GUM-ARABIC FROM ACACIA-SENEGAL (L) WILLD IN KENYA

Fifty-seven samples of Acacia senegal gum from four areas in the gum producing region of northern Kenya were characterized using physico-chemical and carbohydrate parameters, amino acid composition and metal content. The analytical data showed differences in specific rotation, nitrogen content and intrinsic viscosity compared with gum from Sudan, Nigeria and Uganda. Slight differences were also observed in the sugar content. These differences probably reflect a different variety of A. senegal producing the gum in Kenya compared to the other countries. Differences were also observed in specific rotation, nitrogen content, intrinsic viscosity and metal content between different regions. These differences may reflect adaptation by the trees to the local climatic and edaphic conditions. No distinct differences in amino acid composition among the regions were observed but an increasing trend was seen in the amount of some amino acids with increase in nitrogen content. Overall however, gum arabic from Kenya is comparable in functional emulsification properties to acceptable commercial consignments from the other countries. The relationship between analytical properties and certain functional properties of the gum are discussed.