Stachyose is a naturally occurring tetrasaccharide with a molecular formula of C24H42O21 and a relative molecular weight of 666.59. It is widely found in plants of the Leguminosae, Lamiaceae and Scrophulariaceae families and is a non-reducing functional oligosaccharide belonging to the genus Raffinose galactoside.

Stachyose is composed of one glucose, two galactoses and one fructose. Stachyose is not decomposed by the human gastrointestinal digestive juice and is a soluble dietary fiber.

Physical and chemical properties of stachyose:

Low sweetness, 0.22 times sweetness of sucrose.

High solubility, solubility in water 130g (20℃), insoluble in organic solvents.

High moisture retention and hygroscopicity, no reducing property.

Good thermal stability, thermal stability decreases under acidic conditions.

The physiological functions of stachyose include:

(1) Proliferation of bifidobacteria and regulation of intestinal flora. Oligofructose and oligomaltose are not as effective as stachyose in the proliferation of bifidobacteria.

(2) Lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Stachyose has a large number of hydroxyl groups in its structure, which has a strong water absorption effect in the intestines, and acts as a dietary fiber, playing a dual role in regulating diarrhea and constipation.

(3) Lowering blood pressure and blood lipids.

(4) Promoting lead excretion. Stachyose can promote the synthesis of B vitamins, and VB can inhibit the absorption of lead in the small intestine. Stachyose has the effect of lubricating the intestines and promoting bowel movements, which can shorten the residence time of food residues in the intestines. Therefore, stachyose has the possibility of reducing the absorption of lead in the intestines.

(5) Protect the liver.