The plant-derived polysaccharides function as good stabilizing and thickening agents, and are major components of processed foods. The cassia gum falls into this category, allowed up to a maximum level of 0.75% in food. It is used mostly in combination with other colloids for these functional effects including moisture retention and texture improvement.

Recognition as a safe product depends on;

• Various published safety data regarding similar polysaccharide gums.
• Documented review of animal feeding studies done on cassia gum and other gums,
• Published studies of the toxicity of anthraquinone impurities on the seeds;

Approved Chemical Formula and Physical Properties

The cassia gum has at least 75% polysaccharides with a linear chain of mannopyranose and galactopyranose units in a ratio of 5:1. This formula is revealed through a sugar analysis using the HPLC method.

Recognised Physical Properties

• Appearance : off white to beige smooth powder
• Neutral odor towards slightly fruity
• Has a bulk density of 0.6kg/l
• Average particle size according to a sieve analysis of less than 250 micrometers
• Dissolves easily in cold water to create a colloidal solution
• Exhibits a PHI of 6.5 – 8.5

Cassia Gum Powder – Approval in Europe

Cassia gum has been approved in the Europe under the commission directive EEC No. E499, and is listed in the annex of the council directive (70/524/EEC) as a stabilizer, thickener as well as gelling agent in the manufacture of canned pet food. It is recognized as a “GRAS” for use in food up to a maximum level of 2%.Main uses are in baked foods, cheese, jams and jellies.

Cassia Gum Recognition in Japan

In Japan, cassia gum is recognized as a food additive by the ministry of health and welfare under announcement number 160(10/08/1995).

Cassia Gum Compliance in USA

The United States has recognized cassia gum for usage as a thickening agent in human and pet foods. Research done has available data showing that the gum has no toxic effects on animals and human beings. From the panel of experts review in the united state, cassia gum has been “Generally recognized as safe” (GRAS) in the conditions of use as a thickening agent in foods.

In Australia, it is approved for use in the Australian market by the government.

Food and Agriculture Organization

Independent research done By FAO concluded that the cassia gum is stable agent of any chemical modifications for a minimum of 20 months. Any changes detected are within the limits of specification. The gum is hygroscopic until a moisture level of 8 – 12% is achieved. The cassia powder, when used at the recommended levels and it does not interact with the nutrients. There are also no degradation products from cassia gum in the foodstuffs.

Conclusion

The cassia gum powder is a natural polysaccharide that is a good thickener and stabilizer used in the food & pet food processing industry. It has been recognized as a safe product globally after intensive research, and has been classified as “Generally recognized as safe” in food when used according to the stipulated levels. The product has also been approved for use in most countries through official registration, such as in the European Union, USA, china, Japan and many more nations around the world.

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The cassia gum is the grounded and purified endosperm of the seeds of the cassia tora plant in the family of legumes. The plant is widely cultivated in Indian sub-continent, well distributed but in larger acreages in the province of Rajasthan. It also grows in the areas of the Himalayas in Nepal, Sri Lanka, west china and other tropical areas.

Physical and Chemical Composition

The powder is pale yellow in color with a distinguishable smell. It readily dissolves in hot water and on cooling creates a viscous liquid. These groups of powders are referred to as hydrocolloids and are used as gelling agents in various industries.

The cassia gum powder readily combines with other hydrocolloids such as the carrageen and the xanthan gum to form very stable and long lasting gels with very good texture. The chemical makeup of the plant consists of high molecular weight polysaccharides (up to 300,000 units) called galactomannans, which are the mannose to glucose ratio of 5:1 up to 8:1.

Various Industrial Applications

• Canned pet foods: the gum is used as a gelling agent in combination with carr It also enhances texture and appearance of the foods.
• Air freshener Gels, to provide the gelling property in manufacture of air freshener.

Applications in Meat Processing

It is used primarily as moisture retention agent, as a thickener and for ensuring the surface consistency of processed meats. It also enhances the palatability of the processed foods. This has caused an increase in demand for the cassia gum in the packing of processed foods.

The key macro-economic activity influencing the market for cassia gum is the growth in meat and poultry processing, the dairy ingredients market, confectionaries and the pet food market. Currently, manufacturers are introducing the cassia gum into their ingredients as a good substitute to the synthetic hydrocolloids.

The processed meat market is estimated to be more than 600 billion dollars globally by the year 2020. This will create a huge uptake for the cassia gum powder as manufacturers turn to it for their gelling and thickening processes.

Canned meat products for Pets are another market segment that is bound to demand cassia gum granules. This is because it is stable in the food products and is generally regarded as an organic food. The ability to retain the texture in these processed meat means that protein and soluble fat content remain higher in value than the dried meat.

Use in Poultry Processing

It is also widely used in poultry processing and poultry recipes due to its stabilizing, thickening and emulsifying properties as well as the water retention characteristics. In poultry processing, research has shown that the product can remain stable in storage for up to 20 months without changes in the chemical structure. The gum also exhibits hygroscopic characteristicsup to a moisture level of 12%. It also has no interactions with the nutrient content of the foods.

Conclusion

Cassia gum is rapidly gaining popularity in the food processing sectors mainly in meat and poultry products processing. This is due to its availability, affordability and effectiveness as a texturizer and gelling properties. The market demand is set to continue increasing with these positive factors.

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History of Herbal Application

When we go back to herbal way of curing, we could identify how ancient people considered cassia tora for medical assistance. In Madhya Pradesh both rural as well as tribal people traditionally applied this plant parts for different kinds of aliments. Next to Indian herbal healing, Chinese system of medicine also has reliable proof about application of cassia seeds and leaves in drug preparation. However, most of the research works done over healing aspects were carried on using the seeds and the activities of leaves.

Historical Glance about Cassia Tora in Ayurvedic Systems

Caesalpiniacea or c.tora, a weed form of crop is analyzed since ancient times and found to contain acrid, laxative, anthelmintic, ophthalmic, cardiotonic and expectorant properties, says Ayurvedic records. One of the major or important features for considering this particular weed for medicinal applications is the presence of chemical components like chrysophanol, emodin, obtusifolin, chryso-obtusin and glycosides.

Important Formulations

Some of the important formulations in Indian herbal health system are,

• Nimabadi curna
• Kasi sadi Ghrta
• Maha Vrisaghana
• Tvaka
• Varnaprasadakaram
• Tvacya, etc

Cassia Tora –Consideration in Ayurvedic Medicine Systems

When it comes to medicinal value cassia tora is found to bear medicinal property in all its parts starting from leaves to seeds. The leaves and seeds especially have been identified to play curing role in treating plethora of skin ailments like ring worm, flatulence, colic, leprosy, etc. The ingredients extracted from this plant is processed and considered for blending with herbal drug preparations.

Cardiac Disorders

Pharmacognostical studies on the leaves and seeds of the whole c.tora family show relevant proof about curing when they are mixed with other medicated herbs and plants in Ayurvedic medicine preparation. This combination appears to have good effect in treating cardiac disorders, cough, bronchitis, etc. It is found to be one of the most important ingredients in Ayurvedic formulation called Chakramadha Tailam.

Hypotensive Properties and other Traditional Records of Application

The Cassia Tora Seeds are found to show elicit hypotensive effects when it was experimented in rats. The experimentation was conducted after studies and justifications were analyzed in ancient herbal treatment methods. In other words, traditional usage has strong proof concerning the medicinal properties and subsequent healing effects. Some of the traditional usages and justifications include,

• Curing or clearing heat and liver fire
• Large intestine channels
• Improving vision and
• Bowel movement
• Nourishing large intestine
• Treatment of conjugal Congestion, etc.

Chinese Healing Methods Shows Equivalent Application in Indian Herbal Treatment

The seeds have great usage in Chinese healing method for treating the following health issues such as,

• Blindness
• Xerophthalmia
• Conjunctivitis
• Vision Improvement
• Antiasthenic
• Asperient
• Blood Pressure reduction, etc

Scope of More Research

Due to the high amount of medicinal properties the seeds and leaves of this plant have been taken into account for further research explorations by scientists. Therefore future or scope of research is found high when it comes to cassia tora.

Buying Resourceful Raw Materials

Altrafine , a leading supplier of plant seed extracts like guar , cassia, sesbania, fenugreek, and many more varieties is a reliable destination where pure cassia tora powder can be purchased.

Conclusion

There are several proofs and historical records showing the effective healing properties of cassia tora seeds and leaves. Ayurvedic system appear to have considered this plant in combination with other ingredients to health varieties of health issues.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Basic Biological Nature and Impact on Industrial Usage of Cassia Tora Gum Powder 

Cassia tora belongs to weed family and it is used in different applications for the naturally gelling property present in it. It grows in hot, wet and tropical climate and grown for commercial usage also. One of the important applications includes pet food manufacturing however, the seeds of this crop are processed and used in split of gum powder form. Powder texture remains one of the important ingredients in the preparation of pet food. Apart from general properties like gelling and thickening agents, this ingredient has specific characteristics for which it stays very effective for mammal feed preparations. There five important factors which highlight its popularity in animal feed usage they are,

1. No Toxicity

There has been many research studies conducted to prove the lack of toxic substance present in cassia tora gum powder. It is for this safety assurance of usability in mammal feed of this product has been approved by authorities from around different nations like Europe, India, Japan, etc. In addition this product is recognized under GRAS catergory.

2. Thickening and Gelling Agent

Canned mammal feed is prepared in several nations for those who prefer safe and hygienic diet for their domestic animals like cats and dogs. This ingredient works as an excellent stabilizer and thickener in the making of canned rations.

3. As an Approved Binder

Cassia tora binds with other products and forms a uniform mixture. It is for this reason that this gum is currently preferred as binder in pet diet. The United States and European Union countries have also been doing analysis on the safety and permeability of this component when used as binder.

4. Works in Combination with other Gum Powder

It forms a good gelling agent when combined with kappa carrageenan and other natural constituents used in animal eatables.

5. Comparatively More Percentage Permitted for Application

Food grade cassia tora gum powder contains less than 10ppm of chrysophanic acid which works very well during binding process and it is for this reason the limit has been set to 0.5% in the preparation of animal foodstuff which is comparatively higher than other forms of seed extracts. In addition, this limitation also provides good texture to the final product.

More about Buying Genuine Food Grade Quality

As far as buying bulk quantity of food grade gum powder is concerned, dealing with manufacturers who are well linked with direct farmers is a better way to obtain genuine product. Altrafine is one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of Guar gum powder and different types of plant seed extracts, has direct tie up with farmers in India. We are able to obtain first grade of seeds from them that helps us to achieve reliable results and purity of seed particles. Our technical arena is well equipped with the most recent forms of equipments with which our professionals are able to keep up with quality, grade and originality of extraction process and its by products. Consumers can get food grade powder directly from us for their industries at reasonable cost.

Conclusion

Cassia tora gum powder contains naturally gelling property and it binds well with other ingredients and forms a good stabilizer in pet feed preparation. Its safety of usage has also been approved by global nations when it comes to animal feed manufacturing.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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A Popular Plant from Leguminosae Family

Cassia tora belongs to the leguminosae family and it grows in tropical regions. The specialty of this plant is that different parts of this plant were applied for different applications and it is for this reason that this plant remained one of the popular plants since old times. Today the seeds of this plant are processed to extract the gum powder which is then applied for variety of industrial applications. The applications are based on the properties that favor production. Though Cassia tora gum powder had been applied in multiple production sectors it has a special role in the preparation of medicines.

How Medicinal values of Cassia tora was Identified?

There are many sources to prove the medicinal aspects of this plant and when we go back to many years we can find how people recognized the medicinal value of cassia plant especially in treating skin ailments. The leaves, seed and even root of this plant is found to contain medicinal value through which it helps to cure many skin problems. It was indeed a traditional medicine and mainly preferred as a laxative for drugs and ointments prepared for skin problems and in the preparation of other medications as well.

Cassia Tora in Skin Treatment

It was the time when there was no media or technically advanced treatments or medications were available. People had to depend on traditional way of curing and in most of the cases it worked out. Our ancestors identified numerous plants, herbs and shrubs based on their medicinal property and used them in treating many diseases. Cassia tora is one among them that was found to be supporting in curing skin problems like ringworm, leprosy, skin infections, etc. Apart from that it is also used for treating liver disorder.

Cassia Tora Seeds in Chinese Medicine

Cassia tora seeds were used in the preparation of antiasthamtic medications, aperients, etc in China and Chinese also believed that the seed extracts also helps to improve visual activity.

Cassia Tora as Anti-Diabetic and Other Medicinal Resources

These seeds of this plant show hypoglycemic activity and this have been proved in several scientific researches done of diabetic rats. Nam and Choi (2008) observed cassia tora L seed butonal fraction on postprandial glucose control. It also helps in proper functioning of pancreas for insulin secretion. In the same way the above diagram represents the multiple properties present in cassia tora for which it is treated as a very powerful ingredient in pharmaceutical industry.

Properties of Cassia Gum Powder that is preferred for Medicinal Usage

• The gum powder that is obtained from seeds of cassia tora is called as “panwar gum” in ayurvedic and this gum powder is used for its emulsifying property.
• It is for this reason the gum powder is used for curing skin ailments and which is added in the preparation of different forms of skin medications like cream, lotion, etc.
• The seeds also found to show antihelmintic activity for diseases like pheretima posthuma and ascaridia galli due to the presence of flavonoids both the extract exhibit antihelmintic activity when combined in highest concentration.

The popularity of these plant seeds has necessitated requirements in pharmaceutical industry. However, when it comes to buying, it should be from a certified manufacturer and supplier and Altrafine remains the best destination.

Conclusion

Among the plant seed gum powder Cassia tora gum powder is found to show excellent medicinal properties and applied for treating skin and liver problems.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Nutritional Needs required for Cattle

Generally cattle requires specific kind of nutritional needs including protein, vitamins, minerals and energy foods so that they can be grown with good health and maintained properly. Therefore diet of cattle should be a mixture of the above nutritional factors in addition to finding low fiber and high energy resources. These resources are chosen and added as ingredients. If the data on feeding cattle based on the percentage of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber content, etc can be maintained, it would be easier to check the growth and suitability of feed for the cattle.

Cattle Feed Preparation-Ingredients Used

Preparation of cattle feed is done by the farmers themselves in most of the places. The mix the ingredients proportionately to obtain the right quantity of texture they require. Animal feed is also prepared on the basis of the possibility of consumption by animals. When it comes to ingredients sunflower meal, groundnut oilcake, gingelly oilcake, cotton seed cake needs. Cake are some of the conventional things which are added in different amounts in the preparation of cattle feed. Each ingredient provides specific property to the animal feed and the in recent days alternative plant seed resources like cassia tora meal for animal feed has also been considered for better viscosity and productivity in animal feed production.

How and why Cassia Tora Meal is Preferred for Animal Feed Preparation?

The seeds of cassia tora are processed to remove the husk and germ from it. The removed husk and germ is called as cassia tora meal. This process is applied while splitting cassia gum and it contains about 30% of protein and 10% fiber content. It is for low fiber and high protein content cassia meal is chosen as an effective and nutritious ingredient in the preparation of cattle feed. Above all, there are other reasons that favors cassia meal in the place of traditional protein components used for cattle feed such as,

• Cassia tora meal also contains comparatively considerable quantity of carbohydrates.
• It is naturally obtained and there is no chemical required for processing or preparing cassia meal. Therefore it is safe for animals.
• It can produce highly nutritious cattle feed product when combined with other conventional ingredients.
• The fiber content is relatively less and this favors cattle to obtain more energy and stay healthy.
• The seeds of cassia tora are processed at high temperature which helps to improve in nutritional value and this is one of the main reasons for including this as an ingredient not only in cattle feed but also in other forms of animal feeds.

Bulk Cattle Feed Preparation

Altrafine is a leading manufacturer and supplier of prominent seed extracts like Guar gum powder, cassia tora gum powder, sesbania gum powder, cassia meal, etc. Our products are processed as per FDA norms and supplied in different grades matching the industrial requirements. We supply 100% organic cassia meal for preparing bulk cattle feed products at a competitive price. Our consistent relationship directly with farmers helps us to bring the best quality of seeds to our factory for processing.

Conclusion

Cattle requires less fiber and protein rich diet to stay in healthy and active condition and Cassia tora meal is rich in protein and contains comparatively low fiber content which makes it applicable for preparing safe and healthy cattle feed.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Gelling Property of Cassia Tora-The Reason for its Uniqueness

Galactomannan present in plant seeds is the key factor that works out effectively when converted to gum powder. Cassia tora contains supreme quality and quantity of galactomannan which works uniquely than the galactomannan of other seed gums. In addition to that, cassia gum with anionic good gum produces considerable effect on the synergy of food grade thus restricts synergistic gelling effect when combines with anionic polymers. Due to this even adding relatively smaller amount of cassia tora gum powder can produce excellent gelling property. As a result of this cassia tora gum powder is considered as a cost effective and reliable source for producing gelling effect when applied in small amount when compared to the need for larger amount of carrageenan and other sources.

Functional Performance of Cassia Tora Gelling Property with Other Gum Powders

Professor Symon M. Mahungu and Mrs Inge Meyland observes that the gelling effect of cassia tora gum powder can be explained in details with more experimental proofs to show how exclusive cassia tora gum remains better option than other seed gum powders when applied to obtain fast and cost effective gelling. They have also framed chart and graphic representation to explain about the gelling property and break strength of cassia tora with other gum powders.

When combined with other gum powders cassia tora exhibits different amount of gelling capacity. For example,

• Inner Gel Strength (IGS) and Break Strength (BS) of Cassia Carrageenan in comparison with locust bean gum and other carrageenan gels vary significantly.
• The galactomannan present in the refined cassia gum powder is unique with that of others such as locust bean or guar gum as it contains comparatively lesser galactose molecules and long mannose chain.
• The above property of refined cassia gum allows it to produce considerable effect on the synergy of food grade cassia gum when combined with xanthan or carrageenan.
• When compared to other gum powders xanthan and carrageenan when combined with cassia gum produces considerable effect on the food grade gum powder synergy.
• Xnathan and carrageenan are anionc food gums which produced synergetic gelling effect due to the presence of higher amount of galactose chains present in cassia tora gum powder.
• Replacing cassia gum in the place of carrageenan or locust bean galactomannan it is experimentally proved that the amount of hydrocolloid is reduced considerably.
• Research professionals observe

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Historical References Available about Cassia Tora

LeRoy Holm is his book “World Weeds Natural Histories and Distribution” has provided ample reliable sources about the real species of Cassia Tora. Cassia tora belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae subfamily of the Leguminosae and there are 180 genera in this subfamily. Among them cassia occidentalis and cassia tora directly belongs to cassia genre. The fact behind safety of usage of seed gums from these two types of plants was found after several researches have been proved about the toxicity present in Cassia occidentalis when it was tested with animals. Though seed gum extract is possible in these two varieties, cassia tora proves to show meager or lesser quantity of toxicity.

Why to Be Careful about Gum Extract of C.Occidentalis?

Cassia occidentalis is an annual shrub and there had been several controversies concerning the acceptance of c.occidentalis and cassia tora on equal terms. Carl Linnaeus observed the above two plants as two different species, however; later they were treated as similar. Controversies continued as many scientists took the way which Linnaeus approached and considered both as separate due to the presence of toxicity in higher lever in C.occidentalis. Gum extract obtained from occidentalis is also associated with presence of more impurities.

Selection of Raw Material Cassia Seeds through Careful Examination

Altrafine, one of the pioneers in processing and exporting seed gums provide high quality cassia tora gum powder which is prepared as per the food grade standards. One of the main attempts we make is that we obtain cassia seeds of the safe species based on percentage of splits. In this way, our R and D team manages to obtain cassia tora seeds by thorough examination of seed shape, size and color. Finally, the endosperms of splits obtained from tested cassia tora are processed for obtaining gum powder.

Identical Cassia Species-C.Obtusifolia

There is one more species called C.obtusifolia which is also one among the leguminosae family and the seeds look identical to that of cassia tora. However, Crawford and Friedman have observed some detectable difference in the chemical composition of these seed varieties. The presence of anthraquinones had been yet another threat to toxicity of cassia gum. At Altrafine we process cassia tora gum powder through several mechanical processes to obtain it as a pure, refined gum extract with meager anthraquinone content.

Beneficial Factors Present in Refined Cassia Gum Powder

• Contains comparatively highest percentage of Galactomannan which is about 82%.
• Contains 0.40%of acid-insoluble residue and 8.6% of moisture content.
• Contains considerable amount of copper, arsenic, zinc, etc.
• pH range if between 6.5-7.5%.
• Shows 80g+/- 10g of gel strength.
• The presence of colloidal polysaccharides provides good stabilizing and thickening properties which allows this product to stay very efficient for processed foods.
• Approved by Food and Drug Administration of U.S as a GRAS ingredient.
• Remains in its properties even when applied in highly concentrated application.
• Works effectively when combined with locust bean gum as well as xanthan gum for safe food applications.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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Cassia Gum-The Story of Existence

Cassia Tora seeds are processed to obtain the endosperm which is then processed into cassia tora gum powder. Due to the significance of multiple properties such as thickening and viscosity, this product has been successfully experimented with variety of applications including food, cosmetics, meat processing and many more industrial production processes. It is certainly a good commodity for commercial production requirement as a result of its multiple characteristics in combination with other ingredients several researches and experiments have been in existence to explore into its applicability in various fields. Altrafine is one among the leading manufacturer and exporter of cassia tora gum powder in India that has been working with experienced research professionals to process and obtain high grade gum powder from cassia tora endosperm with respect to the application requirement.

Reasons which Encourage Research People to conduct Experiments with Cassia

• It has been proved based on research oriented studies that cassia tora contains less than 0.1% of occidentalis and comparatively higher molecular weight. However, more cleaning mechanisms have to be employed to remove the impurities and to provide this product suitable for safe application.
• The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Food and Drug Administration at Washington D.C  have been involved in many researches and came out with the result stating that Cassia tora gum powder is safe to use as it was first demonstrated with animals to make sure of the lack of toxicity.
• It has been recognized for GRAS by experts and recommended for food, cosmetic and drug usage as well.
• Apart from that typical usage of Cassia gum has also been tested for different conditions of applicability in different products and industrial applications.

According to Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, any ingredient that is accredited with GRAS or Generally Recognized as Safe after several examinations done by qualified experts. Cassia tora gum powder has also been approved in the same way to be commonly used for food, drug and cosmetic products. At Altrafine we adhere to the regulations of safety before we process or grade the gum powder range in accordance with condition of usage. These reasons have taken us to popularity among the several manufacturers and suppliers of gum powder in the Global arena.

Research Studies on Seed Gums and Realization of Applications

Experimentation on seed gums has also lead professionals to observe gum powder properties from a variety of angles. In the same way, cassia tora gum has been found to be cost effective in yielding more productivity in industries including textile printing, paper mill, etc, Soni . P.L, Singh S.V and Naithani .S has explained in their research article about “Modification of Cassia Tora Seed Gum and its application on beater additive in paper making”.  There are similar kinds of research proofs have been into publication to highlight the effectiveness of adding cassia tora gum powder. Altrafine supplies industry grade cassia gum powder to worldwide nations and stays ahead in quality, purity, grading and certification as well.

This Article has been written & posted by Ajit Patel.

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