TREHALOSE

This collection of articles is a compilation of research on trehalose, a simple sugar that exists in nature, and its potential for physiological functions that contribute to human health. Sponsored access to this content has been provided by Hayashibara Co., Ltd.

Trehalose
Trehalose is a naturally occurring sugar that can be found in many common foods, such as mushrooms and yeast. Its utility has been studied since its discovery more than 160 years ago. While it occurs in nature, it is also utilized as a novel food ingredient that contributes to reduction in food waste, extending the longevity and freshness of foods by way of its natural ability to retain moisture. Moreover, it has a wide range of applications in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals that contribute to improving well-being and human health. In fact, trehalose is used to prolong biologics shelf life.

In recent years, the research on the physiological impact of trehalose has been widely conducted, and its potential utility in promoting health and preventing disease has gotten a lot of attention through its role in activating autophagy. Research has explored trehalose’s health promoting benefits in:
-obesity management
-metabolic diseases
-cardiovascular diseases
-neurodegenerative diseases
-infectious diseases

Current findings are just the tip of the iceberg and further research is expected to build on current findings and new applications.

Hayashibara Co., Ltd.
Founded in Japan, 1883, Hayashibara Co., Ltd. has been developing novel materials such as trehalose and pullulan by harnessing the natural power of microorganisms and enzymes. These technologies and products enrich our lives in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical applications.
As a thought leader in glycoscience research, the company's focus is not only on developing production methods and materials, but also the applied research of their unique products to expand knowledge on their functional properties and benefits.
Hayashibara is committed to contributing to the UN SDGs two goals: 'Zero hunger' and 'Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages', to realize a sustainable future.

In 1994, Hayashibara was the world’s first company to succeed in developing a method to mass-produce trehalose by applying their cutting-edge enzyme technology. Trehalose was once deemed to be too difficult to be extracted and its practical use was considered impossible. The company is proud of its findings contributing to a substance actively studied worldwide today.

Hayashibara has joined to the NAGASE Group (NAGASE & CO., LTD is the core company of the entire group) in 2012, and its products are available through NAGASE’s global network, which comprises more than 100 member companies in 20 countries worldwide.

Wiley
Wiley is the international scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly publishing business of John Wiley & Sons, with strengths in every major academic and professional field and partnerships with many of the world’s leading societies. For more information, please visit www.wiley.com. Wiley Online Library hosts the world’s broadest and deepest multidisciplinary collection of online resources covering life, health and physical sciences, social science, and the humanities. It delivers seamless integrated access to over 6 million articles from over 1500 journals, over 18,000 online books, and hundreds of reference works, laboratory protocols and databases.