The present study was aimed to study the drug release retardant property of katira gum in matrix tablets containing tramadol as a model drug. Katira gum was characterized in terms of pH, viscosity and swelling index. The tablets were evaluated for various physical tests viz. hardness, friability, tensile strength and drug content. In vitro dissolution studies were performed and different empirical models were applied to drug release data for evaluating the drug release mechanisms and kinetics. Owing to good swelling properties (swelling index 340% and 480% after 6 and 24 h hydration) of the gum, the n values (as computed from Korsmeyer-Peppas model) were found to be ranging between 0.453 to 0.710 indicating involvement of both polymeric hydration and relaxation in the diffusion of drug from the matrix tablet.