polysaccharides

• polysaccharides are large, complex carbohydrate molecules composed of long chains of monosaccharide units linked by glycosidic bonds. they serve critical biological roles as energy storage compounds (starch, glycogen) and structural components (cellulose, chitin) in plants, fungi, animals, and microorganisms.

• chemical properties

  • composition: repeated monosaccharide units (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose, xylose, mannose)
  • solubility: varies significantly; some are water-soluble (e.g., gums, mucilages), others insoluble (e.g., cellulose, chitin)
  • molecular weight: very high, often ranging from thousands to millions of daltons
  • viscosity: high viscosity in aqueous solutions for soluble polysaccharides, influencing texture and stability

• usefulness in medicine

  • polysaccharides exhibit immunomodulatory properties, enhancing immune response and reducing inflammation (e.g., beta-glucans, mushroom polysaccharides).
  • soluble polysaccharides (such as gums and mucilages) aid gastrointestinal health, reducing cholesterol levels, stabilizing blood sugar , and supporting digestive function.
  • polysaccharides from aloe vera, mushrooms, and seaweed are widely used in traditional medicine to promote wound healing, skin hydration, and tissue regeneration.
  • antimicrobial and therapeutic activity
  • polysaccharides demonstrate antimicrobial activity through immune system modulation, barrier formation, and direct inhibitory effects on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation.