Polysaccharides - Action and Properties
Polysaccharides are some of the most important carbohydrates found in nature, playing a key role in many biological processes. They are complex molecules consisting of long chains of monosaccharides, or simple sugars. In this article we will look at what exactly polysaccharides are, what properties they have and why they play such an important role in living organisms and in the human diet.
What Are Polysaccharides?
Polysaccharides are carbohydrates made up of multiple monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. Depending on the type of monosaccharides and how they are linked, polysaccharides can have a variety of biological properties and functions. Polysaccharides can be divided into two main groups: structural polysaccharides, such as cellulose, and storage polysaccharides, such as starch and glycogen.
Polysaccharides - Action
Gastrointestinal System Support
Polysaccharides, such as dietary fiber, play a key role in regulating the digestive system. Indigestible polysaccharides, such as cellulose, help improve intestinal peristalsis and support the digestive process, preventing constipation. In addition, polysaccharides such as pectin and hemicelluloses help regulate blood sugar levels by delaying glucose absorption.
Support of the Immune System
Some polysaccharides, such as beta-glucans, are known for their immunomodulatory effects. Beta-glucans stimulate the activity of macrophages, NK cells (natural killer cells) and other elements of the immune system, which increases the body's ability to fight infections, viruses and bacteria. These properties make these polysaccharides often used in dietary supplements designed to support immunity.
Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects
Polysaccharides, especially those found in medicinal mushrooms such as beta-glucans, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. As a result, they can help fight chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which contributes to cell damage and aging.
Application of Polysaccharides in Medicine and Food Industry
Polysaccharides have found wide application in both medicine and the food industry. In medicine, they are used as immune system boosters, especially beta-glucans, which have found use in treating and preventing infections and supporting the recovery of cancer patients. In the food industry, polysaccharides act as thickeners, stabilizers and texture enhancers for products.
Polysaccharides - Summary
Polysaccharides are extremely important chemical compounds that play key roles in both living organisms and the human diet. They have diverse functions, from building blocks to energy, and support the health of the immune and digestive systems. With extensive use in medicine and the food industry, polysaccharides are an integral part of a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet.
Source: PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/); Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/); National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI); ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/)
The claims made refer to studies on the adaptogens Hericium Erinaceus, Ganoderma Lucidum, Cordyceps Militaris, Ashwagandha and Coriolus Versicolor not on Encann® brand products. These are not claims regarding the medicinal properties of the product offered. In accordance with the wording of EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT REGULATION 1924/2006, verifiable scientific evidence regarding studies on the use of the fungus Sophora Hedgehog- one of the ingredients of the offered product- is presented on this page.
