Indian gum arabic tree (acacia nilotica)
Synopsis of Indian gum arabic tree
The Indian gum arabic tree refers to Acacia arabica, also known as Vachellia nilotica (formerly Acacia nilotica), and commonly called babul, kikar, or Indian acacia. This thorny tree is native to India, Africa, and the Middle East, and is a close relative of Acacia senegal, the source of commercial gum arabic. The tree produces a natural gum exudate (gum arabic or babul gum) from its bark, which is rich in complex polysaccharides, primarily arabinogalactans and glycoproteins. It is widely used in traditional medicine, food, and pharmaceuticals as a demulcent, prebiotic, emulsifier, and binder.
Medicinally, gum from the Indian gum arabic tree is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in the digestive and respiratory tracts. It is used to treat coughs, sore throat, diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach ulcers, thanks to its mucilaginous, astringent, and protective actions. It also helps coat and protect mucous membranes, reducing irritation and inflammation.
The tree’s bark, pods, leaves, and gum are used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to address a variety of conditions, including oral health (e.g., bleeding gums), skin conditions, urinary tract infections, and inflammation. It also has antimicrobial, astringent, and wound-healing effects and is commonly used in herbal tooth powders and pastes.
Historical Use
In Ayurveda, Acacia arabica (babul) is known for its ability to balance Kapha and Pitta and is especially revered for oral care, wound healing, and digestive issues. The bark and gum have been used for centuries as tooth cleansers, mouth rinses, and anti-diarrheal agents, and are included in traditional remedies for bleeding disorders and ulcers.
In Unani medicine, babul gum is used as a demulcent and anti-inflammatory agent for treating internal inflammation, joint disorders, and respiratory tract infections.
In traditional African and Middle Eastern medicine, the gum and bark are used in similar ways—as digestive soothers, wound dressings, and anti-infective agents. The tree also has a spiritual and symbolic presence in many cultures, where it represents resilience and healing.
Today, gum from the Indian gum arabic tree is used in natural prebiotic formulations, pharmaceutical coatings, lozenges, and emulsions, and remains a trusted botanical in traditional and integrative medicine systems, particularly for gut health, throat relief, and skin and oral care.
Indian gum arabic tree is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Bleeding (external) (Traditional)
Bronchitis (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Infection (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Kidney Stones (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Ulcers (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Indian gum arabic tree is used to support these body systems
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Large Intestines (Colon) (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
