glucomannan

Description

Glucomannan is a linear polysaccharide comprising 1,4-β-linked D-glucosyl and D-mannosyl residues, where the glucose:mannose (Glc:Man) ratio varies considerably. Konjac (Amorphophallus konjac) glucomannan has a Glc:Man ratio of approx. 2:3, Aloe vera glucomannan a ratio of 1:2, and salep (Orchis mureo) glucomannan has a ratio of approximately 1:4. All of the polysaccharides are acetylated, which imparts water solubility. Glucomannans are major cell-wall reserve carbohydrates in tubers of several plant genera. At certain stages in the development of the plants, the glucomannan is degraded and serves as an energy source. The only industrially exploited glucomannan is konjac. Like carob galactomannan, this polysaccharide interacts with agar, carrageenan and xanthan to form solutions of increased viscosity or gels. This interaction is exploited in the pet-food industry in canned dog food. Recently, glucomannan has also been used in jelly sweets. In this application, the glucomannan has been found to be dangerous, leading to choking deaths of some consumers. This has led to a ban of these types of sweets in Europe and America, and a need for an accurate analytical procedure for glucomannan analysis.

The Uses of glucomannan

Glucomannan is useful as a bulk laxative.