Tragacanth کتیرا
Tragacanth, also known as Gum Tragacanth or Katira, is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Astragalus plants native to the Middle East, particularly Iran. It is commonly known as Shiraz gum, gum elect, or gum dragon. The scientific name for the plant is Astragalus gummifer and Astragalus microcephalus.
The key active ingredients in tragacanth include:
- Polysaccharides: The gum is a viscous, odorless, and tasteless mixture of polysaccharides, primarily tragacanthin (highly water-soluble) and bassorin (less soluble but forms a gel).
- Tannins: Persian tragacanth contains tannins, particularly gallotannins, which contribute to its medicinal and industrial properties.
- Phenolic Compounds: The gum also contains phenolic compounds like gallic acid, which provide antioxidant and other beneficial effects.
The main health and industrial benefits of tragacanth include:
- Emulsifying and Thickening Agent: It is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a natural emulsifier, stabilizer, and thickening agent.
- Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties: The phenolic compounds and tannins in the gum exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Wound Healing and Skin Care: Tragacanth has been traditionally used for topical applications to treat burns and other skin conditions due to its soothing and protective properties.
- Medicine: Tragacanth is used to treat diarrhea and constipation due to its ability to stimulate bowel movement. It is also used as a binding agent in pharmaceutical products.
- Paper Marbling and Incense Making: Tragacanth is a key ingredient used in traditional paper marbling techniques and incense production in the Middle East.
- Art and Craft: Tragacanth is used in floral sugarcraft to create lifelike flowers on wires used as decorations for cakes. It is also used in incense-making as a binder to hold powdered herbs together.
- Traditional Remedies: Tragacanth has been used historically as a herbal remedy for various conditions, including cough and diarrhea. It is also used as a topical treatment for burns.
Iran is considered the largest producer and exporter of high-quality tragacanth, which is highly valued for its superior viscosity and purity compared to sources from other regions.
Botany Treasury is a leading exporter of high-quality tragacanth. If you are interested in purchasing our tragacanth, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.