Acacia, or Gum Arabic, consists of the dried, gummy exudate from the stems and branches of Acacia Senegal and other species of Acacia (Fam. Leguminosae), trees indigenous to sandy soils in Central Africa.

Properties:

Form ......................................

Taste ...............................................................................................................

Color ....................................

Solubility:

Feel ..............................................

H2O.....................................................................................................

Odor ......................................

C2H5OH.........................................................................................

Keeping qualities (solution of Acacia):

One week

Two weeks

Four weeks

Appearance ............................

Appearance .............................

Appearance .............................

Odor ...................................

Odor .........................................

Odor ...........................................

Taste .................................

Taste .......................................

Taste ......................................

Tests showing some incompatibilities (solution of Acacia):

NH4OH ...................................................

Na2B407 ...................................................................................................

Lead Subac. T. S...............................................................................

C2H5OH ...................................................................................................

FeCl3 T. S..............................................................................................

Any tincture ..........................................................................................

Official Preparations. Mucilago Acaciae - Acacia, 350 Gm.; Aqua destillata, q. s. ad 1000 Gm. Syrupus Acaciae - Acacia, 100 Gm.; Sugar, 800 Gm.; Aqua destillata, q, s. ad 1000 Gm.

Therapeutics. - Acacia has no medicinal action other than as a protective for inflamed mucous surfaces, as in pharyngitis and gastritis. It is extensively used in pharmacy for its adhesiveness in the preparation of pills, lozenges and mixtures, and to aid in the emulsifying and holding in suspension of resins and oils.