arabinogalactan

noun

arab·​i·​no·​ga·​lac·​tan ə-¦ra-bə-ˌnō-gə-¦lak-tən 

-ˌtan

plural arabinogalactans

: a polysaccharide that is found especially in the wood of larch trees (genus Larix) and that yields arabinose and galactose on hydrolysis

Supplemental larch comes from the inner bark of the western larch tree and contains arabinogalactans (which are dense sugars) and soluble fiber.

—Nicole Bourassa, Natural Health, March 2002

Their review of the literature in the past 25 years found that larch bark arabinogalactan isn't digested, and its main effect is flatulence.

—Jocelyn Kaiser, Science, 2 Nov. 2007

called also arabogalactan

Note: Arabinogalactan is used as a dietary supplement.

Word History

Etymology

arabin(ose) + -o- + galactan

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

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