Tragacanth

Tragacanth (CAS 9000-65-1), also identified as E413 in food-grade applications, is a natural exudate gum sourced from Astragalus shrubs. It functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations.

The gum delivers reliable viscosity control in both aqueous and semi-solid systems. In food manufacturing, it stabilizes salad dressings, confectionery fillings, and ice cream by preventing phase separation and controlling texture.

Pharmaceutical formulators use it as a binding and suspending agent in tablet coatings, lozenges, and oral liquid preparations. This is particularly useful where consistent rheology is critical for the final product performance.

Personal care producers incorporate it into creams, gels, and toothpaste to build viscosity and improve product spreadability. In textile and paper processing, it acts as a sizing and printing paste thickener.

The material provides controlled flow during fabric dyeing and surface coating operations. It is supplied as a fine off-white to pale yellow powder, with ribbon or flake forms also available for specific processing requirements.

Standard grades include food-grade (FCC compliant), pharmaceutical-grade (BP/Ph. Eur.), and technical-grade for industrial applications. Mesh size and viscosity specifications vary by grade.

Buyers should confirm these parameters against their formulation or process requirements. This ensures the material meets the necessary standards for the intended application and manufacturing environment.