What is "lichenin"

Lichenin \Li"chen*in\ (l[imac]"k[e^]n*[i^]n), n. (Chem.) A substance isomeric with starch, extracted from several species of moss and lichen, esp. from Iceland moss.

n. (context carbohydrate English) A glucan found in some lichens

Lichenin, also known as lichenan or moss starch, is a complex glucan occurring in certain species of lichens. It can be extracted from Cetraria islandica ( Iceland moss). It has been studied since about 1957. Chemically, lichenin consists of repeating glucose units linked by β-1,3 and β-1,4 glycosidic bonds.

It is an important carbohydrate for reindeers and northern flying squirrels, which eat the lichen wila.

It can be extracted by digesting Iceland moss in a cold, weak solution of carbonate of soda for some time, and then boiling. By this process the lichenin is dissolved and on cooling separates as a colorless jelly. Iodine imparts no color to it.