Main polysaccharide fractions isolated from fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus

Objective The polysaccharides from fruiting bodies of Hericium erinaceus were isolated, purified, and characterized. Methods The fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus were extracted by water and (alkaline) successively. The crude polysaccharides were isolated and purified by DEAE-celluose, Sephadex gel filtration chromatography, and the precipitation with Fehling agent. The purity and molecular weight were identified by HPGPC. Their specific rotations were also determined and the sugar compositions of polysaccharides were analyzed by GC and IR. Results Three crude polysaccharide fractions (CPW, CPB1, and CPB2) were extracted from fruiting bodies of H. erinaceus, from which five polysacchrides, designated HEP-1-HEP-5, were obtained. Among them HEP-1 and HEP-4 were neutral heteropolysaccharides, HEP-3 and HEP-5 were glucans, and HEP-2 was an acidic polysaccharide. Conclusion The five polysaccharides are mainly composed of neutrual sugars, particularly of D-glucose. HEP-1 and HEP-2 are two new types of fungal polysaccharides.