Lichenin

Lichenin

Names
Other names Lichenan; Moss starch
Identifiers
CAS Number	1402-10-4  Y
ChEBI	CHEBI:6452  N
ChemSpider	none
ECHA InfoCard	100.014.323
PubChem CID	439241  monomer
UNII	M7F3LRN53I  Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID40930736
Properties
Chemical formula	(C6H10O5)x
Molar mass	Variable
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). N  verify  (what is  YN ?) Infobox references

Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan occurring in certain species of lichens and grains. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica (Iceland moss). ^[1] It has been studied since about 1957. ^[2]

In oats and barley, lichenin can make up 6 to 8% of dry matter, whereas wheat and rye contain around 2% at the most. ^[3]

Because of its highly swelling nature, it produces a colloidal, gelatinous solution when boiled in water and subsequently cooled. Since humans lack the enzyme lichenase, and thus are unable to catabolize lichenin, it serves as dietary fiber. Lichenin is also used as a mucoactive agent. ^[4]

Structure

Chemically, lichenin is a mixed-linkage glucan, consisting of repeating glucose units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds. ^[1]

Uses

It is an important carbohydrate for reindeers and northern flying squirrels, which eat the lichen Bryoria fremontii .

It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine imparts no color to it. ^[5]

Other uses of the name

In his 1960 novel Trouble with Lichen , John Wyndham gives the name Lichenin to a biochemical extract of lichen used to extend life expectancy beyond 300 years.

References

1. Perlin, A. S.; Suzuki, S. (1962). "The Structure of Lichenin: Selective Enzymolysis Studies". Canadian Journal of Chemistry . 40 (1). Canada: National Research Council of Canada: 50–56. doi: 10.1139/v62-009 .
2. Cunningham, WL; Manners, DJ (March 1964). "Studies on carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes. 11. The hydrolysis of lichenin by enzyme preparations from malted barley and Rhizopus arrhizus". The Biochemical Journal. 90 (3). England: Portland Press on behalf of the Biochemical Society: 596–602. doi:10.1042/bj0900596. ISSN   0264-6021. PMC   1202740 . PMID   5833367.
3. "Lichenin - Altmeyers Encyclopedia - Department Phytotherapy". www.altmeyers.org. 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
4. "Lichenin - Altmeyers Encyclopedia - Department Phytotherapy". www.altmeyers.org. 2020-10-29. Retrieved 2026-03-11.
5. One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain :  Gilman, D. C.; Peck, H. T.; Colby, F. M., eds. (1905). "Lichenin"  . New International Encyclopedia (1st ed.). New York: Dodd, Mead.