A beta-D-glucan isolated from the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus and its aqueous conformation.
Carbohydrate research
confidence
Key findings
Analytical study characterizing beta-D-glucan HEP3 from Hericium erinaceus; no clinical or biological endpoints reported.
View source on PubMed (PMID 16458867) ↗
- Sample size
- Not reported
- Population
- Not applicable (analytical chemistry study)
- Dosing
- Not reported
- Duration
- Not reported
- Route
- Not reported
- Blinding
- not_reported
- Controls
- none
- Drug class
- adaptogen
Full abstract
HEP3, a beta-D-glucan slightly soluble in water, was isolated from the alkaline extract of the fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus. Its chemical structure was investigated by methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation and by IR and NMR spectroscopy. It was shown to have a main chain composed of beta-(1-->3)-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues, with single unit glucosyl branches attached to O-6 of every third backbone residue. Viscometry and Congo red reaction indicated that HEP3 has a highly ordered hydrogen-bond dependent conformation in aqueous solution, which collapses in strong alkaline solution.