Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates composed of long chains of sugar molecules. These complex carbohydrates consist of long chains of sugar molecules and hold immense potential in health and industry. “Poly” means many, while “saccharide” refers to sugar. These versatile compounds are fundamental components of fungi and plants, playing crucial roles in their structure and function.

The arrangement and connectivity of sugar molecules within polysaccharides determine their structure and, consequently, their effects. This diversity allows for various applications across various industries. Polysaccharides can be further classified based on their functions:

·         Storage polysaccharides: Like starch and glycogen, used for energy storage.

·         Structural polysaccharides, such as cellulose and chitin, provide structural support, strength, and protection for plants and some animals.

Chitin is Found in fungal cell walls and insect exoskeletons.

Beta-glucans (β-glucans) are a significant polysaccharide found abundantly in mushrooms and plants such as oats, rice, wheat, barley, rye, and several bacteria, yeasts, and algae. These compounds have gained attention for their potential health benefits and disease-prevention properties. The beta-glucans structure refers to how sugar molecules connect in the chain.

Connectivity: In mushrooms, beta-glucans are primarily of the1,3 type, where glucose molecules link from the first carbon of one molecule to the third carbon of the next.

Health Potential: Research suggests beta-glucans may support immune function and offer various health benefits.

Understanding polysaccharides, particularly beta-glucans from mushrooms, opens up numerous opportunities for innovation in several fields:

Nutraceuticals: Creating functional foods and dietary supplements.

Cosmetics: Formulating natural skin care products with potential anti-aging properties.

Food Industry: Enhancing nutritional profiles of products.

As decision-makers and industry professionals, recognizing the potential of fungal polysaccharides, especially beta-glucans, could lead to product developments and market opportunities. Investing in research and development in this area may yield significant returns as consumers increasingly seek natural, health-promoting ingredients.

References:

Powell M. Medicinal mushrooms: The essential guide. Mycology Press, 2013

Beta-Glucans from Fungi: Biological and Health-Promoting Potential: wona Mirończuk-Chodakowska,* Karolina Kujawowicz, and Anna Maria Witkowska

Drori A, Shabat Y, Ben Ya’acov A, et al. Extracts from Lentinula edodes (shiitake) edible mushrooms enriched with vitamin D exert an anti-inflammatory hepatoprotective effect. J Med Food 2016;19(4):383-389.

Rop O, Vlcek J, Jurikova T. Beta-glucans in higher fungi and their health effects. Nut Rev 2009;67(11):624-631.

Beat-glucan: Hanuman Bobade, … Savita Sharma, in Nutraceuticals and Health Care, 2022 Chi-Fung Chan G, Chan WK, Man-Yuen Sze D. The effects of β-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. J Hematol Oncol 2009;2:25.