GUM ARABIC

Gum arabic first found its way to Europe via Arabic ports, and retained its name of origin.
Gum arabic is a complex mixture of glycoproteins and polysaccharides, predominantly polymers of arabinose and galactose. 
Gum arabic is soluble in water, edible, and used primarily in the food industry and soft-drink industry as a stabilizer, with E number E414 (I414 in the US). 

CAS Number: 9000-01-5
EINECS:    232-519-5

Synonyms: Arabic gum, 9000-01-5, ACACIA, GPOWYVZNNHYPBM-UHFFFAOYSA-N, YG58641acaciadealbatagum, acaciasenegal, acaciasyrup, australiangum, gumdragon, gumovaline, gumsenegal, nci-c50748

Gum arabic, also known as Acacia gum, is a natural gum obtained from the hardened sap of various species of the Acacia tree, primarily Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. 
Gum arabic is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickening agent, commonly found in products like soft drinks, candies, and bakery items. 
Beyond the food industry, it has applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, textiles, and even in the production of inks and paints due to its excellent water-solubility and binding properties. 

Gum Arabic has been used for centuries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, where it is also valued for its medicinal properties and as a dietary fiber source that promotes digestive health. 
Additionally, it plays a significant role in traditional art and calligraphy, serving as a key ingredient in making watercolor paints and inks.
Gum arabic is a branched-chain, complex polysaccharide, either neutral or slightly acidic, found as a mixed calcium, magnesium and potassium salt of a polysaccharidic acid. 

Its backbone is composed of 1,3-linked b-D-galactopyranosyl units. 
The side chains are composed of two to five 1,3-linked b-D-galactopyranosyl units, joined to the main chain by 1,6-linkages.
Gum arabic is a tree gum exuded by two species of Acacia sensu lato, Senegalia senegal and Vachellia seyal. 

However, the term "gum arabic" does not actually indicate a particular botanical source.
The gum is harvested commercially from wild trees, mostly in Sudan (about 70% of the global supply) and throughout the Sahel, from Senegal to Somalia. 
The name "gum Arabic" (al-samgh al-'arabi) was used in the Middle East at least as early as the 9th century. 

Gum arabic is a key ingredient in traditional lithography and is used in printing, paints, glues, cosmetics, and various industrial applications, including viscosity control in inks and in textile industries, though less expensive materials compete with it for many of these roles.
Gum arabic, dried water-soluble exudate that comes primarily from two species of acacia in sub-Saharan Africa, Acacia senegal and A. seyal, and that has numerous applications, particularly in the food industry and in areas such as ceramics, painting, photography, and printmaking. 

Humans have in fact used gum arabic for thousands of years; one of its earliest known uses was as an embalming agent in ancient Egypt. 
Chemically, gum arabic is a polysaccharide and hydrocolloid substance (a substance that becomes a gel in water); its exact chemical composition differs depending on the acacia species from which it is harvested and possibly the conditions under which the tree is grown.
Acacia gum is an odourless white to yellow-white powder. 

Gum arabic is soluble in water and incompatible with alcohol and oxidising agents and precipitates. 
Gum arabic gels on addition of solutions of ferric salts, borax, lead subacetate, alcohol, sodium silicate, gelatin, and ammoniated tincture of guaiac. 
It is non-toxic and non-hazardous. 

Gum arabic is a water-soluble gum from several species of the acacia tree, especially Acacia senegal and A. arabica, and used in the manufacture of adhesives and ink and as a binding medium for marbling colours. 
Gum arabic is also known as gum acacia and is a natural gum made of hardened sap taken from two species of the Acacia tree – Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. 
Gum arabic is a natural product of the Acacia senegal tree, occurring as an exudate from the trunks and branches. 

Gum arabic is used primarily in the food industry as a stabiliser but has had more varied uses. 
It is normally collected by hand when dried, when it resembles a hard, amber-like resin normally referred to as ‘tears’. 
Gum arabic is widely used in the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, and flavouring and thickening agent. 

Gum arabic is employed as a soothing agent in inflammatory conditions of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tracts and is useful in diarrhoea and dysentery. 
It exerts a soothing influence upon all the surfaces with which it comes in contact. 
Gum acacia is an ingredient of all the official Trochisci and various syrups, pastes, and pastilles or jujubes. 

During the time of the gum harvest, the Moors of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 6 oz. is sufficient to support an adult for 24 h. Gum acacia is highly nutritious, is a mixture of saccharides and glycoproteins, and provides the properties of a glue and binder suitable for human edibility. 
In many cases of disease, it is considered that a solution of gum arabic may for a time constitute the exclusive drink and food of the patient. 
Gum arabic reduces the surface tension of liquids, which leads to increased fizzing in carbonated drinks.

Gum arabic is a white to yellow-white odorless powder. 
It is soluble in water and incom- patible with alcohol, oxidizing agents, and precipitates or forms jellies on addition of solutions of ferric salts, borax, lead subacetate, alcohol, sodium silicate, gelatin, ammoni- ated tincture of guaiac. 
Gum arabic is non-toxic and non-hazardous. 

A water-soluble gum from several species of the acacia tree, especially Acacia senegal and A. Arabica , it is used in the manufacture of adhesives and ink, and as a binding medium for marbling colors. 
Gum arabic, also known as gum acacia, chaar gund, or char goond, is a natural gum made of hardened sap taken from two species of the acacia tree— A. senegal and A. seyal . 
Gum arabic is a natural product of the A. senegal tree, occurring as an exudate from the trunks and branches. 

Gum arabic is used primarily in the food industry as a stabilizer, but has had more varied uses. 
Gum arabic is normally collected by hand when dried, when it resembles a hard, amber-like resin normally referred to as “tears.” 
Gum arabic is widely used in the food industry, as an emulsifi er, thickener, and fl avor enhancer. 

Gum arabic is employed as a soothing agent in infl ammatory conditions of the respiratory, digestive, and urinary tract, and is useful in diarrhea and dysentery. 
It exerts a soothing infl uence on all the surfaces with which it comes in contact. 
Gum arabic is an ingredient of all the offi cial Trochisci, and various syrups, pastes, and pastilles or jujubes. 

During the time of the gum harvest, the Moors of the desert are said to live almost entirely on it, and it has been proved that 6 oz is suffi cient to support an adult for 24 h. 
Gum arabic is a mixture of saccharides and glycoproteins, is highly nutritious, and provides the properties of a glue, and a binder suitable for human consumption. 
In many cases of disease, it is considered that a solu- tion of gum arabic may, for a time,constitute the exclusive drink and food of the patient. 

Gum arabic reduces the surface tension of liquids, which leads to increased fi zzing in carbonated drinks.
Gum arabic was defined by the 31st Codex Committee for Food Additives, held at The Hague from 19 to 23 March 1999, as the dried exudate from the trunks and branches of Acacia senegal or Vachellia (Acacia) seyal in the family Fabaceae (Leguminosae).

Gum arabic by the Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) said that although the above definition holds true for most internationally traded samples, the term "gum arabic" does not indicate a particular botanical source; in a few cases, so‐called "gum arabic" may not even have been collected from Acacia (in the broad sense) species, instead coming from e.g. Combretum or Albizia.
Gum arabic is harvested at the end of the rainy season in sub-Sarahan Africa, being collected from wild mature A. senegal and A. seyal trees that are usually between 5 and 25 years old. 

Incisions are introduced in the stems and branches of the trees, and the surrounding bark is stripped. 
Gum seeps into the incisions within several weeks. 
As Gum arabic dries upon exposure to air, it forms a nodule. 

Every two to four weeks, the nodules are removed from the trees and dried completely in the sun. 
Once dried, they are visually inspected and sorted by size. 
At this stage, the gum may be sold as a crude (unprocessed) substance, or it may be refined and later sold as processed gum arabic.

Gum arabic is the gum that is exuded from certain trees, such as the Acacia senegal tree. 
It's a source of dietary fiber that can dissolve in water.

Gum arabic tends to make people feel full, so they might stop eating earlier than they otherwise would. 
This might lead to weight loss and reduced cholesterol levels.

Density: 1.35
FEMA: 2001 | ACACIA GUM (ACACIA SENEGAL (L.) WILLD.)
storage temp.: Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility: water: soluble
form: fine powder
color: White to yellow-beige
Specific Gravity: 1.35-1.49
Odor: ylsh.-wh. angular fragments, odorless
PH Range: 4.1 - 4.8
biological source: plant (Acacia)
Odor Type: Bland
Water Solubility: Water soluble. Aqueous solution is acidic to litmus.
Merck: 14,14
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with alcohols, oxidizing agents.

Gum Arabic is a complex mixture of polysaccharides and glycoproteins, which gives it unique properties as a natural emulsifier and stabilizer. 
Gum arabic is completely soluble in water and forms a viscous solution, making it an ideal ingredient in various industries. 
In the food and beverage sector, it is often used to prevent sugar crystallization in soft drinks, enhance the texture of confectionery products, and improve the shelf life of baked goods. 

Gum arabic is also a key component in producing edible glazes, icing, and syrups.
Beyond food applications, Gum Arabic is widely used in pharmaceuticals as a binder in tablet formulations and as a soothing agent in throat lozenges. 
Its high fiber content makes it beneficial for gut health, as it acts as a prebiotic, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. 

In cosmetics and personal care products, it is used as a thickening and emulsifying agent in lotions, creams, and facial masks, helping to maintain texture and stability.
Arabic or acacia gum is the dried exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal (L) Willd or of related species of Acacia,
Injured trees exude gum Arabic; heat, poor nutrition and drought stimulate its production.

Most of the gum  Arabic production is from wild trees, but some from privately owned and cultivated gardens are tapped and collected on a systematic basis. 
The gum called Hashab geneina (garden gum) is the cleanest and lightest grade and is most preferred for the US market.
The wild  gum (called Hashab wady) is collected on a part-time basis in the dry season, from October to May or June, by natives whose main occupation is usually farming.

After gathering, it is taken to central collecting stations where it is auctioned under government supervision, graded by hand and dried before exporting to gum suppliers in all parts of the world.
Then it is resorted, ground, processed  and graded to various specifications.
Clear, white (sun-bleached) spheroidal tears, up to 32 mm in diameter, also occur as flakes.

Chemically, gum Arabic is a neutral or  slightly acid salt of a complex polysaccharide containing calcium, magnesium and potassium cations.
Its most distinguishing property among the natural gums is its extreme solubility in water.
Solutions of over 50% concentration may be prepared.

Gum Arabic is best described as “heteropolymolecular,” that is, a polymer system having either a variation in monomer (galactose, arabinose,  rhamnose, glucuronic acid and 4-O-methylgucuronic acid) composition and/or variation in the mode of linking and branching of the  monomer units, in addition to a distribution in molecular weight. 
Major uses of gum Arabic in foods are as a fixative for flavors, a foam stabilizer in beverages, an adhesive for icings and toppings, and an emulsifier and stabilizer in confectionary and ice cream.

Gum arabic is also widely used in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, paper, textile, paint,ink and lithography industries 
Gum arabic increased cholesterol biosynthesis in rats fed a cholesterol-containing diet, but had no effect in rats on a cholesterol-free diet. 
Ross et al. and Sharma reported reductions of total serum cholesterol by 6% and 10.4%, respectively when subjects received 25 g/day and 30 g/day of GA for periods of 21 and 30 days. 

The decrease was confined to LDL and VLDL cholesterol only, with no effect on HDL and triglycerides.
Mixtures of different types of gum have been shown to inhibit glucose movement in vitro, and lower postprandial blood glucose and plasma insulin in human subjects when incorporated in a drink containing 50 g glucose.

Gum arabic can improve small intestinal absorption of water as well as electrolytes. 
Various mechanism have been proposed to account for the proabsorptive effects of GA on intestinal water and electrolytes under normal conditions and more so in conditions of diarrheal illness. 
Gum arabic is a soluble fiber with moderate emulsifying properties that may result in greater accessibility of electrolytes and associated water to the microvillous membrane.

This was probably reflected in the increased lumen-to-serosa water influx noted with GA administration in the chronic osmotic-secretory diarrhea model.
Gum arabic has been shown, using histopathological methods, that GA has the ability to enhance remineralization, probably by supporting other remineralization activities. 
This supporting role was ascribed to the rich content of Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ salts of polysaccharides in GA, and to the effect of the gum on the metabolism of Ca2+ and possibly phosphate.

Gum arabic is the dried gummy exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal (Linné ) Willdenow or other related species of Acacia (Fam. Leguminosae) that grow mainly in the Sudan and Senegal regions of Africa.
The bark of the tree is incised and the exudate allowed to dry on the bark. 
The dried exudate is then collected, processed to remove bark, sand, and other particulate matter, and graded. Various acacia grades differing in particle size and other physical properties are thus obtained.
 
Gum arabic a spray-dried powder is also commercially available.
Gum arabic is reported to be a strong anti-oxidant and has shown protection against nephrotoxicity in mice by the generation of free radicals. 
Gum arabic also reduced the blood glucose concentration by initiating the release of insulin from the pancreatic β cells. 

Gum arabic has hypolipidemic effect by increasing fecal bile acid and modification of lipid digestion. 
It is a potential therapeutic agent in hepatic and renal failures. 
It contains enzymes like oxidases, pectinases and peroxidases that act against microbes that cause tooth decay. 

Gum arabic is implicated in adverse effects like suppression of macrophage activation.
Gum arabic is a rich source of dietary fibers and in addition to its widespread use in food and pharmaceutical industries as a safe thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer, it also possesses a broad range of health benefits that have been evidently proved through several in vitro and in vivo studies.
Gum arabic is not degraded in the stomach, but fermented in the large intestine into a number of short chain fatty acids. 

Gum arabic is regarded as a prebiotic that enhances the growth and proliferation of the beneficial intestinal microbiota and therefore its intake is associated with many useful health effects.
An oxidizing enzyme present in acacia may affect preparations containing easily oxidizable substances. 
However, the enzyme may be inactivated by heating at 100℃ for a short time.

Many salts reduce the viscosity of aqueous acacia solutions, while trivalent salts may initiate coagulation. 
Aqueous solutions carry a negative charge and will form coacervates with gelatin and other substances. 
In the preparation of emulsions, solutions of acacia are incompatible with soaps.

Gum Arabic is a dried exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal (L.) Willdenow or closely related species of Acacia (fam. Leguminosae). A. seyal is a closely related species. 
Gum arabic consists mainly of high-molecular weight polysaccharides and their calcium, magnesium, and potassium salts, which on hydrolysis yield arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid. 
Items of commerce may contain extraneous materials such as sand and pieces of bark which must be removed before use in food. 

Gum arabic from A. seyal is sometimes referred to as gum talha.
Gum Arabic for various purposes. 
It is an essential ingredient in watercolor paints, allowing pigments to disperse evenly and adhere to surfaces. 

In lithographic printing, it plays a crucial role in preparing printing plates by creating a hydrophilic surface that repels ink in non-image areas. 
Additionally, it is used in the production of inks for calligraphy and textile printing, ensuring smooth flow and durability.
Historically, Gum Arabic has been harvested for centuries, primarily in the Sahel region of Africa, with Sudan being one of the largest producers. 

Gum arabic has been a valuable trade commodity for generations, with significant cultural and economic importance in many African and Middle Eastern countries. 
Sustainable harvesting practices are vital to preserving the Acacia trees, as they provide environmental benefits such as preventing desertification and supporting local ecosystems.

Uses Of Gum arabic:
Gum arabic has wide industrial uses as a stabilizer, thickening agent and emulsifier, mainly in the food industry[e.g. in soft drinks syrup, gummy candies and marshmallows], but also in the textile, pottery, lithography, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
In folk medicine, Gum arabic has been reported to be used internally for the treatment of inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, and externally to cover inflamed surfaces. 
Some recent reports have claimed that GA possesses anti-oxidant, nephroprotectant and other effects. 

Clinically, Gum arabic has been tried in patients with chronic renal failure, and it was claimed that it helps reduce urea and creatinine plasma concentrations and reduces the need for dialysis from 3 to 2 times per week.
As mucilage, excipient for tablets, size, emulsifier, thickener, also in candy, other foods; as colloidal stabilizer. 
In the manufacture of spray-dried "fixed" flavorsstable, powdered flavors used in packaged dry-mix products (puddings, desserts, cake mixes) where flavor stability and long shelf life are important.

A gum obtained from breaks or wounds in the bark of acacia trees. 
Gum arabic dissolves in hot or cold water forming clear solutions which can be up to 50% gum acacia. 
The solubility in water increases with temperature. 

Gum arabic is used in confectionary glazes to retard or prevent sugar crystallization and acts as an emulsifier to prevent fat from forming an oxidizable, greasy film. 
Gum arabic functions as a flavor fixative in spray-drying to form a thin film around the flavor particle. 
Gum arabic also functions as an emulsifier in flavor emulsions, as a cloud agent in beverages, and as a form stabilizer. 

Gum arabic is also termed acacia.
Gum arabic is commonly used in traditional remedies as a soothing and anti-inflammatory agent.
 It is also used as a vegetable gum for product thickening. 

In extract form, acacia is recommended for dry, sensitive, or delicate skin. 
Gum arabic is the dried gummy sap from the stems and branches of various species of the African acacia tree. 
Gum arabic may cause skin rashes in cases of allergy.

Gum arabic is mainly used in oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations as a suspending and emulsifying agent, often in combination with tragacanth. 
Gum arabic is also used in the preparation of pastilles and lozenges, and as a tablet binder, although if used incautiously it can produce tablets with a prolonged disintegration time. 
Gum arabic has also been evaluated as a bioadhesive; and has been used in novel tablet formulations,and modified release tablets.

Gum arabic is also used in cosmetics, confectionery, food products, and spray-dried flavors.
One of the most prominent uses of Gum Arabic is in the food and beverage industry, where it serves as a key ingredient in numerous products due to its ability to stabilize emulsions, improve texture, and enhance shelf life. 
It is widely used in soft drinks and flavored beverages to prevent sugar crystallization and maintain a consistent texture, particularly in carbonated and non-carbonated drinks that contain essential oils or flavor emulsions. 

In the confectionery sector, it acts as a binding agent in chewy candies, gummy sweets, and marshmallows, helping to maintain their softness and elasticity while preventing stickiness. 
Gum arabic is also used in the production of edible glazes and coatings for candies, chocolate products, and nuts to provide a smooth, glossy finish and extend freshness. 
Additionally, in bakery products such as bread, cakes, and pastries, Gum Arabic helps retain moisture, improve dough handling, and enhance the texture of the final product.

Gum arabic has significant applications in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, where it is utilized as a binder, coating agent, and stabilizer in various medicinal formulations. 
Gum arabic is commonly used in the production of pharmaceutical tablets and capsules, where it acts as a binding agent that ensures the cohesion of active ingredients while allowing for controlled release. 
It is also used in syrups, suspensions, and emulsions to enhance viscosity, improve texture, and prevent the separation of active components. 

Gum arabic is a key ingredient in throat lozenges and cough syrups due to its soothing properties, which help relieve throat irritation and provide a protective coating for the mucous membranes. 
Given its high dietary fiber content, Gum Arabic is often used as a prebiotic supplement, promoting the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and improving digestive health.
The cosmetic and personal care industries rely on Gum Arabic for its emulsifying, thickening, and film-forming properties, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare and haircare formulations. 

Gum arabic is frequently used in lotions, creams, and facial masks to enhance viscosity, stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, and improve the overall texture of the product. 
In hair styling gels and sprays, it acts as a natural film-forming agent, providing hold and flexibility while preventing excessive stiffness. 
It is also used in makeup products such as foundations, mascaras, and eyeliners, where it enhances the smooth application and adhesion of pigments to the skin. 

Additionally, due to its gentle and hypoallergenic nature, it is often included in natural and organic skincare formulations designed for sensitive skin.
Gum Arabic has long been an essential ingredient in the art and printing industries, where it is used in the production of watercolors, lithographic printing, and calligraphy inks. 
In watercolor paints, Gum arabic functions as a binder that helps pigments disperse evenly and adhere to paper, allowing artists to achieve smooth, vibrant washes of color with excellent transparency and blending capabilities. 

In the lithographic printing process, it plays a crucial role in preparing printing plates by creating a hydrophilic layer that repels ink in non-image areas, ensuring precise and high-quality prints. 
Gum arabic is also used in ink manufacturing, particularly in high-quality calligraphy and fountain pen inks, where it helps regulate viscosity and improve flow. 
In the textile industry, Gum Arabic is sometimes employed in fabric printing and dyeing processes to ensure better adhesion and uniform distribution of dyes and pigments.

Gum arabic is used as a natural adhesive in various industrial applications, including paper manufacturing, envelope adhesives, and postage stamp glues, due to its excellent binding properties and non-toxic nature. 
It is also utilized in paint formulations, particularly in gouache and poster paints, where it enhances color intensity and ensures smooth application. 
Additionally, it is employed in coatings and surface treatments for various materials, including pharmaceutical tablets, food packaging, and paper products, to improve durability, gloss, and moisture resistance.

For centuries, Gum Arabic has been used in traditional and herbal medicine across Africa and the Middle East, where it is valued for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and digestive health benefits. 
Gum arabic has been traditionally consumed as a natural remedy for digestive disorders, including constipation and diarrhea, due to its ability to regulate bowel movements and support gut health. 
It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties, making it a common ingredient in herbal pastes and poultices applied to cuts, burns, and skin irritations. 

In some cultures, it is used as a natural remedy for sore throats and respiratory ailments, either in the form of lozenges or mixed with honey and herbal infusions.
With growing interest in sustainable and biodegradable materials, Gum Arabic is being explored for its potential in eco-friendly packaging, biopolymer development, and environmentally friendly coatings. 
Due to its natural origin, non-toxic nature, and biodegradability, researchers are investigating its use in creating sustainable alternatives to synthetic polymers used in plastics and adhesives. 

Additionally, since it is sourced from Acacia trees, the production of Gum Arabic supports reforestation efforts and contributes to combating desertification in arid regions, particularly in Africa.
In the agricultural sector, Gum Arabic is sometimes used as a dietary supplement in animal feed to enhance digestion and improve gut health in livestock. 
It is also explored for its potential as a natural soil conditioner and plant growth enhancer, as it can improve water retention in soil and promote the growth of beneficial microbes that support plant health.

Gum Arabic is a highly valuable and multifunctional natural product with widespread applications in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, art, printing, adhesives, and sustainable materials. 
Its unique properties, safety for consumption, and eco-friendly nature continue to make it an essential ingredient in numerous industries, with ongoing research exploring new and innovative uses for this remarkable substance.

Storage Of Gum arabic:
Aqueous solutions are subject to bacterial or enzymatic degradation but may be preserved by initially boiling the solution for a short time to inactivate any enzymes present; microwave irradiation can also be used. 
Aqueous solutions may also be preserved by the addition of an antimicrobial preservative such as 0.1% w/v benzoic acid, 0.1% w/v sodium benzoate, or a mixture of 0.17% w/v methylparaben and 0.03% propylparaben. 
Powdered acacia should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Safety Profile Of Gum arabic:
Exposures to gum arabica dust produce a weak allergen reaction. 
Prolonged periods of dust inhalation may cause allergic respiratory reaction, headache, coughing, dizziness, dyspnea, respiratory symptoms such as asthma, watery nose and eyes, cough, wheezing, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, and urticaria. 
Hives, eczema, and swelling may also occur. 

Ingestion and inhalation of gum acacia is considered non-toxic, but sensitive individuals may develop symptoms of mild toxicity.
Very low toxicity by ingestion.
Inhalation or ingestion has produced hives, eczema, andangiodema. 

Experimental reproductive effects. 
Gum arabic a severeeye irritant. 
Gum arabic a weak allergen. 

Gum arabic is used in cosmetics, foods, and oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. 
Although it is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic material, there have been a limited number of reports of hypersensitivity to acacia after inhalation or ingestion. 
Severe anaphylactic reactions have occurred following the parenteral administration of acacia and it is now no longer used for this purpose.