Karaya gum is a natural plant-based thickener and stabilizer used in various industries. It is derived from the sap of the Sterculia urens tree found in India and is also known as Indian tragacanth. This gum has a unique chemical composition that allows it to work effectively in a range of applications, from food to pharmaceuticals. There are many synonyms for karaya gum, including Sterculia gum, Indian tragacanth gum, Bengal gum, and gond gum. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same natural polymer that has many valuable properties for industry purposes. However, it is important to note that karaya gum should not be confused with other gums, such as xanthan gum or carrageenan gum.