Identification of carbohydrate in <i>Polygonatum sibiricum</i>: fructo-oligosaccharide was a major component

Abstract Polygonatum sibiricum, famous for its physiological activities, is a popular Chinese food and also traditional herb containing many carbohydrates as the main component. However, except most reported polysaccharides, other detailed compositions of were still not clear. To verify controversial existence starch investigate components especially about oligosaccharides, we used iodine-potassium iodide colorimetric detection enzymatic hydrolysis to determine starch. Then, oligosaccharides analyzed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gel permeation (GPC), high-performance anion exchange with pulsed amperometric (HPAEC-PAD), hydrophilic interaction chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC-ESI-MS/MS). Results showed that rhizome sibiricum lacked starch, fructo-oligosaccharides component, accounting 28.95%. Oligosaccharides degrees polymerization above 10 abundant components. This study clearly illustrated unknown carbohydrate rhizome, promoting functional value new evidence.