Preparation and characterization of soluble dietary fiber from the fruiting bodies of beefsteak fungus Fistulina hepatica

Abstract

Soluble dietary fiber was prepared from the hot water extract of the fruiting bodies of beefsteak fungus, <i>Fistulina hepatica</i> (Schäeff: Fr.) Fr., to evaluate its pharmaceutical properties. The fruiting bodies contained approximately 7% (dry weight) soluble dietary fiber of which the molecular mass was estimated to be 12.5 ± 0.8 kDa through high-performance liquid chromatography. In vitro glucose diffusion assays suggested that a 0.25% (w / v) solution of the soluble dietary fiber had significantly decreased glucose diffusion by up to 50% in an experimental vessel. Furthermore, the soluble dietary fiber exhibited high bile acid-binding capacity. These results suggest that ingestion of this soluble dietary fiber may prevent rapid increases in blood glucose and decreases serum cholesterol levels in humans.