Title:Pharmacological Importance of Peach Gum Polysaccharide: A Review
Volume: 18
Issue: 6
Author(s): Ken Yang Goh and Lai Ti Gew*
Affiliation:
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Science, Sunway University, No. 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor,Malaysia
Keywords:
Bioplastics, biopolymer, carbohydrate, food chemistry, polysaccharide, Prunus persica, traditional Chinese medicine.
Abstract: Background: Peach gum is a natural gum exudate secreted from a peach tree (Prunus
persica) by a process known as physiological gummosis. Peach gum is a natural biopolymer that is
composed of acidic polysaccharides with a high percentage of arabinose and galactose subunit,
which classifies it as an arabinogalactan.
Objective: This review summarizes the composition, chemical structures, physical properties and
biological properties of peach gum, and its potential biotechnological applications.
Methods: A literature search was performed using Google Scholar with keywords as Peach Gum
and Prunus persica. Only articles written in English and articles with downloadable full-texts were
included in this review.
Results: Peach gum polysaccharides possess antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-diabetic, and hypolipidemic
properties. Excellent emulsification properties of PGP show that it has the potential to
be employed as a food-grade emulsifier.
Conclusion: PGP exhibits excellent emulsification, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-diabetic and hypolipidemic
properties. As plastic pollution has become an alarming global issue, PGP could be a
promising edible raw material in the field of bioplastic research and development.