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

Fifty-seven samples of Acacia senegal gum from four areas in the gum p roducing region of northern Kenya were characterized using physico-che mical and carbohydrate parameters, amino acid composition and metal co ntent. The analytical data showed differences in specific rotation, ni trogen content and intrinsic viscosity compared with gum from Sudan, N igeria 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. Di fferences were also observed in specific rotation, nitrogen content, i ntrinsic 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 composit ion among the regions were observed but an increasing trend was seen i n the amount of some amino acids with increase in nitrogen content. Ov erall however, gum arabic from Kenya is comparable in functional emuls ification properties to acceptable commercial consignments from the ot her countries. The relationship between analytical properties and cert ain functional properties of the gum are discussed.