Gum Arabic as an Organic, Prebiotic and Dietary Fiber Material: Potentials for Food, Pharmaceutical, and Policy Applications, Dr Mohamed Elmustafa Elsayed, Dr Naglaa Suliman
Dr Mohamed Elmustafa Osman Elsayed
University of Kordofan
Sudan
ORCID: 0009-0009-8689-4431
Dr Naglaa Abdelbasit Suliman
University of Kordofan
Sudan
Purpose: This paper explores the organic, prebiotic and dietary fiber properties of gum Arabic derived from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal, highlighting its potential applications in food and pharmaceutical industries and its role in promoting gut health.
Design/Methodology/Approach: A conceptual literature review was conducted, examining scientific publications, food standards, pharmacopoeia references, and Sudanese gum Arabic sector strategies to analyze chemical composition, functional characteristics, physiological effects, and policy implications.
Findings: Gum Arabic is a complex polysaccharide primarily composed of arabinogalactan units with high solubility, prebiotic effects through fermentation by beneficial gut microbiota and classification as a soluble dietary fiber. Its emulsifying, stabilizing, and encapsulating properties support diverse industrial applications. It is certified as organic when harvested without synthetic chemicals, enhancing its clean-label marketability.
Research Limitations and Implications: The study is conceptual and based on secondary literature, lacking primary experimental validation within local contexts. Future research should include clinical and industrial trials to optimize gum Arabic’s uses and quantify health impacts.
Practical Implications: Findings support the development of functional foods and pharmaceutical formulations incorporating gum Arabic as an organic prebiotic fiber and highlight policy interventions to integrate it into health strategies, certification systems, and value chains for rural livelihoods.
Policy Implications: Sudan’s sector strategies should prioritize R&D for health claims, organic certification systems, national nutrition integration, sustainable harvesting, and investment in local value addition industries.
Keywords: Gum Arabic; Organic; Prebiotic; Dietary Fiber; Acacia Senegal; Health Benefits; Sudan; Policy.