Millet-Mushroom Beta-glucan Nutraceuticals [MMBgN]-Promotion of rural startups & healthcare

partially funded

β-glucans are polysaccharides of D-glucose monomers linked by β-glycosidic bonds. β-glucans are a diverse group of molecules that can vary with respect to molecular mass, solubility, viscosity and three-dimensional configuration. Most commonly they occur as cellulose in plants, the bran and cereal grains, and the cell wall of certain fungus, mushroom and bacteria. Oat is a rich source of the water-soluble fibre [1, 3or1, 4] β-glucan, and its effects on health have been extensively studied for the last 30 years. Oat β-glucans are the only dietary fiber currently recognized by the European Food Safety Authority [EFSA] to be able to reduce a disease risk. Yeast and medicinal mushroom derived β-glucans are notable for their ability to modulate the immune system. Barley and mushroom beta glucans are next available natural sources. IIT Kharagpur has been investigating at advanced level, with industry participation, on pilot scale producing β-glucans from millets [Jowar, bajra & ragi] and colored rice.