Gastrodia elata Blume is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional health practices. Its polysaccharides are believed to contribute to its biological effects, but very large polysaccharides are difficult to study because their size often makes them hard to characterize and sometimes poorly soluble.
In this study, researchers purified a high-molecular-weight glucan called GEP2-6 with a molecular weight of 2.7 million Daltons. Using controlled enzymatic breakdown, they confirmed it is a branched glucose-based polymer (α-1,4 and α-1,6 linkages).
To explain why such a large molecule can still dissolve in water, the team combined molecular dynamics simulations with atomic force microscopy. The results showed that GEP2-6 forms loose, flexible coils with a porous structure. This shape allows water molecules to penetrate and interact with the polymer, providing a clear explanation for its water solubility.
The study also evaluated antioxidant activity using standard chemical assays. At 5 mg/mL, GEP2-6 scavenged 52.33% of DPPH radicals and 37.16% of hydroxyl radicals, indicating antioxidant potential.
These findings provide a structural basis for exploring GEP2-6 as a plant-derived ingredient for future functional food and health-related applications.
Reference
J.Q. Chen et al., “Structural characterization, molecular dynamic simulation, and conformational visualization of a water-soluble glucan with high molecular weight from Gastrodia elata Blume,” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 263, art. no. 130207, 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130207
