The composition of the proteinaceous gums exuded by some Leucaena species, subspecies and hybrids

Analytical data are presented for the sugar and amino acid compositions of the gum exudates from Leucaena leucocephala (four specimens), L. pallida. L. leucocephala x L. pallida (two specimens) and L. lanceolata subsp. sousae (two specimens). Conversion factors have been calculated from the amino acid data to facilitate the conversion of Kjeldahl nitrogen values to protein contents; the factors are considerably higher than that assumed in an earlier study of Leucaena gum. The data confirm and extend the previous indication that Leucaena gum has a strongly negative specific rotation, with sugar and amino acid compositions that are similar to those of commercial gum arabic [Acacia senegal (L.) Willd.]. Commercial possibilities and mechanisms of gum formation are discussed.