LOCUST BEAN GUM

Химические свойства

branched, nonionic polymer.

Физические свойства

It is a white to yellowish-white powder. It is dispersible in either hot or cold water, forming a solution having a pH between 5.4 and 7.0, which may be converted to gel by the addition of small amounts of sodium borate.

Использование

Locust Bean Gum is a gum that is a galactomannan obtained from the plant seed from the locust bean tree known as ceratonia siliqua. it has a mannose:galactose ratio of approximately 4:1. its properties include swelling partially in cold water but requiring heating to approximately 82°c for complete solubility. it provides high viscos- ity, forms gels with xanthan gum upon heating and cooling of the solution, and functions as a water binder. it can make agar or car- rageenan gels more elastic. its uses include processed cheese, ice cream, bakery products, soups, and pies. typical usage level is 0.1– 1.0%. it is also called carob gum or saint john’s bread, and is scien- tifically called carubin.

Методы производства

Ceratonia is a naturally occurring material obtained from the ground endosperms separated from the seeds of the locust bean tree, Ceratonia siliqua (Leguminosae). The tree is indigenous to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Общее описание

Off-white to yellow-green powder. Odorless and tasteless, but acquires a leguminous taste when boiled in water.

Реакции воздуха и воды

Insoluble in water.

Угроза здоровью

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When heated to decomposition LOCUST BEAN GUM emits acrid smoke and fumes.

Пожароопасность

Flash point data for LOCUST BEAN GUM are not available. However, LOCUST BEAN GUM is probably combustible.

Фармацевтические приложения

Ceratonia is a naturally occurring material generally used as a substitute for tragacanth or other similar gums. A ceratonia mucilage that is slightly more viscous than tragacanth mucilage may be prepared by boiling 1.0–1.5% of powdered ceratonia with water. As a viscosity-increasing agent, ceratonia is said to be five times as effective as starch and twice as effective as tragacanth. Ceratonia has also been used as a tablet binder and is used in oral controlled-release drug delivery systems approved in Europe and the USA.
Ceratonia is widely used as a binder, thickening agent, and stabilizing agent in the cosmetics and food industry. In foods, 0.15–0.75% is used. Therapeutically, ceratonia mucilage is used orally in adults and children to regulate intestinal function.

Профиль безопасности

Mildly toxic by ingestion. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Безопасность

Ceratonia is generally regarded as an essentially noncarcinogenic, nontoxic and nonirritant material. Therapeutically, it has been used in oral formulations for the control of vomiting and diarrhea in adults and children; 20–40 g daily in adults has been used dispersed in liquid. As an excipient, ceratonia is used in oral controlledrelease formulations approved in Europe and the USA.
Ceratonia is also widely used in food products. The WHO has not specified an acceptable total daily intake for ceratonia as the total daily intake arising from its use at the levels necessary to achieve the desired effect, and from its acceptable background in food, was not considered to represent a hazard to health. Ceratonia hypersensitivity has been reported, in a single case report, in an infant. However, ceratonia is said to be nonallergenic in children with known allergy to peanuts.
LD₅₀ (hamster, oral): 10.0 g/kg
LD₅₀ (mouse, oral): 13.0 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rabbit, oral): 9.1 g/kg
LD₅₀ (rat, oral): 13.0 g/kg

хранилище

The bulk material should be stored in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place. Ceratonia loses not more than 15% of its weight on drying.

Несовместимости

The viscosity of xanthan gum solutions is increased in the presence of ceratonia. This interaction is used synergistically in controlledrelease drug delivery systems.

Регуляторный статус

GRAS listed. Accepted for use in Europe as a food additive. In Europe and the USA, ceratonia has been used in oral tablet formulations.