Tamarind seed gum (CAS 39386-78-2) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient
Tamarind seed gum
CAS 39386-78-2
What Is Tamarind seed gum?
Tamarind seed gum is a natural thickening agent derived from the seeds of the tamarind tree. It’s commonly found in food products, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals as a stabilizer or emulsifier. This ingredient matters because it provides a plant-based alternative to synthetic thickeners, offering both functional benefits and sustainability advantages.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Tamarind seed gum Smell Like?
Tamarind seed gum itself is odorless, making it a versatile ingredient in formulations where scent neutrality is desired.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC.CC.CC.CC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Tamarind seed gum is a polysaccharide composed mainly of glucose, xylose, and galactose. It is extracted from the endosperm of tamarind seeds through a process of milling, purification, and drying. Its high molecular weight and branching structure contribute to its excellent thickening properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Off-white to tan powder |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in hot water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Thickener and stabilizer |
| Cosmetics | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Emulsifier and texture enhancer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a natural thickener in water-based systems.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Another plant-derived thickener with similar properties but different viscosity profile.
Microbial polysaccharide offering strong thickening at low concentrations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in cosmetics by RIFM.
Sustainability
Tamarind seed gum is a sustainable byproduct of tamarind fruit processing. The trees require minimal water and pesticides, making it an environmentally friendly choice compared to some synthetic thickeners.
Explore Tamarind seed gum
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 39386-78-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 120.28 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| SMILES | CC.CC.CC.CC🔬 PubChem |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrusfloral• leffingwell |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID701009793
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 120.28 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 0 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 45.39 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
