In our continuing study of phytochemistry, let’s advance further with Polysaccharides. Studies show the many benefits of polysaccharides. They are immune modulating which means they help the immune system to regulate itself, whether stimulating or suppressing its actions. Polysaccharides stimulate the parasympathetic action to produce mucous, our body’s natural demulcent, to soothe dry, irritated tissues and assist in elimination. Contained in the primary cell walls of plants, polysaccharides act as a prebiotic, as most fiber does, to support beneficial bacteria and decrease non-beneficial bacteria. Serving as a soluble fiber, polysaccharides slow the release of glucose into the bloodstream as they enter the gut and bind bile acids. Bile acids then leave the body through the digestive system. Polysaccharides also prevent the absorption of cholesterol from food in the gastrointestinal tract and relieve constipation.
Molecularly speaking, polysaccharides are long-chain forms of carbohydrates. Monosaccharides, simple sugars such as glucose and fructose, are bound together by glycosidic bonds to form polysaccharides. There can be roughly 200-2500 monosaccharides in a polysaccharide chain. Beta-glucans, starch, cellulose, and glycogen are examples of polysaccharides.
As an aside, many drugs and poisons derived from plants are actually glycosides! Plants synthesize flavonoid glycosides in response to microbial infections.
Back to polysaccharides! Polysaccharide solubility is highly variable and determined by its molecular structure. For instance, the beta-glucans in Ganoderma mushrooms and the inulin in dandelion roots are extracted with simmering hot water. The polysaccharides in the “rubber band” in the center of usnea lichen must also be heated to be released. However, the immunomodulating polysaccharides in astragalus are extracted via cold water, and the soft-tissue-soothing mucilage in marshmallow roots is another type of polysaccharide that is best extracted with cold water. The polysaccharide pectin in both fresh rose hips and hawthorn berries is easily extracted in 80 - 100 proof alcohol tinctures.
An effective way to extract the polysaccharides (beta-glucans) in reishi mushrooms is to do the triple extraction method of tincturing.
Can we use mushrooms externally? But, of course! The beta-glucans and other polysaccharides in mushrooms stimulate immune and antioxidant activity and decrease puffiness. All good things! These constituents need heat to extract, which is why we make both a heat process mushroom oil and a mushroom decoction. The lotion smells fresh, not mushroomy, so don’t worry.
Excerpted from Wild & Beautiful: An Herbal Encyclopedia for Naturally Healthy Skin by Suzanne Tabert
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Thank you all so much for journeying into plant constituents with me. Look for lessons on alkaloids, polyphenols and other flavonoids in upcoming posts. As always, I leave you Wild About Plants!
*The statements in this blog have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications. For educational purposes only.