Polysaccharides beta-glucans

Nutritionally, carbohydrates may generally be classified as simple sugars (e.g. glucose or fructose), polysaccharides (e.g. homoglycans such as starch or beta-glucans) or complex carbohydrates (e.g. glycoproteins). 

Laminarin. A beta-glucan polysaccharide produced by many chromists through photos)mthesis. 

Today, many mushrooms, in addition to maitake, are being recognized for their important health benefits. This is primarily because they are an excellent source of beta-glucan polysaccharide compounds that promote well-being. Beta-glucans (also known as beta-... 

Barley contains relatively high amounts of soluble fiber (P-glucans). Beta-glucans are a diverse group of polysaccharides occurring as cell wall components in nature (Back, Stone, and Fincher 2009). They vary in molecular weight, solubility, and viscosity and, as discussed in Chapter 14, have well-established health benefits when included in the diet. 

Bacic, A., B. Stone, and G. B. Fincher. 2009. Chemistry, biochemistry and biology of 1-3 beta-glucans and related polysaccharides. New York Academic Press. 

Insoluble fibers include the polysaccharides cellulose and hemicellu-lose. They facilitate the movement of waste through the digestive tract. Examples of soluble fibers are the p-glucans—also polysaccharides—that have attracted a good deal of attention due to the claim that they lower blood cholesterol levels. Beta-glucans are found in most cereals and occur at relatively high levels in the bran of oats and barley (See Chapter 13). 

Beta(P)-(l,3)-glucan (53) is a natural polysaccharide comprised of P-(l,3)-glucose-re-peating monosaccharides (Fig. 47) (200,201). It is obtained from yeast fermentation extracts that have been used topically for years to improve the skin s health. Beta-glucan stimulates the immune system and helps to heal wounded or irritated skin (202). 

Beta-glucan is not water-soluble, and although it stimulates significant immunological response when applied as a solid, this form of delivery is not attractive from a cosmetic perspective. To improve it, the water solubility characteristics have been enhanced by carboxymethylating native P-glucan (54) (1,203-205). This modification does not appear to hamper the immune response and definitely improves the polysaccharide s personal care utility. 

L.K. Dubey, J.B. Moeller, A. Schlosser, G.L. Sorensen, U. Holmskov, Induction of innate immunity by Aspergillus fumigatus cell wall polysaccharides is enhanced by the composite presentation of chitin and beta-glucan. Immunobiology, 219,179-188,2014. 

P-Amylase Hydrolysis of a-l,4-glucan bonds in polysaccharides (starch, glycogen, etc.), yielding maltose and beta-limit dextrins. 

Ukai S, Flara C, Kiho T (1982) Polysaccharides in fungi IX, a beta-D-glucan from alkaline extract of Dictyophora indusiata, Fisch. Chem Pharm Bull 30(6) 2147-2154... 

Alpha-D-glucans (glycogen, amylose and amylopectin) are usually intercellular back-up sources of energy and cells building blocks. At the same time, beta-D-glucans are related to structural intracellular polysaccharides. 

Wouters, 1., Spaan, S., Douwes, J. Doekes, G. Heederik, D. 2006. Overview of personal occupational exposure levels to inhalable dust, endotoxin, beta (l-->3)-glucan and fungal extracellular polysaccharides in the waste management chain. Ann Occup Hyg 50(1) 39-53. 

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