Gums are produced from woody plants either naturally from exudations from cracks in the bark or damage to the bark by insects or animals. Gum fl ow is also artifi cially induced by incisions in the bark. The viscous, bri le nodule, which forms, can easily be removed by the hand. Gums are nothing but complex carbohydrate derivatives of a polysaccharide nature and are either soluble in water, as in the case of gum arable, or form mucilages by the absorption of large amounts of water. Uses of gums for domestic consumption and for sale to earn some cash are very common among the forest dwelling communities, particularly tribes in India. Annually around 5,000 tons of plant based gums produced in India. Gum Arabic, Gum Gha i and Gum Karaya are some commercially important gums produced in India. These are used as in confectionaries, dairy products, beverages, as emulsifi er in food products, petroleum and for oil-well- acidizing purpose in the industry. Continuous research support is needed for processing, value addition and product development to meet the changing demand of domestic and international consumers