水苏糖四水合物, Stachyose tetrahydrate

Stachyose is a tetrasaccharide composed of two D-galactose units, one D-glucose unit and one fructose unit, linked together in a alpha-(1-6)-galactosyl-D-galactose-(1-6)-alpha-D-glucosyl-fructose configuration. It is a type of oligosaccharide, a non-digestible carbohydrate found in various plants such as beans, lentils, and peas. In human digestion, stachyose reaches the large intestine and gets fermented by gut bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids that have various physiological effects on the host.

Physical and Chemical Properties:

Stachyose is a white, odorless, and tasteless crystalline powder with a molecular weight of 666.58 g/mol. It is soluble in water and ethanol but insoluble in ether and benzene. It can be hydrolyzed by enzymes such as alpha-galactosidase, releasing galactose and glucose moieties.

Synthesis and Characterization:

Stachyose can be obtained from plant sources such as soybean, but its extraction and purification process is complex and costly. Chemical synthesis of stachyose is also possible, but it requires multiple steps and precise reaction conditions. The identification and purity of stachyose can be confirmed by various methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.

Analytical Methods:

Several methods have been developed to detect and quantify stachyose in biological samples such as blood, urine, and feces. These methods include gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, and enzymatic assays using alpha-galactosidase.

Biological Properties:

Stachyose has been identified as a prebiotic, a type of dietary fiber that selectively stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial gut bacteria. It has been shown to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Stachyose has also been reported to improve glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and immune function in animal and human studies.

Toxicity and Safety in Scientific Experiments:

Stachyose has been generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Food Safety Authority, as it is commonly consumed in the human diet and has no known adverse effects at recommended doses. However, high intake of stachyose may lead to digestive discomfort such as flatulence, bloating, and diarrhea in some individuals.

Applications in Scientific Experiments:

Stachyose has been widely used as a prebiotic supplement in animal and human studies to investigate its potential health benefits. It has also been incorporated into various food products such as dairy, bakery, and confectionery items for functional purposes.

Current State of Research:

Stachyose has garnered considerable attention in the scientific community due to its prebiotic properties and potential health benefits. Several studies have reported its positive effects on gut microbiota, metabolic disorders, and immune function, but more research is needed to establish its mechanisms of action and optimal dosage.

Potential Implications in Various Fields of Research and Industry:

Stachyose has potential applications in various fields such as nutrition, medicine, and agriculture. Its prebiotic properties may contribute to the development of functional foods and dietary supplements that promote gut health. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects may lead to the development of new therapeutic agents. Its ability to improve plant growth and yield may enhance agricultural productivity.

Limitations and Future Directions:

Despite the promising results of stachyose research, there are several limitations and challenges that need to be addressed. These include the elucidation of its complex fermentation process in the gut, the identification of its target gut bacteria and metabolites, the optimization of its dosage and delivery methods for specific health conditions, and the evaluation of its long-term safety and efficacy. Future research should also explore the potential interactions of stachyose with other dietary components, medications, and genetic factors.

Future Directions:

Some of the future directions in stachyose research include:

1. Investigation of the role of stachyose in the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.

2. Evaluation of the effects of stachyose on brain function and behavior, as recent studies suggest that gut microbiota may play a role in these processes.

3. Development of novel delivery systems for stachyose, such as microencapsulation and nanotechnology, to improve its bioavailability and stability.

4. Identification of new sources of stachyose that are abundant, affordable, and sustainable, to meet the growing demand for prebiotics and functional foods.

5. Investigation of the effects of stachyose on the gut-brain axis and the immune system, as recent evidence suggests that these systems are interconnected and may influence each other.

In conclusion, stachyose is a tetrasaccharide with prebiotic and potential health benefits. It has been widely studied in various fields of research and industry, but more research is needed to uncover its mechanisms of action and optimize its applications. Its future directions are diverse and promising, and may contribute to the development of innovative solutions for various health and environmental challenges.

COA:

Product name: Stachyose Hydrate

M.F.: C₂₄H₄₂O₂₁·xH₂O   M.W._: 666.58(as Anhydrous)  Batch No: 20130705     Quantity:114g