Preparation and characterization of polysaccharides from mushrooms

Abstract

Polysaccharides are cellular structural components found in the three domains of life. Polysaccharides possess immune enhancement, anticancer, antioxidant, and antiviral activities. Mushrooms are the fungi that have been used as food and medicines for long time in the Oriental countries. One of main categories of active components from mushrooms is recently identified as polysaccharides. The present work summarizes the preparation, extraction, purification, and characterization along with quantitative analysis of polysaccharides from mushrooms. It reflects on current status of this research area with a view for future direction. This will certainly promote the nutritional, medicinal, and nutraceutical use for mushroom polysaccharides.