The Technology Center of the Academy of Sciences in Turkmenistan has achieved a breakthrough in gel production by innovating a method for extracting galactomannan.
Derived from the woody species Gleditsia, a legume native to North America, Asia, and Africa, this natural gel serves as a crucial thickening agent in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as reported by Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper.
Scientists at the Center are not only exploring the applications of galactomannan but are also delving into the study of Gleditsia for the production of tea, coffee substitutes, traditional syrup (pekmez), animal feed, and other natural gels.
Gleditsia's medicinal properties in treating gastrointestinal diseases are being further investigated, with ongoing research focusing on galactomannans and the discovery of compounds with immunostimulatory and bactericidal properties—contributing to advancements in the domestic pharmaceutical industry.
Galactomannans, known for their non-toxic properties, play a versatile role in various industries, including food, textile, pharmaceuticals, and medicine, serving as additives, stabilizers, thickeners, and gelling agents. The commercial applications of galactomannan-based preparations extend to the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other sectors.
In a collaborative effort with the Turkmen-Indian company TurkmenDerman-Ajanta Pharma Limited, Turkmen scientists are also engaged in the development of medicinal ointments, utilizing essential oils extracted from various plants.