Characterization and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Dandelion (<i>Taraxacum officinale</i>) Leaves

Abstract

Abstract A dandelion leaf polysaccharide (DLP) with a sugar content of 46.53 ± 2.22% is isolated using ultrasonic‐assisted enzymatic extraction. The DLP contains two polysaccharide fractions with respective molecular weights ( M w ) of 1900 and 22 800 g mol −1 . Gas chromatography analysis reveals a composition of rhamnose, arabinose, mannose, galactose, and glucose. DLP displays excellent water holding and oil holding capacities, along with a moderate emulsifying activity and stability. Following simulated digestion in vitro, DLP can exist stably in the digestive system (saliva, gastric, and small intestine) without degradation. Furthermore, DLP possesses prebiotic properties and could be utilized as a carbon source.