Acacia nilotica gum: an underutilized food commodity

Acacia nilotica gum is an exudate obtained from stems and branches of acacia nilotica tree. It is a natural, water soluble hydrocolloid which has been claimed to possess several physiological, nutritional and therapeutic beneficial properties due to the presence of various bioactive phytochemicals. It has been increasingly recognized as a potential commodity having diverse pharmacological and industrial applications. Gum Acacia is a closely related gum which has commercial significance and has been used from ancient times. This extensive review aimed to study the previous literature which focuses on plant description, ethno medical claims, physicochemical properties and protective activity of acacia nilotica gum and other similar gums of acacia species on several organs and organ systems.