Production, processing, properties and applications of karaya (Sterculia species) gum

This paper presents a comprehensive review of commercially important exudate gum from the karaya tree (Sterculia species). This gum is naturally available, non- hazardous, cost effective and renewable with unique properties, which make it an ideal choice over other natural or synthetic counterparts for a variety of applications in food, pharmaceutical and alike industries. Owing to a huge demand and high value of this commercially important gum, the karaya trees are being over exploited. To curb the threat to karaya trees in natural habitat, some states in India have banned the commercial production and marketing of this gum. Hence, it is required to establish a balance between gum production and species conservation, which can be done through adopting the scientific tapping methods. This review covers practices followed and past as well as recent research works carried out in production, processing, value addition and application development of this gum. It also presents compiled information on the size and importance of this gum in the world market. This review is likely to help research workers, enthusiasts and end users of natural gums.