Advances in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and elucidation of the biological functions of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus

Author: mycolabadmin
8/29/2025
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Summary

Hericium erinaceus, commonly known as the monkey head mushroom, contains special molecules called polysaccharides that have numerous health benefits. Researchers have found that these polysaccharides can boost immunity, lower cholesterol and blood sugar, fight tumors, reduce inflammation, and promote healthy gut bacteria. Different extraction methods and purification processes can be used to obtain these beneficial compounds, making them useful for developing health supplements and medicines.

Background

Hericium erinaceus (monkey head mushroom) is an edible and medicinal fungus rich in polysaccharides with significant nutritional and health benefits. Polysaccharides from H. erinaceus have been demonstrated to possess diverse biological activities including immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. This review synthesizes recent advances in extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological functions of H. erinaceus polysaccharides.

Objective

To systematically review and summarize research progress on H. erinaceus polysaccharides across four main perspectives: extraction methods, purification processes, structural characteristics, and biological functions. The aim is to provide valuable insights and references for future studies in the field and support development of related pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.

Results

Multiple extraction methods are compared, with enzymatic extraction and citric acid methods showing superior performance in preserving biological activity. Various purification approaches yield high-purity polysaccharides suitable for research. Structural analysis reveals H. erinaceus polysaccharides are predominantly heteropolysaccharides composed of glucose, mannose, galactose, and other monosaccharides with molecular weights ranging from 13-1000 kDa. Demonstrated biological functions include immunomodulation, lipid-lowering, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic effects, and intestinal microbiota regulation.

Conclusion

H. erinaceus polysaccharides represent promising bioactive compounds with multiple therapeutic potentials and nutritional benefits. Advanced extraction and purification methods enable optimal preservation of their biological activities. These polysaccharides show considerable potential for development as natural pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, and functional food ingredients, warranting continued research into their mechanisms and applications.

Published in:Frontiers in Nutrition,
Study Type:Review,
Source: PMC12426148, PMID: 40948873, doi: 10.3389/fnut.2025.1634699