Quantification and identification of polysaccharide contents in Hericium erinaceus

PurposeThe aim of this study is to identify and quantify sugar and polysaccharide contents in locally grown Hericium erinaceus.Desig/methodolog/approachThe experiment is presented of chromatography methods to determine sugars in Malaysian–grown H. erinaceus. After the extraction, the crude polysaccharide solution was followed by hydrolysis with acid as well as enzymes reaction, respectively.FindingsIn thin–layer chromatography, two sample spots turned blue after treatment with sugar visualizing reagent. The HPLC analysis of the H. erinaceus hot water crude extract showed arabinose as the major component. All H. erinaceus water crude extract showed the components of arabinose, glucose and rhamnose when reacting with different enzymes. The ratio of arabinose and glucose was 2.3:1 after enzymatic reaction compared with 2.7:1 before the enzymatic reaction.Research limitation/implicationsThe H. erinaceus polysaccharides from the fruiting body can be further isolated and purified by means of GCMS. In this way, the contents of the polysaccharides isolated and types of the linkage can be determined thoroughly in a more detailed way. The purified polysaccharides also should be screened for the bioassay guide fractionation.Practical implicationsThe H. erinaceus can also be analyzed for its various nutritional values. In this way, it is hoped that Malaysia can produce Hericium products locally for the benefit of the local consumers with a more competitive price.Originalit/valueThis paper fulfils an identified information of sugar and polysaccharide content in Malaysian–grown H. erinaceus.