Gum Tragacanth

Gum Tragacanth is a natural exudate from several species of shrubs of the genus Astragalus or it exudes after the bark has been punctured. It is mainly found in the dry regions of Iran. It comes from Astrangalus gummifier and its compound is a complex mixture of acidic polysaccharides which consists of galacturonic acid, Galactose, fucose, Xylose, and Arabinose. The gum is naturally dried on the bark and afterward, it is collected by hand. The gum is entered into the market in one of three forms: natural tears, vermiform gum, and flakes. Printing, pastel crayon production, textile sizing and leather curing, and furniture polishes are some of the uses of Gum Tragacanth. It is also one of the oldest known drugs and was usually served in medical practices since 300 B.C. In modern medicine, it is commonly used for the suspension of insoluble powders and as an adhesive agent for pills and troches.