EN
AR
CS
FR
DE
EL
HI
IT
JA
KO
PL
PT
RU
ES
TL
ID
SR
SK
VI
HU
TH
TR
FA
UR
LA
PA
WHY YOUR MUSHROOM EXTRACT SUPPLIER'S POLYSACCHARIDE DATA MIGHT BE MISLEADING
POLYSACCHARIDE≠POLYSACCHARIDE
Not all polysaccharides are created equal. When a supplier reports "50% Polysaccharides," the real question is: which polysaccharides?
l β-Glucan (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan: The functional compound. Responsible for immunomodulation, anti-tumor, and prebiotic activity. This is what your customers are paying for.
l α-Glucan (Starch, Glycogen, Dextran): Common bulking agents. Starches from grain substrates, maltodextrin carriers, or residual culture media. Zero functional value.
l Total Polysaccharide: A misleading umbrella term. Includes β-glucan + α-glucan + fiber + pectin + gums. A 50% "total polysaccharide" claim could mean as little as 5% active β-glucan.
⚠THE GOLDEN RULE: Always ask for β-glucan content, not total polysaccharides. The difference can be 10x.
TESTING METHODS: HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Three common methods yield dramatically different results on the same sample.
| Method | Phenol-Sulfuric Acid | Enzymatic (Megazyme) |
| What It Measures | Total carbohydrates (all sugars, starch, fiber) | β-Glucan specifically (1→3)(1→6)-linkages |
| Selectivity | NONE — detects everything | HIGH — enzyme-specific to β-glucan |
| AOAC Status | No AOAC method for mushrooms | AOAC 995.16 (oats/barley); validated for mushrooms by McCleary (2018) |
| Typical Cost | $ — Low | $$ — Moderate |
| Time | 2–3 hours | 4–6 hours |
| Risk | ★★★ Overestimates 2–10x | ★ Reliable & reproducible |
| Best For | Rough screening only — NOT for QC | Quality control & label claims |
Key takeaway: Phenol-sulfuric acid is the industry's dirty secret. It inflates numbers with starch, maltodextrin, and fiber. Enzymatic (Megazyme K-YBGL) is the only method that quantifies what matters.
CASE STUDY: SAME REISHI, 3 DIFFERENT NUMBERS
A single batch of Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) fruiting body extract was tested by three methods:
l 52.3%← Reported as "Polysaccharides" by most suppliers
l 18.7%← Actual functional β-Glucan (what matters)
| Phenol-Sulfuric Acid | Enzymatic (Megazyme) | HPSEC |
52.3% "Total Polysaccharides" | 18.7% β-Glucan | MW Peak: ~450 kDa Single symmetrical peak |
The 52.3% figure includes starch from the culture substrate, residual grain proteins, and non-functional fiber. The 18.7% β-glucan is the real active content.
This is why two suppliers can both claim "50% Polysaccharides" for Reishi extract yet deliver completely different potency.
THE KENNTURE TESTING STANDARD
Here's what we provide with every batch of mushroom powder:
l ✓β-Glucan Quantification—Enzymatic method (Megazyme K-YBGL) — the industry gold standard
l ✓α-Glucan (Starch) Level—So you know exactly how much is filler vs. function
l ✓Third-Party COA—Independent lab verification. Not in-house inflated numbers.
l ✓Heavy Metals Panel—Pb, As, Cd, Hg — compliant with USP2232 and EU 1881/2006.
l ✓Extraction Ratio Transparency—Clearly stated: 10:1 extract vs. straight powder. No ambiguity.