Guar Gum

Synonyms:  E412; Galactosol; guar flour; guar galactomannanum; jaguar gum; Meyprogat; Meyprodor; Meyprofin.

Description: It consists chiefly of a high-molecular-weight hydrocolloidal polysaccharide, composed of galactan and mannan units combined through glycoside linkages, which may be described chemically as a galactomannan. The PhEur 6.3 similarly describes guar galactomannan as being obtained from the seeds of Cyamopsis tetragonolobus (L.) Taub. by grinding the endosperms and subsequent partial hydrolysis.

Guar gum occurs as an odorless or nearly odorless, white to yellowish-white powder with a bland taste.

Chemical Name: Galactomannan polysaccharide

Suspending agent; tablet binder; tablet disintegrant; viscosityincreasing agent.

• Guar gum is a galactomannan, commonly used in cosmetics, food products, and pharmaceutical formulations.

• It has also been investigated in the preparation of sustained-release matrix tablets in the place of cellulose derivatives such as methylcellulose.

• In pharmaceuticals, guar gum is used in solid-dosage forms as a binder and disintegrant, in oral and topical products as a suspending, thickening, and stabilizing agent; and also as a controlled-release carrier.

• Guar gum has also been examined for use in colonic drug delivery.

• Guar-gum-based three-layer matrix tablets have been used experimentally in oral controlled-release formulations.

• Therapeutically, guar gum has been used as part of the diet of patients with diabetes mellitus.

Guar gum is compatible with most other plant hydrocolloids such as tragacanth. It is incompatible with acetone, ethanol (95%), tannins, strong acids, and alkalis. Borate ions, if present in the dispersing water, will prevent the hydration of guar gum. However, the addition of borate ions to hydrated guar gum produces cohesive structural gels and further hydration is then prevented. The gel formed can be liquefied by reducing the pH to below 7, or by heating.

Guar gum is widely used in foods, and oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. Excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal disturbance such as flatulence, diarrhea, or nausea. Therapeutically, daily oral doses of up to 25 g of guar gum have been administered to patients with diabetes mellitus.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Guar gum may be irritating to the eyes. Eye protection, gloves, and a dust mask or respirator are recommended

Acacia; tragacanth; xanthan gum.