Looking for new alternative applications of our native trees, the endospermic gum of Adenanthera pavonina L. (carolina) was studied as a carrier for site-specific drug delivery system, by oral administration. The main component of the carolina endospermic gum is a classic galactomannan with a linear chain of b-(1→ 4) D-mannopyranosyl units and D-galactopyranosyl units attached by a-(1→6), and mannose:galactose ratio of 1,8:1. The galactomannans are known to be resistant to acid and proteolytic hydrolysis, may be considered fiber, have great potential as biodegradable material in controlled release and drug delivery site-specific systems, but needs treatment to reduce its swelling properties. Thus, carolina gum was treated with epichlorohydrine, in alkaline medium, resulting in water insoluble cross-linked polysaccharide. The cross linked galactomannan was submitted to toxicological evaluation, through acute and sub-chronic toxicity assays, with healthy Wistar rats. The galactomannan was shown to be non toxic as the animals behaved similar to the controls when the body weight, glycemic and total cholesterol levels, and histopathology of essential organs were evaluated. In order to evaluate the drug delivery, acetylsalicylic acid was used as model. The cross-linked galactomannan was loaded with different drug concentrations, and release in vitro tests, at stomach pH conditions, was accomplished for 2 hours. The in vitro assays showed that only a very small amount of acetylsalicylic acid was released, suggesting that the polymer was resistant to the acid conditions. In vivo liberation was evaluated by oral administration, and plasma drug levels measured. The in vivo assays, showed that although commercial acetylsalicylic acid was released after 15 min of administration, the experimental drug delivery was retarded by 30 min. These results suggest that the drug release started only when the tablet arrived at the colon, and colonic bacteria degraded the polymer. From the data obtained we may suggest the use of Adenanthera pavonina galactomannan as a carrier for colon-specific drug delivery.