Galactomannan

Galactomannans are starch-like substances consisting of branched carbohydrate chains. The main chain consists of mannose, with short side chains of one galactose molecule each glycosidically bound at different intervals. This structure is characteristic for legume mucus (galactomann).

Galactomannans are also found as structural elements in Aspergillus cell walls. They have an antigenic effect.

Important phlegm drugs of papilionaceous plants are:

• Guar or guar meal from the guar bean contains the galactomannan guaran
• Locust bean gum from the carob tree Ceratonia siliqua contains the galactomannan carubin.
• Amorphophallus konjac, the devil's tongue contains the galactomannan gelling agent konjac gum which is listed under E 425 as a food additive.
• Mucilage drug of Trigonella foenum -graecum the Greek fenugreek which is used as expectorant.

The detection of galactomannan antigens in human body fluids indicates the presence of invasive aspergillosis. Immunocompromised patients undergoing chemotherapy, after organ and bone marrow transplantation as well as high-dose glucocorticoids are particularly at risk.