Purification, Structural Characteristics, Bioactive Properties, and Applications of Naematelia aurantialba Polysaccharides: A Comprehensive Review

Author: mycolabadmin
10/13/2025
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Summary

Golden ear (Naematelia aurantialba) is a traditional Chinese medicinal mushroom recently approved as a cosmetic ingredient. This comprehensive review examines how scientists extract and purify beneficial compounds called polysaccharides from this fungus, which can help manage blood sugar, boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and protect against oxidative damage. The mushroom shows promise as a natural ingredient for foods, supplements, and skincare products with potential health benefits.

Background

Naematelia aurantialba (jin’er or golden ear) is a traditional edible and medicinal fungus native to China that has been recognized for its nutritional and health benefits. Recently registered as a new cosmetic ingredient, it is rich in bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and active peptides. NAPs represent a significant area of scientific interest due to their diverse biological activities and potential therapeutic applications.

Objective

This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advancements in extraction, purification, structural characteristics, functional activity, and mechanisms of action of Naematelia aurantialba polysaccharides (NAPs), as well as their industrial applications. The review seeks to provide up-to-date information and valuable references for researchers and industry professionals interested in the potential application of NAPs in food, medicine, healthcare, and cosmetics.

Results

NAPs exhibit various molecular weights (5.4 kDa to 4647 kDa) and diverse monosaccharide compositions primarily containing mannose, xylose, and glucuronic acid. Documented biological activities include antioxidant, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypolipidemic, and prebiotic effects. Structure-activity relationships have been identified, with molecular weight and specific glycosidic linkages influencing bioactivity.

Conclusion

NAPs represent a promising category of active ingredients from edible fungal sources with broad applications in medicine, food science, and cosmetics. The review identifies current research gaps and limitations, particularly in understanding the activity-structure relationship and scaling up production. Future research should focus on advanced extraction technologies, detailed structural elucidation, and clinical applications development.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Review,
Source: PMID: 41157089, DOI: 10.3390/molecules30204073