylated cellulose nano crystal whisker

A cassia-gum (CG) based edible packaging film was reinforced with carboxylated cellulose nano crystal whisker (C-CNCW), which is a potential alternative for oil-bags. The effects of C-CNCW dosage on the films were investigated by analyzing the rheological property of the film-forming solutions, the mechanical, barrier, thermal stability and heat sealability of the films. The C-CNCW with a zeta potential of −48.5 mV was a long silk-like structure with the diameter of 3–10 nm. Rheological results manifested that all the film-forming solutions exhibited a shear thinning property and the addition of C-CNCW changed the interaction of CG chains. The FTIR results showed that no new chemical bonds formed between CG and C-CNCW. SEM indicated that the aggregation of C-CNCW occurred at the content of 6%. The addition of C-CNCW reduced the light transmittance from 63.43% to 51.91% at 500 nm, but improved the oil permeability, mechanical properties, and heat seal strength from 0.550 to 0.064 g mm m−2 day−1, 18.53–32.85 MPa and 1295.40–2218.78 N/m as the C-CNCW dosage increased from 0% to 4%, respectively. Therefore, CG film reinforced by C-CNCW is promising in oil packaging.

An Intelligent Film Based on Cassia Gum Containing Bromothymol Blue-Anchored Cellulose Fibers for Real-Time Detection of Meat Freshness.

To prepare intelligent cellulose fiber (ICF), cellulose fibers were modified by grafting hydroxypropyltriethylamine groups to which bromothymol blue (BTB) was anchored. The ICFs were incorporated into cassia gum (CG) to prepare a pH-sensitive intelligent film. The Fourier transform infrared results indicated that BTB has been introduced in the CG-ICF5 film. Scanning electronic microscopy indicated that the addition of ICF can loosen the structure of the film. The incorporation of ICF decreased light transmittance and water vapor permeability but did not significantly affect thermal stability. The mechanical properties were weakened with 3% ICF addition and were improved with 5% ICF addition. The release experiment indicated that 46.784% and 8.297% of BTB was released from the CG-ICF5 film under oscillating to 50% and 95% alcohol/water solution, respectively. The response of the intelligent films to triethylamine in environments with different relative humidities was investigated. A visible color change occurred in the triethylamine environment within 20 min. Pork and chicken spoilage experiments were performed to study the application of the intelligent film in monitoring meat freshness during spoilage. Obvious color changes appeared, demonstrating that the intelligent film has potential for use in real-time indication of meat spoilage.

Safety of cassia gum as a feed additive for cats and dogs based on a dossier submitted by Glycomer GmbH.

The additive cassia gum consists mainly of high‐molecular weight polysaccharides composed primarily of a linear chain of 1,4‐β‐d‐mannopyranose units with 1,6‐linked α‐d‐galactopyranose units. In 2014, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum in cats and dogs. The Panel concluded, based on positive findings observed in a bacterial reverse mutation test with a semi‐refined cassia gum (about 70 mg anthraquinones/kg) but not with purified semi‐refined cassia gum that meets the specification as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg), that only purified semi‐refined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 1.5% cassia gum (15,000 mg/kg feed) in dry matter, corresponding to 1.32% (13,200 mg/kg feed) in a standardised complete feed with 12% water content. The conclusion was confirmed in an opinion delivered by the Panel in 2017. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information on the safety for cats and dogs. The semi‐refined cassia gum under application was mutagenic in a bacterial reverse mutation test in Salmonella Typhimurium strain TA100. Positive results were also observed after heat sterilisation of the test item. Isopropanol purified semi‐refined cassia gum did not show mutagenic effect. Examination of various other cassia gum extracts did not identify any source of mutagenicity. The mutagenicity of the semi‐refined cassia gum under application cannot be excluded. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel cannot establish the safety of semi‐refined cassia gum for cats and dogs.

Developing a green and edible film from Cassia gum: The effects of glycerol and sorbitol

The feasibility of preparing a novel edible film based on cassia gum (CG) was studied. The mechanical, barrier, optical, and thermal properties as well as the contact angle were determined to evaluate the effect of glycerol (G), sorbitol (S) in various concentrations on the CG films. The rheology properties of the film-forming solutions were also analyzed. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed that hydrogen bonds formed between the G or S and CG molecules. The viscosity tests revealed the film-forming solutions had a shear-thinning behavior and the dynamic measurements confirmed that the glycerol-added CG (CG-G) and sorbitol-added CG (CG-S) solutions exhibited classical gel properties. The CG-G films had higher elongation at break (EB) but lower water vapor permeability (WVP) and oxygen permeability (OP) than CG-S ones. Therefore, tensile strength (TS) increased with increasing G (except for 50%) and S concentrations. The TS of CG-G and CG-S films increased from 11.02 ± 0.47 to 18.53 ± 0.40 MPa, and from 12.69 ± 0.59 to 18.20 ± 0.76 MPa, respectively; the corresponding EB increased from 22.27 ± 0.47 to 38.00 ± 0.59% and from 7.90 ± 0.41 (CG-30S) to 25.33 ± 0.90%, indicating that G or S played as not only a plasticizer but also a cross-linker. An increase in G and S concentrations also made the films more opaque and improved their thermal stability. CG is a promising material for the production of edible packaging films.

Cassia Gum an Environment-friendly Alternative Thickener in Printing with Natural Dyes

Cassia Gum an Environment-friendly Alternative Thickener in Printing with Natural Dyes

Safety of cassia gum as a feed additive for dogs and cats based on a dossier submitted by Glycomer GmbH.

The additive cassia gum consists mainly of high‐molecular weight polysaccharides composed primarily of a linear chain of 1,4‐β‐d‐mannopyranose units with 1,6‐linked α‐d‐galactopyranose units. In 2014, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum. The FEEDAP Panel concluded, based on positive findings observed in a bacterial reverse mutation test with a semirefined cassia gum (about 70 mg anthraquinones/kg) but not with purified semirefined cassia gum that meets the specification as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg), that only purified semirefined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 1.5% cassia gum (15,000 mg/kg feed) in dry matter, corresponding to 1.32% (13,200 mg/kg feed) in a standardised complete feed with 12% water content. The FEEDAP Panel also concluded that cassia gum should be regarded as a skin and respiratory sensitiser and as a potential irritant to skin and eyes. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information on the safety for all animal species. No new data were submitted to address the potential of the additive to exert mutagenic effects, and therefore, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to modify the conclusions reached in the previous opinion.

Safety of cassia gum as a feed additive for dogs and cats based on a dossier submitted by Intercolloid (UK) Ltd.

The additive cassia gum consists mainly of high‐molecular weight polysaccharides composed primarily of a linear chain of 1,4‐β‐d‐mannopyranose units with 1,6‐linked α‐d‐galactopyranose units. In 2014, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum. The FEEDAP Panel concluded, based on positive findings observed in a bacterial reverse mutation test with a semirefined cassia gum (about 70 mg anthraquinones/kg) but not with purified semirefined cassia gum that meets the specification as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg), that only purified semirefined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 1.5% cassia gum (15,000 mg/kg feed) in dry matter, corresponding to 1.32% (13,200 mg/kg feed) in a standardised complete feed with 12% water content. Following this opinion, the European Commission gave the possibility to the applicant to submit complementary information in order to complete the assessment on the safety for all animal species. The new data submitted, describing a reproduction study in cats, do not address the potential of the additive to exert mutagenic effects, and do not allow conclusions to be drawn on the safety of semirefined cassia gum with an anthraquinone content higher than the one specified for the use as a food additive (< 0.5 mg/kg). The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to modify the conclusions reached in the previous opinion.

Dietary β-galactomannans have beneficial effects on the intestinal morphology of chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis.

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis is one of the leading causes of food-borne salmonellosis in humans. Poultry is the single largest reservoir, and the consumption of incorrectly processed chicken meat and egg products is the major source of infection. Since 2006, the use of antibiotics as growth promoters has been banned in the European Union, and the dietary inclusion of β-galactomannans (βGM) has become a promising strategy to control and prevent intestinal infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various βGM-rich products on intestinal morphology in chickens challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis. To assess this effect, a total of 280 male Ross 308 chickens were studied (40 animals per treatment housed in 5 cages). There were 7 treatments, including controls: uninoculated birds fed the basal diet (negative control) and inoculated birds fed the basal diet (positive control) or the basal diet supplemented with Salmosan (1 g/kg), Duraió gum (1 g/kg), Cassia gum (1 g/kg), the cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.5 g/kg), or the antibiotic colistine (0.8 g/kg). The birds were fed these diets from the d 1 to 23, except the animals in the colistine group, which were fed the diet containing the antibiotic only from d 5 to 11. The inoculated animals were orally infected on d 7 with 10(8) cfu of Salmonella Enteritidis. Bird performance per replicate was determined for the whole study period (23 d), and the distal ileum and cecal tonsil of 5 animals per treatment (1 animal per replicate) were observed at different magnification levels (scanning electron, light, and laser confocal microscopy). In the images corresponding to the treatments containing βGM we observed more mucus, an effect that can be associated with the observation of more goblet cells. Moreover, the images also show fewer M cells, which are characteristic of infected animals. Regarding the morphometric parameters, the animals that received Duraió and Cassia gums show greater (P = 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively) villus length compared with the animals in the positive control, thus indicating the capacity of these products to increase epithelial surface area. However, no effect (P > 0.05) on microvillus dimensions was detected. In conclusion, the results obtained indicating the beneficial effects of these βGM on intestinal morphology give more evidence of the positive effects of these supplements in poultry nutrition.

Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of cassia gum (Diagum CS) for dogs and cats based on a dossier submitted by Lubrizol Advance Materials Europe B.V.B.A

The additive cassia gum, the ground, purified endosperm of the seeds of Cassia tora and Cassia obtusifolia, is intended to be used as a technological additive (functional group: gelling agents) in feedingstuffs for all dogs and cats. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that only purified semi-refined cassia gum that meets the specifications of cassia gum as a food additive (< 0.5 mg anthraquinones/kg) can be considered safe for cats and dogs, at a maximum content of 13 200 mg/kg complete feed. Cassia gum is regarded as a skin and respiratory sensitiser and as a potential irritant to skin and eyes. It would be prudent to assume that cassia gum has the potential to harm workers who might be exposed via skin, eyes or inhalation. The dusting potential of the additive and the particle size distribution in dust mean there is a high probability of inhalation exposure of unprotected workers handling the dry additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that cassia gum used alone, in accordance with the conditions of use, is not efficacious as a gelling agent, thickener, emulsifier or stabiliser. However, the FEEDAP Panel noted that cassia gum has the potential to be effective as a gelling agent and thickener when used together with carrageenan and xanthan, and to stabilise the effects of other emulsifiers in feed with a moisture content higher than 20 %.