Cassia gum is a naturally occurring, vegetable-based carbohydrate. Comprising of at least 75% polysaccharide, cassia gum is primarily a galactomannan having mannose and galactose ratio of 5:1. It is grown extensively in tropical zones and has been used for a long time in Ayurvedic medications. Cassia is also used in Chinese medications for treating a number of diseases, such as- skin ailments, indigestion, and pain. Apart from its medicinal applications, it is also preferred for use as a gelling agent in pet and human food applications.

Cassia Gum properties

Cassia gum powder has a unique structure and it can be modified to generate cationic galactomannans with higher levels of cationic substitution. This modification produces 2 new cationic cassia conditioning polymers, namely-cassia hydroxypropyltrimonium chloride with significant cationic charge density. The presence of higher charge levels in cationic cassia polymers leads to the formation of coacervate. This coacervate is formed during shampoo dilution in the form of a non-soluble complex. The surfactant formulations with cationic cassia polymers exhibit a higher level of coacervate formation as compared to other polymers.

Summary: Cassia gum has a unique structure and is modified to produce cationic galactomannans with higher levels of cationic substitution. This modification leads to the generation of cassia polymers having significant cationic charge density.

Cassia Polymer

The cassia polymer is a naturally derived and multifunctional polymer that helps in efficient silicon deposition. It also imparts a different sensory experience and improved conditioning performance in hair cleansing.  Apart from being used to produce shampoos, the polymers made from cassia gum are also used in the formulation of other products as well, such as- Body washes, shower gels, facial cleansers, hair mousses, styling crèmes, and lotions.

Cassia gum as an efficient Conditioning Polymer

Conditioning shampoos are always considered as an interesting prospect since it offers the convenience of cleansing and conditioning in a single step. The formulation of this product, though, is a bit complex due to contrasting mechanisms. The shampoo must be designed in a manner that it removes and solubilizes the soil and at the same time deposits conditioning ingredients. This is achieved by coacervation. The anionic surfactants and cationic conditioning polymers have the ability to be formulated together to produce a stable shampoo structure. The polymers made from cassia gum have excellent coacervate formation ability and thus aids in producing such shampoos.

The main function of cationic conditioning polymers is to improve the amount of silicone that gets deposited on the hair during the shampoo cycle. These silicones improve the hair feel, shine, and manageability. Cassia polymers leads to an increased coacervate formation that eventually aids in effective deposition of silicone and other ingredients into the hair fibers.

Additionally, the cationic cassia polymers also ease the combing and improve the feel & detangling of hair in both the wet and dry stage. As compared to other usual polymers, cassia gum derived polymers are much more effective in providing such experiences.

Summary: Cassia polymer is a naturally derived polymer and is used to produce conditioning shampoos. The cassia polymers are considered to be a better alternative than other polymers as they exhibit a higher level of coacervate formation. The coacervation leads to better deposition of conditioner ingredients.

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Air fresheners are used to emit fragrance in order to suppress the foul smell and make the space pleasant. They are extensively used in homes, restrooms, foyers, hallways, vestibules and other smaller indoor areas, as well as larger areas such as hotel lobbies, medical facilities, public arenas, and other large interior spaces. These days, a number of air fresheners are developed, such as- electric fan air fresheners, gravity drip hygiene odour control cleaning systems, passive non-mechanical evaporating aroma diffusers, metered aerosol time-operated mist dispensers, sprays, candles, oils, gels, beads, and plug-ins. Additionally, air fresheners also utilize organic as well as household items.

Cassia gum, due to its property of acting as a gelling agent, is used in producing air fresheners. These air fresheners are available in the form of gels.

Summary: Air fresheners are widely used in rooms, restrooms, hallways, etc. to emit fragrance in order to reduce the foul smell. Air fresheners are available in several variants- electric fan air fresheners, gravity drip hygiene odour control cleaning systems, etc. Organic components are also utilized these days for the production of air fresheners to reduce their side-effects.

Cassia Gum

Cassia gum is a high molecular weight polysaccharide comprising of galactomannans. The galactose and mannose are in the ratio of 1:5. The cassia gum powder is produced from Cassia Tora seeds. The seeds are de-husked and de-germed by milling and screening the endosperm. There are various mechanical cleaning steps which are taken in order to remove impurities from the seeds, such as- farm waste, undeveloped seeds, and stones. The splits are obtained from seeds by thermal & mechanical treatment and later these splits are grounded to form uniform small sized particles.

Cassia gum powder is soluble in hot water and on heating, fully solubilizes and reaches full viscosity in the aqueous solution. It is comprised of at least 75 % polysaccharide, which primarily consists of a linear chain of 1, 4-β-D-mannopyranose units with 1, 6 linked α-D-alactopyranose units.

Summary: Cassia gum is produced from Cassia Tora seeds and is a polysaccharide comprising of galactomannans. The seeds of Cassia Tora are de-husked and de-formed by milling the endosperm and with further thermal & mechanical treatment, splits are obtained. These splits are grounded to form small size cassia gum powder.

Cassia Gum as a Gelling Agent
Cassia gum is considered as one of the finest gelling agents, thickening additives, emulsifying additives and stabilizing additives. It has the ability to form firm thermoplastic gels with carrageenan. Cassia gum, when combined with Xanthan gum, forms a cohesive and elastic gel. Both of them do not possess the ability to form gels on their own. For its property of acting as a gelling agent, it is used widely to produce air fresheners. The cassia gum powder air fresheners come in the form of gels and emit a very pleasant smell.

The refined cassia gum powder has a high availability of galactose side chains which prohibit the gelling effect with anionic polymers. Hence, a hydrocolloid blend containing cassia gum is added in the food product in order to achieve the same effect as it is obtained with carrageenan or blends of carrageenan with other related galactomannans. Apart from the gelling agent, cassia gum is also used as thickener, emulsifier, stabilizer, and bonding agent.

Summary: Cassia gum has the ability to form firm thermoplastic gels with carrageenan and it is considered to be amongst one of the pre-eminent gelling agents. Cassia gum and Xanthium gum do not possess the ability to form gels on their own. Although, they both combine together to form a cohesive & elastic gel. Additionally, Cassia gum is also used as a thickener, emulsifier, etc.

The Bottom Line: Air fresheners are used for the reduction of foul smells or for emitting fragrance in a space. The cassia gum has the ability to form a gelling agent with carrageenan, Xanthan gum, etc. and is used as an air freshener. This air freshener comes in the form of a gel and is widely preferred.

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Ayurvedic treatment has been going strong for ages and is believed to have a cure for number of diseases. It makes use of naturally occurring herbs for the treatment without causing any side-effects. The main concept of ayurvedic treatment is that there must be a balance maintained between our body, mind, and spirit to achieve good health and wellness. It is considered to be the most effective remedial practice that everything on earth must follow disciplined order of living for leading a healthy and progressive life. The modern-day medications do more bad than good as it generates various side effects on an individual’s body. As a result, there is a paradigm shift observed amongst the patients toward the ayurvedic treatment.

Cassia Powder

Cassia powder has always been a preferred choice of drug for ayurvedic applications. The properties of Cassia seeds like laxative, antibacterial, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, smooth muscle stimulant, hepatoprotective, analgesic, hypoglycemic, anticancer, abortifacient, anti-colic, antifertility, estrogenic, etc. make it suitable for treatment. It is used as a cure for several diseases like- kushtha (skin diseases), hridroga (cardiac problems), vatarakta (gout), raktapitta (blood disorders), madhumeha (diabetes mellitus), visarpa (herpes), jvara (febrile conditions), etc.

Summary: Cassia gum properties are tapped in to produce various effective ayurvedic medications. These medications can be used as a cure for diseases like hridroga (cardiac problems), raktapitta (blood disorders), etc.

Cassia Powder Ayurvedic Applications
Cassia roots are used for the treatment of cold and it is considered to be one of the most effective cures available. It also has the ability to act as a panacea for other ailments, like that of the kidney, liver, and intestines.

Other applications of Cassia powder includes its usefulness as an antibiotic. It is a good remedy for skin diseases like- ringworm, tinea, leprosy, scabies, leukoderma, eczema, psoriasis, and even acne. The anti-inflammatory properties of cassia gum are tapped to be used as an herbal formulation in ayurvedic medication. It is used in ointments which helps to reduce the swelling. Cassia powder is believed to improve the gastric secretions in our body which leads in the digestion of food. It also contains retinoic acid which leads to improved vision.

The bark of cassia holds great medicinal value and is used in various methods across the world. It is capable of treating diarrhea, cold, nausea, painful menstruation and flatulence.

Summary: The roots of cassia are very effective in curing cold and is also used for the treatment of kidney, liver, and intestines. The anti-inflammatory properties of cassia gum make it to be used as herbal formulation. It can also improve the digestion of food and helps in improving vision.

The Bottom Line: Ayurvedic treatment is enjoying a little preference over the modern day medication as the latter induces a lot of side-effects. Cassia powder, with its great medicinal benefits, is used vastly in ayurvedic medications for the treatment of diseases like- skin diseases, kushtha (skin diseases), vatarakta (gout), etc.

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