Lichenin
Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan occurring in certain species of lichens and grains. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss). It has been studied since about 1957.
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| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| Other names | |
| Lichenan; Moss starch | |
| CAS Number | .mw-parser-output .plainlist ol,.mw-parser-output .plainlist ul{line-height:inherit;list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0}.mw-parser-output .plainlist ol li,.mw-parser-output .plainlist ul li{margin-bottom:0}1402-10-4 Y |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:6452 N |
| ChemSpider | none |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.014.323 |
| PubChem CID | 439241 monomer |
| UNII | M7F3LRN53I Y |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID40930736 |
| Chemical formula | (C6H10O5)x |
| Molar mass | Variable |
| Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). | |
| N verify (what is YN ?) |
Infobox references | |
Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan occurring in certain species of lichens and grains. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss). It has been studied since about 1957.
In oats and barley, lichenin can make up 6 to 8% of dry matter, whereas wheat and rye contain around 2% at the most.
It produces a gelatinous solution when boiled in water and subsequently cooled. Since humans lack the enzyme lichenase, and thus are unable to catabolize lichenin, it serves as dietary fiber. Lichenin is also used as a mucoactive agent.
Chemically, lichenin is a mixed-linkage glucan, consisting of repeating glucose units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.
It is an important carbohydrate for reindeers and northern flying squirrels, which eat the lichen Bryoria fremontii.
It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine imparts no color to it.
In his 1960 novel Trouble with Lichen, John Wyndham gives the name Lichenin to a biochemical extract of lichen used to extend life expectancy beyond 300 years.
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