A specific and bioactive polysaccharide marker for Cordyceps

Lifeng Li, Grace Wing Chiu But, Quanwei Zhang, Man Liu, Miao Miao Chen, Xin Wen, Hoi Yan Wu, Huiyuan Cheng, Pema Tenzin Puno, Ji Xia Zhang, Hau Yee Fung, Su Ping Bai, Tin Long Wong, Zhongzhen Zhao, Hui Cao, Karl Wah Keung Tsim, Pang Chui Shaw*, Quan Bin Han*, Han Dong Sun

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)
50 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Cordyceps is one of the most expensive and widely used functional foods. But the authenticity is still a concern due to the lack of appropriate markers. By targeting polysaccharides, this study aimed to develop a specific, and bioactive marker for Cordyceps. Firstly, the results of screening tests of 250 samples by examining both genetic markers and polysaccharide profile showed that a unique polysaccharide fraction (named CCP) was particular to the caterpillar parts. Its potential as a marker was further demonstrated by its ability to induce NO and cytokine production in RAW 264.7 cells. CCP was characterized to be an α-1,4-glucan with a branch at C-6 by the conventional structure analyzing and de novo oligosaccharides sequencing. The content of CCP was closely correlated to the traditional classification criteria. Generally, CCP was a marker that simultaneously enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of Cordyceps.

Original languageEnglish
Article number118343
JournalCarbohydrate Polymers
Volume269
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2021

Scopus Subject Areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

User-Defined Keywords

  • Authentication
  • Cordyceps
  • Immune activity
  • Marker
  • Polysaccharide

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