Piptoporus betulinus, also known as Birch Polypore, continues to reveal its medicinal potential. In a recent study, researchers extracted a water-soluble β-D-glucan from its fruiting bodies using hot water, freeze-thawing, and dialysis techniques. The resulting polysaccharide had a unique molecular weight and structure, with (1→3)-linked β-glucan chains and specific O-6 substitutions—markers known to influence bioactivity in medicinal mushrooms.
What sets this study apart is its investigation into the wound-healing potential of the β-D-glucan extract. Using an in vitro scratch assay on human colon carcinoma cells (Caco-2), the researchers found that the extract promoted cell migration without any toxicity, pointing to its possible role in supporting tissue regeneration. While β-glucans are already recognized for their immune-modulating effects, this application toward skin and cellular repair adds a new dimension to their therapeutic promise.
With relatively few studies focused on β-glucans from P. betulinus, this research provides a valuable contribution to the field of medicinal mushroom science. It highlights both the biochemical complexity and healing potential of fungal polysaccharides, especially for applications like wound care, where natural alternatives are increasingly sought after.
