# Extraction, Structural Characterization and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides Derived From Hericium erinaceus

## TL;DR

This review summarizes the extraction, structure, and health benefits of polysaccharides from Hericium erinaceus, highlighting their potential in medicine.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of HEP extraction methods, structural features, and biological activities.

## Key findings

- HEP is mainly extracted using hot water and purified via column chromatography.
- HEP has a wide molecular weight range and is primarily composed of glucose with β-glycosidic bonds.
- HEP exhibits immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and gastroprotective effects among other benefits.

## Abstract

Hericium erinaceus is acknowledged for its dual roles in medicinal and culinary contexts. The polysaccharides derived from
H. erinaceus
have attracted the attention of scientists owing to their bioactivities. This review focuses on the methodologies utilized for extraction and purification of
H. erinaceus
polysaccharides (HEP), as well as their structure and biological functions. We overview extraction and purification techniques, with hot water extraction and column chromatography being the most common. Subsequently, a thorough analysis of the structural characteristics of HEP was performed. The molecular weights of HEP ranged from 2.1 to 75,000 kDa. The monosaccharide composition of HEP was predominantly glucose. Additionally, the glycosidic bonds within HEP were primarily of the β‐glycosidic type, with β‐glucans characterized by 1 → 3 and 1 → 6 linkages representing the most prevalent structure. Furthermore, we summarize the biological activities and potential mechanistic pathways linked to HEP, which include immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, as well as benefits in alleviating colitis and providing gastroprotective effects. Finally, we address the current challenges and limitations in the research surrounding
H. erinaceus
polysaccharides, while proposing promising directions for future investigations to further advance this area of study.

This review summarizes the methods used to extract and purify
H. erinaceus
polysaccharides (HEP), primarily hot water extraction and column chromatography. Structural characterization indicates that the molecular weights of HEP range from 2.1 to 75,000 kDa, with glucose as the dominant monosaccharide and β‐glycosidic bonds, notably β‐glucans with 1 → 3 and 1 → 6 linkages. The main biological activities of HEP include immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities, as well as benefits in alleviating colitis and providing gastroprotective effects.