Page 104 - PG 504-theoretical notes-phyto-1-2024-2025..

Clinical pharmacy PharmD program Third level Phytochemistry-1 (PG-504)

7) Inulin

Occurrence:

▪ Inulin replaces starch as a reserved carbohydrate in subterranean organs of a

number of species, particularly in compositae, e.g., tubers of Dahlia and

Helianthus, and in roots of Inula and Chicory.

Chemically:

▪ It is a D-fructofuranose polymer whose residues are linked in a linear manner

by -2 →1 bond. It contains about 25 - 28 units in the molecule.

▪ Inulin contains about 25-28 (2 →1) linked -D-fructofuranoside units per

molecule in a linear chain. At its reducing end, it is linked to α–D-glucose

unit in a similar manner to that of sucrose, and hence the whole molecule is

non-reducing at both ends.

▪ The whole molecule is non-reducing.

Uses:

1) For the evaluation of glomerular filtration rate (renal function test).

2) Fermentative, identifying agent in culture media for certain bacteria.

85