Production, Processing, Export & Use of Psyllium Husk & Powder in India

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Psyllium Production, Processing, Export & Use in India

Psyllium is a plant or rather herb as most people know it. It is also known as isabgol, ispaghula or isabgula. The herb is used in production of psyllium husk and psyllium powder. Ispaghula husk seeds are indigestible making them a source of soluble fiber. Psylliums high mucilage content makes it a true dietary fiber. Psyllium husk is the covering of seeds that grow in the plant .Psyllium powder is the end product after psyllium husk have been processed and crashed.

Psyllium Husk - Psyllium Husk Powder - 2

India dominates the world market in production and export of psyllium husk powder. It provides approximately 80% of psyllium husk powder in the world market. India has the upper hand when it comes to isabgol because of certain factors.

• India’s light soils and warm temperate regions highly promote the crops growth. The crop grows well on light soils. Soils with poor drainage are not conducive for good growth of the plant.

• It also thrives well in warm-temperate regions with cool and dry weather and most regions in India are characterized by this weather.

• India’s large farms of up to 55,000 acres promote large scale farming of isabgula.

• The countries high population level makes it easy and cheap to obtain labor force required in farming the crop.

• India’s heavy investment in building irrigation schemes has also helped farmers grow ispaghula on a wider basis.

In India, production of psyllium husk and psyllium powder involves a series of steps.

• Raw seed are cleaned by mechanical processes through various steps.

• After cleaning seeds from the cleaning and pre cleaning chambers, de-husking processes begin. The process consists of crushing the seed with emery mills and separation of husk in a closed circuit of an automatic pneumatic aspiration system.

• The psyllium seed husk is then separated from the remainder of the seed by using slight mechanic pressure. The seeds are crashed between rotating rollers and plates.

• Psyllium husk is then purified by sieving the mixture to separate the husk from the remainder of the seed part.

• To obtain high yield of pure quality psyllium seed husk, there is intact milling of psyllium seed in a mill which causes the husk to be fragmented by collision under certain conditions. The husk is fractured separating non-husk portion of the isabgol seed.

• Psyllium powder is obtained through crashing the pure husk psyllium.

• The products are then packaged under total hygienic control. Packaging includes uncoated and coated Uv stabilized PP woven fabric without liner, HDPE laminated paper bags with inner poly-liner, laminated PP woven bags with inner poly, fiber paper drum and silver plated ring with inner poly-liner.

The end products of isbagula are exported to countries such as United Kingdom, United States of America, Norway, Italy, France, Korea etc. India’s ispaghula farms are spread in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh are also catching on. In India, there are various applications of psyllium and its products for medical and industry uses. In the country, the plant has been long known for its healing properties and traditional uses. It is a major component of Indian medicinal herbs used in ayurvedic and allopathic preparations. Indians also use it in remedying constipation problems. For more details on psyllium husk and powder please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/psyllium_husk_and_powder_applications.html

Ajit Patel

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Psyllium Husk & Powder – An Important Product for Pharmaceutical & Health Care Industries

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ajit Patel

What is psyllium husk?

Psyllium husk also known as isabgol is the white fibrous material that is derived from the coating of the seeds of plantago ovata which grows natively in India. The plant is hygroscopic and expands to become mucilaginous. The indigestible husks are considered a pure source of dietary fibre, and are the only part of the psyllium plant used in manufacturing psyllium products.

The psyllium husks are used in whole or dried and chopped or powdered for easier consumption. Whichever of these forms one chooses to use, they have to take them by mixing them with water or any other fluid.

Psyllium Husk Powder

This is the fine powder that is derived from the grinding of psyllium husks .It is pulverized from the psyllium husks, and is a natural agent mainly used to provide dietary fiber.

Regions where it’s Highly Grown

The plant grows worldwide but flourishes well in the middle east and grows natively in India .It also grows in Madhya ,Pradesh and in some parts of Rajasthan .Each of these plants can produce up to 15000 tiny ,slightly gel-coated seeds from which the husks are removed. Favorable conditions for growth include good sun exposure, less frost and in well drained soils.

Properties of Psyllium Husks:

The husks have high affinity for water and other fluids.
Psyllium husks are toxic free. They are not contaminated.
They are gluten -free so people who are allergic to gluten can use them
The husks readily produce gel through water absorption.
The husks are chemically inert; hence act mechanically in the canals. They are not digested and therefore cannot be absorbed by the body.
Psyllium husk is 10.5 natural fiber and doesn’t contain any preservatives or additives.
Psyllium husk contains a soluble fiber which helps lower cholesterol.

Nutritional Value of Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husks consist of about 30% mucilage, xyclose , arabanose and galacutronic acids. Additionally ,every 100 grams of contains 71 grams of soluble fiber. It also contains glycosides, proteins, vitamin B1 choline and polysaccharides .All these components contribute to the high quality of nutrition provided by the psyllium husks. Popular Names of Psyllium:

Psyllium plant is also commonly known as fleas seed, ispaghulla, psyllium seed, Indian plantago in India , spogel and sand plantanian.

Uses of Psyllium Husk for Pharmaceutical Industry

Psyllium is used in the pharmaceutical industry to making pharmaceutical formulations as a lubricating laxative, which is considered helpful in treating intestinal tract problems .

It is also used as a thickening agent during the formulation of capsules.

The psyllium husks are also used in the pharmaceutical industry for neutraceuticals , medicinal application.

How is Psyllium Powder used for Health Care?

Psyllium powder is known for its therapeutic and medicinal value. It is known to prevent and cure a wide range of medical conditions some of which include:

Reducing Risk of Heart Disease

Psyllium powder which is derived from psyllium husks reduces the risk of heart disease by reducing the cholesterol levels .The soluble fibers present in the psyllium powder binds with acids produced by bile which plays a vital role in the digestion of fats which are found in cholesterol . Through excretion of these fats this process helps in reducing cholesterol levels in the human body.

Relieving Constipation:

The psyllium seed powder contains hemicelluloses are used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome constipation and diarrhea and are used a a regular dietary supplement for purposes of improving and maintain regular GI transit.

Treating Diabetes:

The high fiber contained in psyllium powder derived from the husks helps lower insulin and blood sugar levels for diabetic people and reduces the chances of getting the disease for the people at risk of contracting the disease.

Hemmorids:

Doctors recommend psyllium powder which helps soften stool and reduces the pin associated with hemmorids.

High Blood Pressure:

Adding about 12 g of soluble psyllium powder to your diet helps to reduce blood pressure. In overweight people with hypertension psyllium powder helps reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Obesity:

Psyllium powder helps in reducing the human appetite. This can be used as a therapy for obese people who are trying to watch their weight.

Other psyllium health care uses include treating inflammatory bowel disease, treating diarrhea and treating irritable bowel syndrome.

Psyllium Husk - Psyllium Husk Powder - 1

Available Forms:

Psyllium is available in dry seed or husk form as well as pysllium powder form. All these forms need to be accompanied with lots of water.

Psyllium husks and powder are renowned for their efficiency in treating medical conditions. It is used both as a natural home remedy and also available in capsules that are available in hospitals upon doctor’s recommendation. Apart from its medicinal value psyllium is also widely used in the industrial and manufacturing sectors.

To know more about Psyllium husks and powder please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/psyllium_husk_and_powder.html

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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How actually is Tamarind Kernel or Tamarind Gum Powder Manufactured in Industries?

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ajit Patel

What is Tamarind Kernel Powder?

Tamarind kernel powder is a substance derived from the seeds of the tamarind tree botanically referred to as “Tamarindus Indica”.The tamarind tree is an evergreen tree that has its origin in Africa but is very abundant in the Indian region. The tamarind tree is drought resistant hence will do quite well in semi arid areas that experience minimal precipitation , the tree usually grows to a height of 5 metres but is also known to reach heights of up to 25 metres (80 feet). The seeds are contained in kernel or pods that are 3 to 6 inches long with each pod containing approximately 8 to 10 seeds. A full grown tamarind tree usually yields between 175 and 250 kilograms of kernel/seed. To know applications of tamarind kernel powder please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/tamarind_kernel_powder_applications.html.

How Tamarind Kernel Powder is processed?

Tamarind seed powder is produced as a byproduct of the tamarind seeds through a very complex process that entails the following:

• Harvesting: – Upon maturity, the pods or kernels are harvested from the mature tree

• Sorting: – The harvested pods are broken open to remove the seeds which are further separated by removing rotten seeds, debris, stones and keeping the good seeds.

• Roasting: The Good seeds are passed through heat which roasts the seeds; this process makes the seed coat brittle while having little effect on the endosperm.

• Stripping: After the roasting process, it becomes easy to separate the seed coats from the endosperm through a process referred to as stripping.

• Grinding: The endosperm is then milled or ground to separate the endosperm from the germ hence creating the tamarind kernel powder.

• Screening: The tamarind seed powder is further screened to produce the fine powder which is later mixed with a solvent to form Tamarind gum powder or goma tamarind in Spanish.

Composition of Tamarind Kernel Powder

Powder from the tamarind seed or kernel has some outstanding properties that make Tamarind gum powder or goma tamarind highly sought in many manufacturing processes. The gum from the tamarind seed or tamarind kernel powder is used in sectors such as textiles, paper making, jute industries, food industries and other industries as a sizing agent, thickening, souring substance and binding among other uses. Powder from the Tamarind seed will be derived from either regular seed or deoiled seed which has been pressed to extract tamarind oil. Components in the tamarind seed powder that make the powder from the tamarind kernel effect comprise of the following:

• Moisture which is about 7.1%

• Insoluble acid:-ash 0.4% (regular) and 0.3% (deoiled).

• Polysaccharide: – 51.0% (regular), 55% (deoiled)

• Total ash:-3.9% (regular), 3.4 %( deoiled).

• Crude fibre:-1.2 %( regular), 1.1% (deoiled).

• Protein:-7.6 %( regular), 19.0% (deoiled).

The above components are what give gum or powder from tamarind seeds the binding, thickening, film forming and gelling properties which are ideal in the various chemical processes.

Conclusion

Statistics show that the demand for gum or powder processed from tamarind seeds or kernel is on the increase as more industries crop up leading to the upsurge in demand. The increase is experienced both locally as well as internationally; this has led to people turning into tamarind tree cultivation in order to cope with the demand hence boosting production.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Different Applications of Guar Gum depending on Its Properties

Posted on July 15, 2013 by Ajit Patel

The Ever Growing Need for Guar Gum Powder Turns It into a Global Product

Guar Gum or cluster bean is extracted from the seed of an annual legume known as Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. The seed pods grow in clusters and the plant is is extremely drought resistant and will thrive in semi-arid regions. It grows in sandy soil and over the years the plant has become far more disease resistant which has meant higher yields. They can be fed to cattle and are dehusked and milled to obtain the guar gum. India is the largest producer of guar gum products, contributing some 40% of the world’s supply, with Pakistan and the United States not far behind. Records show that guar gum exports have increased by close to 140% between April 2012 and January 2013.

The Grinding to Powder Process

The cluster bean goes through a number of processes – the roasting-, grinding and polishing process. The gum is made from the endosperms or splits of the seed. When the seed is split in two, the hull and germ are mechanically scraped off to get endosperm. The splits are then purified and ground into powder. Throughout production care is taken that hygienic practices are conducted and that the nutrition factor is not disturbed.

The powder is sold as a whitish, yellowish odorless powder, available in different viscosities. The purified grade is used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, but because of its ability to bind water by hydrogen bonding, form films, suspend solids and control the viscosity of aqueous solutions, it is used in many industries. The grade of the powder will depend on viscosity, pH, active matter content, degree of substitution and granulation.

Guar Gum Powder Used in Many Industries

The guar gum powder is nutritionally beneficial to humans as well as animals, but it is perhaps best known an an important ingredient as a food thickener and as a food additive. It is a natural food supplement with high nutritional value and is used broadly in the commercial food industry.

Some food products where you will find guar gum powder are noodles and pasta, ice cream, cheese spreads, breads and baked foods and flavored milk among others.

It is also used in pet foods and it retains moisture and acts as a stabilizer and suspending agent for veterinary preparations. It is found in nearly every brand of wet pet food, but you won’t find it being sold on its own on the shelf. In pet foods it is used as a thickener and gives the canned meat the right viscosity.

Amazingly the cluster bean is also used in the oil, paper, pharmaceutical as well as many other industries and for many different applications. Apart from being used as a natural thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer, it is also used as a fracturing agent. It is unbelievable that guar gum, used in the food industry, also has so many uses in the oil drilling industry and it is used as a drilling mud and fracturing gel in both the oil and gas industry.

Guar gum powder is well used in the pharmaceutical industries for tablet manufacturing. It is also an important source of dietary fiber, and in fact its high gelling properties have seen it being used in non-prescription diet pills, creating a sense of satiated fullness. The powder is also used as a thickener in cosmetics and as and emulsifier which reacts with oil and water and is used in the manufacture of soaps, creams and lotions. For more information applications about guar gum powder please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/guar_gum_powder_applications.html.

Guar Gum – A Global Product

Guar gum powder has so many benefits and uses which is reflected in the every rising export figures, and because of it becoming such a sought after commodity, it won’t be surprising to see many other countries joining in to try and grow the guar gum.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Important Uses of Psyllium Husk & Powder in Food & Pet Food

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Psyllium Husk Powder Should Always be Part of a Healthy Eating Plan

The psyllium or ispaghula husk comes from a herb which is known as Plantago ovata and is most commonly found in India where growing conditions are their most ideal. There are different species of psyllium husk, but it is the seed husks from Plantago ovata which have the highest fiber content. Isabgol is a natural plant laxative which is produced from psyllium, producing bulk in the bowels and allowing for easy elimination.

A Unique Functional Food to Ward of a Host of Ailments

The herb has so many extraordinary health benefits, and it is important to take in organic husks whenever possible. The husks can either be used whole in their natural state or they can be powdered as this makes for easier consumption. Make sure to buy psyllium husks with no harmful additives like sodium, cholesterol, sugar or fat as this will ensure you enjoy maximum health benefits.

Because psyllium husk is a source of soluble dietary fiber, it is excellent for relieving irritable bowel syndrome and constipation and is capable of protecting the colon and removing toxins. Recent research shows that it has numerous other health benefits like lowering cholesterol, treating obesity and diabetes and promoting general good health.

The Harvesting Process

The seed itself is tasteless, and after they are harvested the husk is removed by a grinding process after which purification takes place. They are cleaned and polished after which they go through grinding mills for the husk to be removed. Pure husk is achieved by processing and removing impurities with blowers, and always under extreme hygienic conditions. Psyllium husk powder is then produced by milling the processed husk to a required particle size. The beauty of this powder is that it disperses more easily in liquid than the husks, making it easier to drink.

Medicinal Applications of Psyllium Husk & Powder in Food

Psyllium husk as well as the seed can be consumed directly while the powder is often used as an ingredient in different medicinal applications. Some foods with at least 1.7 grams of psyllium in them even have a label stating that when consumed as part of a low-fat diet, psyllium husks can reduce the risk of heart disease. It is strange but true that psyllium is not only useful during diarrhea because of its binding qualities, it also has the ability to relieve chronic constipation.

As with humans, fiber is important in the nutrition of horses, dogs and cats. After surgery a cat or dog battles to eat normally, leading to constipation. Constipation is also listed as one of the side effects of medications after surgery. Adding fiber can certainly help to relieve constipation.

Know more applications of psyllium husk & powder please https://www.altrafine.com/psyllium_husk_and_powder_applications.html.

Cats groom themselves, ingesting hair which then accumulates in the stomach and small intestine. These hair balls are then vomited up. To eliminate hair balls easily, psyllium husk fiber powder is added to the cat’s food and elimination of the hair balls is smooth and easy.

Other reasons why psyllium husk powder is so beneficial in pet food:

■it controls weight

■forms a gel with water in the colon and this in turn lubricates the stool, making it easier to pass

■for diarrhea in a pet, psyllium power absorbs excess water in the colon and makes the stool firmer

■the powder helps to satisfy the appetite of dogs and cats

Detoxifies the Body on an Ongoing Basis

Our health is affected by the foods we eat and healthy living can come naturally. Constipation is a constitutional problem and can be easily treated by using psyllium seed husks. It has so many health benefits and is excellent for flatulence as well as infrequent hard and painful stools in both pets and humans.

It can be a relief knowing that these problems, caused by our modern foods which are devoid of fiber, can be remedied by simply increasing the amount of fiber in the diet accompanied by plenty of water. You don’t have to resort to harmful medications when nature has provided us with a simple, natural and easy alternative.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Medicinal Virtues of Fenugreek Gum Powder

Posted on July 13, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Fenugreek is a popular annual herbal plant that grows indigenously in the Mediterranean. The plant is also widely grown in Europe and other countries around the world as a semi arid crop, but the main producer of fenugreek in the world is India. Other major fenugreek producing countries include; Iran Nepal, Turkey, Argentina, China and morocco.

Fenugreek, botanically referred to as Trigonella foenum-graecum and known as “Methi “ in Hindu has small, round shaped leaves, with cuboid shaped seeds .The seeds are about an eighth inch long, rhomboidal ,with a deep furrow that divides them into two unequal lobes..It’s seedpods contain between ten to twenty small, flat, yellow aromatic seeds that imitate the taste of maple.

The plant that grows up to 60cms tall with white flowers and yellow seedpods grows well where there is minimum frost and the sun is out for most parts of the year. The best type of soil that the fenugreek plant thrives in is the well drained loam soil that is slightly acidic. Frequent irrigation during the first planting days is recommended as well as ensuring that the soil remains moisturized throughout the growth period.

Fenugreek is famous for its medicinal properties since time immemorial. The first recorded medicinal use of the fenugreek seed is given on an old ancient Egyptian papyrus dated to 1500BC .Historically, Fenugreek was used for various health conditions including the symptoms that come with menopause, and digestion problems. It was also widely used during child birth.

Apart from the above uses the plant was also used as both a spice and vegetable in ancient history.

Medicinal Properties and Uses of Fenugreek Gum Powder

Controlling Diabetes and Obesity

From the biological details described above we see that the Fenugreek powder contains galactonamman in high proportion galactanommana has the property of controlling both blood sugar and blood lipid. This property makes the fenugreek gun powder to be considered a good remedy for obesity, and diabetic patients.

Reducing Cholesterol:

Dietary Fenugreek seed reduces pre-established cholesterol inhuman bodies. Fenugreek seed does this by using mechanisms of action such as intestinal cholesterol absorption and increased bile production. By keeping cholesterol low, it helps prevent hypertension and hardening of the arteries which is the number one cause of heart attacks. It prevents heart attacks using the antioxidant property due to the presence of glutathione and beta carotene in the fenugreek seeds.

Treating Skin Ailments

Fenugreek also effective topical treatment for skin ailments eg abscesses ,burns, gout and boils. The powder that is applied onto the skin, soaks into the skin and works its way through the burns swellings and abscesses

Treating Stomach Upsets

The Fenugreek seed contains mucilage which sooths the gastrointestinal inflammation through coating a line in the stomach and the intestine .this is also effective for heartburn or acid reflux.

Lactation:

Fenugreek gum powder contains phytoestrogens that stimulates the production of milking breast feeding women. Therefore Fenugreek is considered a galactalogues because it helps increase lactating women’s breast milk supplies.

Other medical conditions that are treated by the fenugreek seed include bronchitis, arthritis, asthma increasing libido and male potency curing skin problems, sore throat and acid reflux.

Fenugreek is available in different forms. There are the raw fenugreek seeds, and the fenugreek gum powder. There are fenugreek supplements available as tincture tablets and capsules. The seeds can be chewed then swallowed slowly.

Fenugreek gum powder has grown in popularity due to its natural medicinal properties .It’s popularity keeps growing by the day both in medicinal sectors as well as the manufacturing sector.

To know other trading products of Fenugreek please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/other_trading_product_fenugreek.html

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Uses Of Sesbania Gum Powder In Food, Pet Food, Textile, Mining, Oil Drilling & Fracturing Applications

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Gums and their derivatives are widely used in the world for different purposes. The usability of the gums depends on their characteristics. One of the most widely used is Sesbania gum powder. This gum powder can be used in many different ways making its usability very popular. It is a white milk like powder which is extracted from sesbania seeds from a small bush like annual plant. This plant grows to a height of about two meters and produces brown seeds. Sesbania plant was first grown in China and has been found to do well in other places including Africa. Sesbania gum is soluble in water but insoluble in alcohol and other organic solvents. Once mixed with cold water, it forms a viscous substance which is more than five times more viscous compared to other gums mixed with water.

How Sesbania Gum Powder is Processed from Sesbania Seeds?

Processing Sesbania gum powder from goma sesbania seeds is not any different from the other types of gum powders. Firstly, the brownish seeds are harvested and dried to remove the husks and pods. This is followed by the removal of the seed coat and other seed parts to remain with the endosperm. The endosperm is roasted and screened after which they are milled and sieved remaining with the milky white powder which can be packaged in different sizes.

Applications of Sesbania Gum Powder in Food & Pet Food

There are many uses of the sesbania gum powder. In the food industry, the gum powder is used as additives especially for baking. It is important for the stabilization of the flour and improves the leavening process without changing the taste and consistency of the dough. These characteristics of Sesbania gum powder for food have also proven useful for other food products for humans and animals for instance common pet foods. It is used as thickening agent in processing the pet foods.

Applications of Sesbania Gum Powder in Textile Industry

Sesbania Gum - Sesbania Gum Powder

This milk like powder is used in the textile industry as a sizing agent to change the absorption and wear properties of the yarn used or as a dye thickener which is important to retain and maintain color. These two properties are important for maintaining good colors and prints in textile products.

Uses of Sesbania Gum Powder in Mining

In the mining industry, the gum powder is used as a flotation agent. The minerals being mined adhere to the powder mixture which is separated from the unwanted materials mined. Minerals are then removed from the sesbania powder mixture. This process is very important for the recovery of the mineral being mined especially in cases where there are many impurities.

Sesbania Gum Powder for Oil Drilling

Sesbania gum is also used in the process of oil drilling. The product is used as a blocking, water resistant and a reducing agent. These three properties are imperative as they ensure that oil is not mixed with especially water thereby allowing the smooth drilling of oil. Sesbania powder is also used as tack filler in oil drilling which allows fluid cracking which increases the production of oil.

Sesbania gum powder is no doubt a very important agent. It is versatile which has made it usable in many different types of industries. To know more about Sesbania gum powder by click on following link: https://www.altrafine.com/sesbania-gum-powder.html

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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All About Fenugreek Gum Powder – Cultivation, Processing, Properties & Uses

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ajit Patel

All About Fenugreek Gum Powder

Fenugreek is a plant that grows annually in the family Fabacae . It is a semi arid crop that has small rounded leaves, and cuboid- shaped yellow seeds. The plant is cultivated throughout the world .It is indigenous in the Mediterranean and grown widely across Europe and Asia, with India as the largest producer of Fenugreek .Fenugreek seeds have a sweet, nutty taste similar to the taste of maple, this taste is used to mask the taste of medicine.

Cultivation of Fenugreek seeds.

Fenugreek plant grows to about 60cms with white flowers and yellow seed pods. It thrives where there is full sun and well drained, slightly acidic soil.

The seeds are planted in spring to avoid the risk of frost .they are sown to the length of a quarter an inch. The planters invest in a lot of compost; because the plant likes fertile soil when sowing the planters separate the seeds by about five inches.

The plant may need some weeding once or twice during its early stages of growth. The soil should remain moisturized throughout the planting season. The first irrigation is given to the plant immediately after sowing and subsequent irrigation is given at an interval of seven to ten days.

Processing of Fenugreek Gum Powder from Fenugreek seeds.

The process of making fenugreek powder from the fenugreek seeds involves the following steps:

The seeds are placed in a heavy bottomed pan preferably one made from cast iron.
The seeds are then roasted over a low flame, while constantly stirring. Roasting reduces the bitterness of the seeds making it more palatable as well as adding flavor to it.
When the seeds are nicely browned remove from the heat and allow them to cool.
The seeds are then placed into a mixer which grinds the seeds to powder. Thereafter, a whizz is used to make the powder finer.
The powder is then stored in a tight jar and can be used for weeks on end.

Properties of Fenugreek Gum Powder

• Fenugreek gum powder is tasteless and odorless.

• The powder contains galactomannan which has the viscosity property which can turn milk into ice-cream, cocoa into chocolate and forms gum when dissolved in water.

• The gum is an emulsifier which is capable of mixing water and oil. This comes from the fact that fenugreek gum powder is a combination of galactose which has the hydrophilic property and mannan which is hydrophobic.

Medicinal and other uses of Fenugreek Gum Powder

1. Medicinal

Fenugreek gum powder is used to treat a wide range of ailments both as a herb and in I powder form. Due to its many medicinal properties, Fenugreek gum powder is used in tablets and capsules. Some of the conditions that the seed remedies include: constipation, stomach upset as well as the swelling of the stomach. Other medical conditions that it treats include conditions such as hardening of the arteries which affects the hear it’s also used to control high levels of cholesterol and other fats in the blood. Fenugreek also treats kidney problems, beriberi , chapped lips, tuberculosis .bronchitis and for lowering blood levels for diabetic people.:

2. Food:

The fenugreek powder is used in the preparation of food such as pickles as well as vegetable dishes. Fenugreek seeds can be used both in whole and in powdered form. They are roasted to reduce the bitterness and also to enhance the flavor. Soloton is the chemical substance in the seeds that is responsible for the distinctive smell of the plant.

3. Lactation

The seeds are known to be galactagogue which is used commonly in the increase of milk supply especially in lactating women.

4. Vegetable:

In Asian countries the leaves are used as vegetables.

5. In the manufacturing industry extracts from fenugreek are used to make soaps and cosmetics.

Fenugreek gum powder has had a lot of positive influence in both the health and manufacturing sectors. It has a wide range of medical uses as earlier discussed. Fenugreek products and extracts also influence the manufacturing industry .Compared to the other gums, e.g. locust bean and guar gum; fenugreek gum has superior qualities and is therefore used more commonly in many industries. For more information about Fenugreek gum powder please visits: https://www.altrafine.com/fenugreek-gum-powder.html

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Uses of Tamarind Gum Powder in Food, Pet Food, Textile, Mining & Pharmaceutical Industries

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Tamarind Gum and Tamarind Gum Powder Industrial Applications

Tamarind gum is obtained from endosperm of the seeds of the tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica linn) and has application in paper, textile industry, food etc. In the food industry it is used as an emulsifier and a stabilizer.

Molecules of tamarind gum weigh between the ranges of 250000 and 650000 molar mass. It spreads easily in water and turns to a gluey fluid when heated up, in acidic form and thermal resistant solution.

The structure of tamarind gum is suggested to be a main chain of cellulose with many branching at the O-6 positions and short side chains with one or two D-xylopyranosyl capped with D-galactopyranosyl, L-arabinofuranosyl or D-xylopyranosyl units.

Preparation of Tamarind Gum Powder from Tamarind Seeds or Kernel

Tamarind Seed - 2

Tamarind kernel powder is obtained from tamarind seeds. Various grades of tamarind seeds are methodically ground to powder at the same time conserving their nutritious properties. These seeds are then roasted and decorticated. Seeds kernels are sorted by color to obtain tamarind kernel powder. The tamarinds seeds are made up of 35% Husk and 65% White Kernel. The white kernel obtained are used to produce tamarind kernel powder.

Tamarind kernel powder is composed of

· Lipids (6 – 10%)

· Proteins (15 – 20%)

· Galactoxyloglucan polysaccharide (55 – 65%)

· Little amounts of Fiber, Sugar etc.

Applications of Tamarind Gum Powder

Tamarind gum powder has various applications in the following industries

Food Processing Industry

In the food industry, tamarind gum powder is used in the manufacturing of ketchups, sauces, baked food, meat product, instant noodles and ice cream. It is also used on pet food as an additive. One of the souring agent in Indian curries is tamarind pulp. Due to its sugar and acid content tamarind pulp is utilized in kitchens for curries syrup and variety of other food beverages.

Pet Food

Tamarind kernel powder has better ability to control viscosities when added in solutions and hence makes up for a great viscosifier for addition in pet foods. It is an excellent thickening agent used in manufacture of canned pet foods processed for cats and dogs. Moreover the powder is also nutritious and contains fibers which can aid for improved digestion in the pets.

Textile Industry

In the textile industry, tamarind gum powder is used in textile sizing and textile thickeners. The good thickening property of tamarind gum powder makes is an excellent thickening agent for textile industries. Tamarind kernel powder is also used for textile sizing purposes.

Mining Industry

Due to its brilliant property of a soil stabilizer, tamarind gum powder is widely used in mining. The specific areas of its application in mining are the oil drilling and gas industries.

Pharmaceutical Industry

Tamarind gum powder has the following Pharmaceutical applications;

Dissolution improvement

Tamarind gum powder is assessed for its appropriateness as a carrier to better dissolution rate of poor water-soluble drug celecoxcib.

Nasal Mucoadhesion

Tamarind gum powder is used for nasal mucoadhesion studies in power formularization.

Bioadhesive Tablet

Tamarind gum powder is used in manufacture of bioadhesive tablets. When evaluated result showed that lactoferrin tablets prepared with tamarind gum powder had the longest residence time in oral cavity compared to xanthan gum but bad taste gradually developed.

As we can see above, tamarind gum powder is derived from the seeds of tamarind tree, whose origin is India.

Tamarind gum powder has nutritious properties which makes it applicable in different types of industries. These extensive range of industries include food industry, textile industry, mining industry, pharmaceutical industry, health care, tobacco industry, explosives and others. To know more about applications of tamarind kernel powder please visits this https://www.altrafine.com/tamarind_kernel_powder_applications.html link.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Gelling Properties of Goma Cassia and Respective Applications in Food Industry

Posted on July 12, 2013 by Ajit Patel

Goma Cassia and Its Different Terminologies

Cassia gum is one of the most commonly used additives in the food and pet industries, it is sourced from the endosperm of a leguminous plant referred to as cassia which commonly grows in sub tropical regions as a wild plant but is also cultivated by people on a small scale. The cassia plant comes in many scientific or botanical names which include the following Senna obtusifolia, Cassia Tora, Cassia obtusifolia as well as Cassia Occidentalis. After processing, the cassia product exists as a gum and is widely used as a thickening agent that also comes with a variety of names depending on the region from which the gum from the cassia plant is sourced; some of the alternative names of the gum include the following:

Gomme de cassia – French
Cassia Guma – Croatian
Cassia Gumi – Danish
Goma de Cassia – Portuguese
Goma cassia – Spanish
Gumy cassia – Polish
Guma Cassia – Slovenian
Cassiakumi – Finnish
Cassiapitmeel – Dutch
Cassiakernmehl – German

Processing of Cassia Gum Powder

Manufacturing cassia tora powder from the cassia seeds involves a well defined and intricate process which involves roasting the cassia pods, during roasting the husks and germ which are more sensitive to heat become brittle hence fall off while the endosperm remains intact. After roasting the endosperm goes through a cleaning process to get rid of any unwanted residue and then it is later pulverized and screened to form the cassia gum powder. To know more about cassia gum powder please visit: https://www.altrafine.com/cassia_gum_powder.html link.

Properties That Make Goma Cassia Ideal as a Thickening and Gelling Agent

Goma cassia has been used for many years and still continues to be among the most preferred thickening agents in the food industry as well as the pet food industry. Thickening properties play an important role in making the food products suitable. The thickening characteristics of Cassia guma or cassia gum powder are caused by the following physical and chemical attributes:

Cassiagummi or Cassiakernmehl is not very viscous in cold temperatures or solutions hence require high temperatures or heat to become viscous.
Goma cassia or Cassia guma is only soluble in hot water and non soluble in cold water consequently needing heat to fully become soluble.
Solutions from cassia gum powder or cassia tora powder form very strong gels due to good gelling properties due to being composed of about 75% polysaccharides.
The film foaming characteristic also ensures that the cassia gum powder solutions are stable in normal temperatures and also create good textural properties
Solutions made from cassia tora powder are also very elastic.

Different Applications of Goma Cassia in the Food Industry

The gelling and thickening properties of Cassiagummi or cassia gum make the compound quite suitable as a food additive for thickening, bonding, emulsifying, improving texture, gelling as well as a stabilizer.This has led to the Cassia guma or goma cassia being one of the most desirable additives in the food industry for human consumption, pet food production as well as for cattle feeds. Products that make use of cassia include baking industry, confectionary industry, animal feeds and culinary industries among other sectors.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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