Tragacanth A pile of tragacanth, also known as gum tragacanth. (more) tragacanth substance Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/technology/tragacanth Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: gum tragacanth, tragacanth gum Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Feb 10, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot a Question Also called: gum tragacanth or tragacanth gum (Show more) { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What is tragacanth? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Tragacanth is a mucilage-forming gum primarily from the shrub Astragalus gummifer, used commercially for its chemical stability and long shelf life." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " How is tragacanth used in processed foods? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Tragacanth is used as an emulsifier in salad dressings and condiments and as a thickener in sauces." } } , { "@type" : "Question", "name" : " What are some substitutes for tragacanth? ", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Gum karaya and carob gum are used as limited substitutes for tragacanth." } } ] } Top Questions What is tragacanth? Tragacanth is a mucilage-forming gum primarily from the shrub Astragalus gummifer, used commercially for its chemical stability and long shelf life.

　　How is tragacanth used in processed foods? Tragacanth is used as an emulsifier in salad dressings and condiments and as a thickener in sauces.

　　What are some substitutes for tragacanth? Gum karaya and carob gum are used as limited substitutes for tragacanth.

　　tragacanth, dried, mucilage-forming gum that comes primarily from the shrub Astragalus gummifer. Tragacanth is second to gum arabic in commercial importance and has an ancient history of use in traditional medicine. Known for its chemical stability and long shelf life, the gum is still used pharmaceutically as a suspending agent and in pill manufacture as a demulcent (coating) and as a binding agent. In processed foods, such as salad dressings and condiments, it is used as an emulsifier and in sauces as a thickener. Its mucilage is used in jelly lubricants—including spermicidal jellies—and in lotions. Commercial tragacanth is available as ...(100 of 181 words)

　　Access the full article Help support true facts by becoming a member. Subscribe today!