Tragacanth

Tragacanth is a natural gum extracted from the stems of several species of Middle Eastern perennial herbaceous plants belonging to the genus Astragalus. This gum is used in many industries, such as food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetics, due to its unique properties. In this article, we will discuss where it comes from, which industries use it, what types of Tragacanth are used in industries, which countries are the main sources of Tragacanth, standards that should be met for its use in the UK industries, and how Sophia Enterprise can provide different types of Tragacanth for industries.

Origins of Tragacanth

Tragacanth gum is obtained from the roots and stem of the Tragacanth plant, which grows in the arid regions of Iran, Turkey, and Iraq. The gum is extracted by making incisions in the plant stem and collecting the sap that oozes out. The collected sap is then left to dry into a hard, brittle, and yellowish-brown substance that can be easily ground into a fine powder.

Industries that Use Tragacanth

Tragacanth is used in various industries, including the food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetics industries. In the food industry, it is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener in products such as salad dressings, soups, and ice creams. The pharmaceutical industry uses it as a binder and thickener in tablet formulations, while the textile industry uses it as a sizing agent in the production of fabrics. In the cosmetics industry, Tragacanth is used as a thickener in lotions, creams, and gels.

Types of Tragacanth Used in Industries

There are two main types of Tragacanth gum: Iranian and Turkish. Iranian Tragacanth gum is considered to be of higher quality and is therefore more expensive than Turkish Tragacanth gum. Iranian Tragacanth gum is also considered to have superior emulsifying properties, making it more suitable for use in the food and cosmetics industries. Turkish Tragacanth gum, on the other hand, is more commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry due to its superior binding properties.

Main Sources of Tragacanth

The Middle Eastern countries of Iran, Turkey, and Iraq are the primary sources of Tragacanth gum. Iran is the largest producer of Tragacanth gum in the world, followed by Turkey and Iraq. The Tragacanth plant grows abundantly in the arid and mountainous regions of these countries, making them ideal sources of the gum.

Standards for the Use of Tragacanth in UK Industries

The use of Tragacanth gum in the UK industries must comply with the guidelines set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). EFSA has set limits for the amount of Tragacanth gum that can be used in food products, and it must meet certain purity standards. The European Pharmacopoeia also sets standards for the use of Tragacanth in the pharmaceutical industry.

Sophia Enterprise Can Provide Different Types of Tragacanth for Industries

Sophia Enterprise is a reputable supplier of high-quality Tragacanth gum in the UK. We offer both Iranian and Turkish Tragacanth gum for use in various industries, including the food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetics industries. Our Tragacanth gum meets all the required purity and quality standards set by the EFSA and European Pharmacopoeia, ensuring our customers get the best possible product for their needs.