It is the dried exudates obtained from the tapping of the mature sterculia urens, a tree native in India. It is also known as Indian tragacanth, it is a complex polysaccharide. The swelling capacity makes it particularly useful as a thickening agent. It possesses two outstanding characteristics – its ability to form solutions of high viscosity and its high degree of stability under strongly acidic conditions. Gum Karaya is an emulsifying agent; it works as a stabilizer and thickener in highly acidic food products. It is used as a thickener in medications, cosmetics, and denture adhesives; and as a binder and stabilizer in foods and beverages.