[5] The tree is of great economic importance for the gum arabic it produces which is used as a food additive, in crafts, and as a cosmetic.

[6] The Chauhatan area of Barmer district in Rajasthan is also famous for gum production, this is called कुम्मट[7] (Kummat) in local language there.

[9] Like other legume species, S. senegal fixes nitrogen within Rhizobia or nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in root nodules.

[5] This nitrogen fixation enriches the poor soils where it is grown, allowing for the rotation of other crops in naturally nutrient-poor regions.

It has been reportedly used for its astringent properties, to treat bleeding, bronchitis, cough, diarrhea, dysentery, catarrh, gonorrhea, leprosy, typhoid fever and upper respiratory tract infections.