Scientists discover a new complex carbohydrate in moss

Scientists from Australia have discovered a new complex carbohydrate in moss that may benefit the gut.  The scientists report that the polysaccharide is similar to gut friendly beta glucan, a dietary fibre found in oats.  The research published in The Plant Cell reports that the scientists have called this new polysaccharide arabinoglucan.  The researchers do not recommend eating moss but believe further research into this newly discovered complex carbohydrate may help develop new health and medical products and could even be used to develop more sustainable substitutes for paper and cotton.

NOTE:  The Plant Cell is a peer reviewed scientific journal of botany, specialising in molecular biology, cell, genetics, development and evolution.