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A specific and bioactive polysaccharide marker for Cordyceps
Li-Feng Li1, Grace Wing-Chiu But2, Quan-Wei Zhang3
1School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Hong Kong Authentication Centre of Valuable Chinese Medicines, Hong Kong, China.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|July 23, 2021
Summary
Researchers identified a unique polysaccharide fraction (CCP) specific to Cordyceps caterpillar parts. This bioactive marker enables both quality and quantity assessment, addressing authenticity concerns for this valuable functional food.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
Background:
- Cordyceps is a highly valued functional food, but its authenticity is often questionable.
- Lack of reliable markers hinders accurate identification and quality control of Cordyceps products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a specific and bioactive marker for authenticating Cordyceps.
- To identify a polysaccharide marker for both qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Main Methods:
- Screening of 250 samples using genetic markers and polysaccharide profiling.
- Characterization of the unique polysaccharide fraction (CCP) using structural analysis and oligosaccharide sequencing.
- Assessing the bioactivity of CCP by measuring nitric oxide (NO) and cytokine production in RAW 264.7 cells.
Main Results:
- A unique polysaccharide fraction, CCP, was identified and found exclusively in the caterpillar parts of Cordyceps.
- CCP demonstrated bioactivity by inducing NO and cytokine production.
- Structural analysis revealed CCP as an α-1,4-glucan with a C-6 branch.
- CCP content correlated with traditional classification criteria, validating its use as a marker.
Conclusions:
- The polysaccharide fraction CCP serves as a specific and bioactive marker for Cordyceps.
- CCP enables simultaneous qualitative and quantitative analysis, ensuring the authenticity and quality of Cordyceps.
- This marker addresses the critical need for reliable identification in the functional food market.
