Structural Characterization of b-glucans of Agaricus brasiliensis in Different Stages of Fruiting Body Maturity and their Use in Nutraceutical Products

b-Glucans of Agaricus brasiliensis fruiting bodies in different stages of maturity were isolated and characterized by FTIR and NMR. These fractions had greater amount of (116)-b-glucan and the (113)-b-glucan increased with fruiting bodies maturation. Yields of b-glucans increased from 42 mg b-glucans g super(-1) fruiting bodies (dry wt) in immature stage to 43 mg g super(-1) in mature stage with immature spores, and decreased to 40 mg g super(-1) in mature stage with spore maturation. Mature fruiting bodies, which included these glucans, have potential therapeutical benefits for use in nutraceutical products.