Isolation and Identification of Fructo-oligosaccharides in Roots of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalisL.)

Abstract

Eight fructo-oligosaccharides were isolated from purified oligosaccharide fractions of the roots of Asparagus officinalis L. (Liliaceae). By examination of constituent sugars, gas-liquid-chromatographic analysis of methyl derivatives, and investigation of partial acid hydrolyzates and products of β-fructofuranosidase action, they were confirmed to be 1^F(1-β -fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose [n = 1 (1-kestose), 2 (nystose), and 3], 6^G (1-β-fructofuranosyl)_n sucrose [n = 1 (neokestose), 2, and 3], 1^F,6^G-di-β-fructofuranosyl sucrose, and a new pentasaccharide 1^F (1-β-fructofuranosyl)₂-6^G-β-fructofuranosyl sucrose.