It is used as a thickener and emulsifier in foods, as a laxative, and as a denture adhesive.

It is also used to adulterate Gum tragacanth due to their similar physical characteristics.

Gum karaya can be obtained from the tree Sterculia urens.

It is a valuable substance and is traditionally tapped by cutting or peeling back the bark, or by making deep gashes at the base of the trunk with an axe.

These crude methods of extraction often resulted in the death of the tree, but it has been found that application of the plant growth regulator ethephon stimulates the production of gum, and when used in carefully controlled amounts, increases gum yield and enhances healing of the wounds and survival of the tree.