Polysaccharides from fruit calyx of Physalis alkekengi var. francheti: Isolation, purification, structural features and antioxidant activities

Steam Explosion Pretreatment of Polysaccharide from Hypsizygus marmoreus: Structure and Antioxidant Activity

This paper investigated the effects of steam explosion (SE) pretreatment on the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of Hypsizygus marmoreus polysaccharides (HPS). Hypsizygus marmoreus samples were pretreated at different SE temperatures (120-200 °C) and polysaccharides were extracted using the water extraction and alcohol precipitation method. The results showed that SE pretreatment improved the extraction rate of HPS. Under the conditions of SE treatment time of 60 s and temperature of 160 °C, the extraction rate of HPS was the highest (8.78 ± 0.24%). After SE pretreatment, the structural changes of HPS tended to enhance the antioxidant activity, which showed that the content of Gal and Man in the monosaccharide composition increased and the molecular weight decreased. When testing antioxidant activity in vitro, the ability of SE-pretreated HPS to scavenge DPPH radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and superoxide anion radicals was better than that of HPS without SE pretreatment. Our findings shed light on SE pretreatment as an efficient method for extracting active polysaccharides, providing a new way to improve their extraction rate and biological activity.

Anti-Photodamage Effect of Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharide on UVB-Damaged HaCaT Cells

UVB radiation is known to induce photodamage to the skin, disrupt the skin barrier, elicit cutaneous inflammation, and accelerate the aging process. Agaricus blazei Murill (ABM) is an edible medicinal and nutritional fungus. One of its constituents, Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP), has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, and immunomodulatory effects, which suggests potential effects that protect against photodamage. In this study, a UVB-induced photodamage HaCaT model was established to investigate the potential reparative effects of ABP and its two constituents (A1 and A2). Firstly, two purified polysaccharides, A1 and A2, were obtained by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography, and their physical properties and chemical structures were studied. A1 and A2 exhibited a network-like microstructure, with molecular weights of 1.5 × 104 Da and 6.5 × 104 Da, respectively. The effects of A1 and A2 on cell proliferation, the mitochondrial membrane potential, and inflammatory factors were also explored. The results show that A1 and A2 significantly promoted cell proliferation, enhanced the mitochondrial membrane potential, suppressed the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and increased the relative content of filaggrin (FLG) and aquaporin-3 (AQP3). The down-regulated JAK-STAT signaling pathway was found to play a role in the response to photodamage. These findings underscore the potential of ABP to ameliorate UVB-induced skin damage.

Genus Physalis L.: A review of resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Physalis L. (Solanaceae) is commonly used in the treatment of dermatitis, leprosy, bronchitis, pneumonia, hepatitis and rheumatism in China and other Asian countries.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This article reviews the resources, cultivation, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties, and applications of Physalis L., and proposes further research strategies to enhance its therapeutic potential in treating various human diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic search of electronic databases, including CNKI, SciFinder and PubMed, using the term "Physalis L." to collect information on the resources, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, and applications of Physalis L. in China during the past ten years (2013.1-2023.1).

RESULTS

So far, a variety of chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from Physalis L. mainly including steroids, flavonoids, and so on. Various pharmacological activities were evaluated by studying different extracts of Physalis L., these activities include anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, antiviral, antineoplastic, and other aspects.

CONCLUSION

Physalis L. occupies an important position in the traditional medical system. It is cost-effective and is a significant plant with therapeutic applications in modern medicine. However, further in-depth studies are needed to determine the medical use of this plant resources and cultivation, chemical composition, pharmacological effects and applications.

Chemical components and against alzheimer's disease effects of the calyxes of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PA), a traditional Chinese medicine, is utilised for treating dermatitis, sore throat, dysuria, and cough. This research aimed to identify the main constituents in the four extracted portions from the calyces of PA (PAC) utilising ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS). The Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice model was induced by D-galactose (D-gal) combined with aluminium chloride (AlCl3). Subsequent investigation into the underlying mechanisms involved behavioural and histopathological observations. The results demonstrated that four extracted portions of PAC (PACE) significantly enhanced memory and learning abilities in the Morris water maze. The concentrations of Aβ, tau and p-tau in brain tissue exhibited a significant decrease relative to the model group. Moreover, the four PACE treatment groups increased the glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, while concurrently reducing malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. In summary, the current study demonstrates that the four PACE formulations exhibit beneficial anti-AD properties, with the most pronounced efficacy observed in the EA group. Additionally, PAC shows potential in mitigating neuroinflammation and oxidative damage by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB signalling pathway. This research lays a theoretical groundwork for the future clinical development and utilisation of PAC in treating AD.

Alsayegh A, Ahmad FA, Akhtar MS, Alavudeen SS, Bantun F, Wahab S, Ahmed A, Ali M, Elbendary EY, Raposo A, Kambal N, H. Abdelrahman M. Ganoderma lucidum: Insight into antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with development of secondary metabolites

Ganoderma lucidum is a versatile mushroom. Polysaccharides and triterpenoids are the major bioactive compounds and have been used as traditional medicinal mushrooms since ancient times. They are currently used as nutraceuticals and functional foods. G. lucidum extracts and their bioactive compounds have been used as an alternative to antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. Secondary metabolites with many medicinal properties make it a possible substitute that could be applied as immunomodulatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic. The miraculous properties of secondary metabolites fascinate researchers for their development and production. Recent studies have paid close attention to the different physical, genetic, biochemical, and nutritional parameters that potentiate the production of secondary metabolites. This review is an effort to collect biologically active constituents from G. lucidum that reveal potential actions against diseases with the latest improvement in a novel technique to get maximum production of secondary metabolites. Studies are going ahead to determine the efficacy of numerous compounds and assess the valuable properties achieved by G. lucidum in favor of antimicrobial and antioxidant outcomes.

Amylase-assisted extraction alters nutritional and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides and saponins isolated from Ganoderma spp

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of amylase in hydrolyzing complex carbohydrates of different parts of Ganoderma spp. The aqueous extracts of the Ganoderma samples were analyzed for their selected nutritional composition and physicochemical properties. The purified extracts were also structurally characterized. The aqueous canopy extracts of red-purple Ganoderma had a notably higher total sugar and saponin content than their stalks, but not for the black-type Ganoderma. The enzymatic extraction effectively improved the extraction yields, whereas the amounts of sugars and saponins in some extracts were increased after the enzymatic treatment. The results also showed that only those enzyme-treated cultivated black Ganoderma canopy had increased total sugar and total saponin content. The antioxidant activities of all stalk extracts were higher than the canopy extracts. Their emulsifying properties were comparable with lecithin due to their high saponin content. Therefore, these extracts are new natural emulsifiers.

Research progress on the chemical components and pharmacological effects of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino

Physalis Calyx seu Fructus is the dry calyx or the calyx with fruit of the Solanaceae plant Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, with a long history of use in medicine and food. However, despite its many potential therapeutic and culinary applications, P. alkekengi is not being exploited for these applications on a large scale. This study analysed various research related to the different chemical components of P. alkekengi, including steroids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, sucrose esters, piperazines, volatile oils, polysaccharides, amino acids, and trace elements. In addition, research related to the pharmacological activities of P. alkekengi, including its anti-inflammatory, anti microbial, antioxidative, hypoglycaemic, analgesic, anti-tumour, and immunomodulatory effects were investigated. Research articles from 1974 to 2023 were obtained from websites such as Google Scholar, Baidu Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and journal databases such as Scopus and PubMed, with the keywords such as Physalis alkekengi, components, effects, and activities. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the progress of phytochemical and pharmacological research on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of P. alkekengi and a reference for the better exploitation of P. alkekengi in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Statistical optimization and characterization of fucose-rich polysaccharides extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) along with antioxidant and antiviral activities

Biologically active phytochemicals from pumpkin reveal versatile medical applications, though little is known about their antiviral activity. The fucose-rich polysaccharide extraction conditions were optimized through Box-Behnken design and purified by column chromatography. The purified fucose-rich polysaccharide was characterized through SEM, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, XRD, TGA, and GS-MS. The analysis results revealed an irregular and porous surface of the purified polysaccharide with high fucose, rhamnose, galactose, and glucose contents. The tested fucose-rich polysaccharides revealed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity at very low concentrations. The purified fucose-rich polysaccharides exerted a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses, accompanied by high safety toward normal cells, where the maximum safe doses (EC₁₀₀) were estimated to be about 3-3.9 mg/mL for both Vero and PBMC cell lines. Treatment of HCV, ADV7, HSV1, and HIV viruses with the purified polysaccharides showed a potent dose-dependent inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 95.475, 20.96, 5.213, and 461.75 μg/mL, respectively. This activity was hypothesized to be through inhibiting the viral entry in HCV infection and inhibiting the reverse transcriptase activity in HIV. The current study firstly reported the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities of Cucurbita maxima fucose-rich polysaccharide against several viral infections.

Exopolysaccharide from Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by regulating gut microbiota

BACKGROUND

The exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Lactobacillus and other probiotics are associated with many benefits, such as immune regulation, antioxidant properties, antitumor effect, and regulation of intestinal microbe homeostasis. In the present study, the modulatory effect of EPS produced by Lactobacillus rhamnosus ZFM231 on the intestinal flora of mice with inflammatory bowel disease induced by dextran sulfate solution was investigated.

RESULTS

Results indicated that weight loss, colonic length, the disease activity index score and colonic tissue damage in mice were significantly improved by EPS treatment. Compared with the model group, in the EPS-treated group, the diversity of and the composition of gut microbiota at both phylum and genus levels were found to recover to the levels of normal group, indicating the effective modulation on gut microbiota by EPS; short-chain fatty acids, including acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid produced by intestinal microbial metabolism, increased significantly; the level of anti-inflammatory factor transforning growth factor-β significantly increased and the level of pro-inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α significantly decreased in the colonic cells of EPS-treated mice.

CONCLUSION

It is clear that EPS produced by L. rhamnosus ZFM231 could find application in functional foods with the property of anti-ulcerative colitis. The experimental results provide new insights into the probiotic effect of EPS. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino: A review of the pharmacognosy, chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, quality control, and applications

BACKGROUND

Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF) (Chinese name Jin-Deng-Long) from the Solanaceae family is a traditional Chinese medicine with various pharmacological effects, such as removing heat, detoxification, improving throat conditions, removing phlegm, and ameliorating diuresis.

PURPOSE

This paper reviews the existing literature and patents and puts forward some suggestions for future PAF research.

METHODS

Using the PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases, we performed comprehensive search of literature and patents published before April 2022 on PAF and its active ingredients.

RESULTS

We comprehensively reviewed the research progress of PAF from aspects of the traditional application, botany, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and toxicology, and first discussed quality control and modern applications, which have not been explored in previous reviews. Thereafter, we reviewed the limitations of pharmacological mechanism and quality control studies and proposed appropriate solutions, which is of great practical significance to subsequent studies.

CONCLUSION

In this review, we present a comprehensive overview on PAF, and put forward new insights on studies regarding quality control, material basis, and mechanisms in classical prescription, providing theoretical guidance for the clinical application and development of Chinese medicine.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of the hot water-soluble polysaccharides from Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. roots

ETHNOPHAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: the roots of Anacyclus pyrethrum (L.) Lag. (Family: Asteraceae) are used in Algeria to treat respiratory infections, to cure chronic head and nostrils catarrh, and to clear the brain by stimulating the free flow of nasal mucous. They contain a high quantity of hot water-soluble polysaccharides.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The study aims to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharides extracted from Anacyclus pyrethrum roots (APPS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The APPS were extracted using boiling water, separated from proteins by the Sevag method then precipitated with 90% ethanol. The antioxidant effect of crude APPS was evaluated using FRAP assay. To investigate the anti-inflammatory potential, mice were treated with crude polysaccharides (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, i.p.) for 3 days (14th, 15th, and 16th day of the experimentation). Respiratory inflammation was induced by HDM (House Dust Mite), mice were sensitized intranasally with 25 μg HDM suspended in 10 μl NaCl (5 μl/nostril) on days 0 and 7 then challenged with 5 μg HDM on days 14, 15, and 16. Mice were sacrificed 24 h after the last challenge. The number of immune cells in the blood in NL (Nasal Liquid) and in BAL (Broncho Alveolar Liquid) was enumerated, the spleen was removed to calculate the relative spleen weight and to count splénocytes, lungs histopathological examination was carried out to confirm the protective effect of APPS. Structural characterization of APPS was identified using FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy).

RESULTS

The crude APPS possessed reducing power. In vivo assay, treatment with APPS causes a decrease in the number of blood leucocytes at all doses on the one hand, and in the relative spleen weight and splénocytes number on the other hand except at the dose of 50 mg/kg in which an enhancement of the number of splénocytes and immune cells in NL and BAL was significant. The histopathological examination showed clear protection of lung tissue damaged by HDM, after treatment with APPS mainly, at the dose of 50 mg/kg.

CONCLUSION

Our data clearly showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of APPS on HDM-challenged mice induced lungs inflammation by equilibrating the inflammatory reaction mostly, with an optimal dose of 50 mg/kg.

Physicochemical Characterization of an Exopolysaccharide Produced by Lipomyces sp. and Investigation of Rheological and Interfacial Behavior

The present study aimed to evaluate the rheological and interfacial behaviors of a novel microbial exopolysaccharide fermented by L. starkeyi (LSEP). The structure of LSEP was measured by LC-MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra, and FT-IR. Results showed that the monosaccharide composition of LSEP was D-mannose (8.53%), D-glucose (79.25%), D-galactose (7.15%), and L-arabinose (5.07%); there existed the anomeric proton of α-configuration and the anomeric carbon of α- and β-configuration; there appeared the characteristic absorption peak of the phosphate ester bond. The molecular weight of LSEP was 401.8 kDa. The water holding capacity (WHC, 2.10 g/g) and oil holding capacity (OHC, 12.89 g/g) were also evaluated. The results of rheological properties showed that the aqueous solution of LSEP was a non-Newtonian fluid, exhibiting the shear-thinning characteristics. The adsorption of LSEP can reduce the interfacial tension (11.64 mN/m) well and form an elastic interface layer at the MCT–water interface. Such functional properties make LSEP a good candidate for use as thickener, gelling agent, and emulsifier to form long-term emulsions for food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic products.

Study on Extraction Process of Root of Henry Wood Betony Polysaccharides and Their Antitumor Activity against S180

We optimized the hot water extraction of polysaccharides from the root of Henry wood betony (RHWPs) using a uniform test and explored their anti-tumor activities in vitro and in vivo. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: 40 min extraction time, liquid/solid ratio 30 mL/g, 100 min soaking time, two extraction cycles, 100% ethanol concentration, and extraction temperature of 80 °C. The molecular weight distribution of RHWPs with MWs was 228,600 g/mol and 5001 g/mol. The IR spectrum further indicated that RHWPs are acidic polysaccharides containing pyranose and furan rings. The main monosaccharides found in RHWPs were mannose, ribose, l-rhamnose monohydrate, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, and fucose. RHWPs inhibited the proliferation of S180 tumor cells and induced apoptosis in vitro. Oral administration of RHWPs to tumor-bearing mice significantly inhibited the growth of the S180 xenografts, accelerated apoptosis in tumor cells, and expanded the necrotic regions. Furthermore, RHWPs also markedly increased the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 in the sera of tumor-bearing mice, and activated immune cells such as lymphocytes, NK cells, and macrophages, thereby inducing tumor cell apoptosis. Taken together, RHWPs are a promising anti-tumor agent that ought to be explored further.

Chemical characterization of Cassia fistula polysaccharide (CFP) and its potential application as a prebiotic in synbiotic preparation

Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients that are selectively fermented by probiotics. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical properties of a polysaccharide extracted from Cassia fistula mature fruit pulp and to evaluate its effects on probiotic strains: L. casei, L. rhamnosus, E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), and E. faecalis. These strains were compared for their growth behavior in culture media supplemented with different Cassia fistula polysaccharide (CFP) concentrations. The molecular weight of CFP was approximately 8.707 × 105 Da. The recovered polysaccharide contained a low percentage of crude protein (4.4%). Aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and proline were the most abundant amino acids. Glucose and mannose were the predominant sugars followed by arabinose and rhamnose. L. casei grew faster at high CFP concentrations (2%) compared with the lower concentrations of CFP. The highest values for the prebiotic index and prebiotic activity score were observed for L. casei treated with 2% CFP, and it may be considered a prebiotic due to its high resistance against α-amylase and acidic conditions. CFP provides two ways to adjust nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in macrophages. Finally, the use of 1.5 and 2% CFP for cultured milk production significantly shortened the fermentation period from 210 min to 180 min and 150 min, respectively.

Structural characteristics of polysaccharide microcapsules fromNostoc commune, and their applications in skin wound healing and pathological repair

In this study, the extraction conditions of Nostoc commune Vauch polysaccharide (NCVP) were optimized by single factor and orthogonal experiments. Then, the microcapsules (NCVPM) was prepared. After analyzing the microcapsule structural, thermal characteristics, the skin wound healing ability was studied by establishing back trauma rat models. Results showed that, the NCVP yield was 10.37% under the following optimum conditions: 210 minute extraction time, solid-liquid ratio of 1:50 and extraction temperature of 90°C. The overall performance of the microcapsule was the best when the concentration of sodium alginate, calcium chloride and chitosan was 2%, 3% and 0.3%, respectively. NCVPM had spherical morphology, typical microcapsule structural characteristics and good thermal stability, and NCVP was dispersed in the microcapsules. NCVPM showed good biocompatibility and biodegradability, which met the requirements for slow-release polymer materials. After 14 days treatment, the wound healing rate was 92.4%, the cells were arranged neatly and regularly, the cell nucleus became large and elliptical, and the cell has a tendency to divide, the fibers and microvessel were significantly more. By evaluating mechanism, NVCPM could increase the contents of hydroxyproline (HYP) and glutathione (GSH-Px) to protect cells from oxidative damage, leading in turn to accelerate wound healing and shorted wound healing times. And could accelerate cell division, collagen and microvascular production by increasing transcription levels of Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and miRNA-21.

Hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects of green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) calyxes' extracts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoglycemic and antioxidant potential of green tomato (Physalis ixocarpa Brot.) calyxes' extracts. Three methods were used to obtain the extracts: maceration (M), ultrasound-assisted (US), and infusion. Regarding in vitro hypoglycemic evaluation, glucose diffusion assay and enzymatic inhibitory action of α-amylase and α-glucosidase were performed. Whereas, for in vivo assessment an oral starch tolerance test (OSTT) was tested with aqueous extracts [infusion (40 mg/kg b. wt.), maceration (M) water (98 mg/kg b. wt.), and US water (82.24 mg/kg b. wt.)] on male Wistar rats. Additionally, in vitro antioxidant activity of P. ixocarpa calyxes' was evaluated through inhibition of scavenging radical assay and lipid peroxidation. Extracts decreased the glucose diffusion in a range of 18%-56% compared with the negative control. Additionally, extracts inhibited α-amylase (above 80%) and α-glucosidase enzymes (above 90%). All groups treated with P. ixocarpa calyxes' significantly reduced the glucose levels at 120 min (infusion = 13.3%, M Water = 12.7%, and US Water = 19.4%) in comparison with the negative control, and similar levels to acarbose at 120 min (13.1%). Finally, extracts showed IC₅₀ values in a range of 2.5-6.6 µg/µl for radical scavenging, and 118-199 µg/µl for lipid oxidation. Our results show that P. ixocarpa calyxes' extracts induce hypoglycemia and antioxidant effects in vitro and in vivo. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The green tomato is usually consumed in Mexico, the United States, and Central America. This fruit grows inside a calyx, which is considered an agro-food waste. However, some regions of Latin America have a traditional medicine purpose for diabetes affections. To the best of our knowledge, there are no published data that supports its hypoglycemic action. The information provided will be useful to nutraceutical applications that allow value-added products and sustainable green tomato production.

Chemical structure and mechanism of polysaccharide on Pb2+ tolerance of Cordyceps militaris after Pb2+ domestication

In this study, the purified polysaccharide (DCP-I) was extracted from Cordyceps militaris domesticated with Pb²⁺. After that, the structural feature and mechanism of lead resistance of DCP-I were investigated using novel approaches. The results showed that the average molecular weight of DCP-I was 1.206 × 10³ kDa and mainly consist of Rhamnose, Galactose, Glucose, Galacturonic acid and Glucuronic acid in a molar ratio of 0.130:47.687:40.784:1.795:0.48. Besides, the main chain of DCP-I was composed by →6)-Galp-(1→, →4)-Glcp-(1→ and →1,4)-Glcp-(6→, while the side chain was →1)-Rhaf-(2→ and D-Glcp-(1→, and the DCP-I contained Alacturonic acid and Glucuronic acid. In addition, the result of Congo red test showed that DCP-I did not exist triple-helical structures. SEM, EDX and XPS analyses results showed that the functional groups of DCP-I related to C, H and O (-OH, -COOH and -C=O) could combined with Pb²⁺effectively. The adsorption processes were described by the Pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R² = 0.9978) and Langmuir isotherm (R² = 0.9979) for Pb²⁺ indicating that adsorption process of DCP-I to Pb²⁺ was a kind of single molecular layer chemical adsorption.

Preparation and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides obtained from abalone viscera by combination of enzymolysis and multiple separation methods

Abalone viscera were byproducts of the abalone processing and usually discarded as wastes. In this study, we tried to obtain functional polysaccharides from abalone viscera by a combination of enzymatic hydrolysis, membrane separation, anion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration techniques. Abalone viscera underwent successive hydrolyzation with alcalase and flavourzyme. Each enzymolysis was followed by deproteinization via membrane separation. The final yield of crude abalone viscera polysaccharide (CAVP) was 19.72%; the polysaccharide content of CAVP was 51.75%. Furthermore, three fractions of polysaccharides (AVP1, AVP2, and AVP3) were isolated from the CAVP by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular weights of each AVP were 14.99 kDa, 58.48 kDa, and 39.63 kDa, with a carbohydrate content of 62.75, 23.09, and 44.67%, respectively. These AVPs showed excellent antioxidant activities in vitro. Our results provide a scientific basis for the further utilization of polysaccharides from abalone viscera. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study demonstrated an eco-friendly approach for industrial production of high purity animal-derived polysaccharides without any environmental pollution caused by the viscera waste of abalone and promoting the comprehensive utilization of abalone resources.

Structural characterization and inhibitions on α-glucosidase and α-amylase of alkali-extracted water-soluble polysaccharide from Annona squamosa residue

A novel acidic polysaccharide, named as AWPA, was extracted form Annona squamosa residue by 0.1 M NaOH alkaline solution and purified by DEAE-cellulose and Sephadex G-150. HPLC analysis indicated that AWPA was a homogeneous polysaccharide with molecular weight of 3.08 × 10³ kDa. The monosaccharide composition of AWPA, determined by ion chromatography, was consisted of L-arabinose, D-galactose, d-glucose, D-mannose, D-galacturonic acid in a percentage of 15.58:13.48:60.14:9.02:1.78, respectively. The results of FT-IR, methylation and NMR showed that the sugar residue of AWPA were mainly composed of α-L-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-D-Galp(1→, →3,6)-α-D-Manp-(1→, respectively. The Congo red experiment on AWPA showed that there was helix conformation. The microstructure of AWPA was detected by scanning electron microscopy, showing that the shape of AWPA was reticular and its structure was irregular. AWPA had effectively α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and α-amylase inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ of 0.667 mg/mL and 1.360 mg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory effects of AWPA on α-glucosidase and α-amylase were both reversible with mixed type and competitive type competition, respectively. The significance of manuscript was not only to avoid the waste of Annona squamosa residue, but provided alternative in the developments of inhibitors of α-glucosidase and α-amylase.

Purification, characterization and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from Porphyra haitanensis

In order to study the antioxidant activity of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides and the effect of their structure on the antioxidant activity, the Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharide (PHP), prepared by hot water extraction and alcohol precipitation, was separated and purified by Cellulose DEAE-52 ion exchange and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. Three purified components including PHP1, PHP2 and PHP3 were obtained, and chemical composition analysis and structural characterization were performed. The in vitro free radical scavenging activity of the purified polysaccharide fractions and their ability to relieve oxidative stress in macrophage RAW264.7 were investigated. The results indicated that all the three fractions possessed appreciable DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability and reducing power. They were also found to effectively reduce the MDA content and ROS level, and to improve the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in H₂O₂-treated RAW264.7 cells. Among the three polysaccharides, PHP3 possessed the most potent activity. Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides have potential to develop as natural non-toxic antioxidants and may find application as the ingredients of functional foods.

Intervention with the crude polysaccharides of Physalis pubescens L. mitigates colitis by preventing oxidative damage, aberrant immune responses, and dysbacteriosis

In this study, a colitis mouse model induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) was used to investigate the mechanisms of action of an extract of crude polysaccharides (POL) from Physalis pubescens L. as a dietary intervention for colitis. Our results showed that the administration of POL prior to DSS-induced colitis protected the colon mucosal layer; maintained intestinal barrier integrity; alleviated oxidative damage; and lowered neutrophil infiltration by downregulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression. More importantly, POL pretreatment reduced the expression of the proinflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), thereby modulating the nuclear factor-κB/iNOS-COX-2 signal transduction pathway. In addition, POL reversed DSS-induced gut dysbiosis, accompanied by reducing the relative abundance of Helicobacter, Mucispirillum, and Erysipelatoclostridium. In conclusion, POL ameliorated DSS-induced intestinal injury in mice, indicating that POL could be a useful dietary nutrient to protect against colitis. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Physalis pubescens L. is an edible fruit. The results of this study show that the intervention with Physalis pubescens L. crude polysaccharides may help prevent ulcerative colitis.

Systems pharmacology reveals the mechanism of activity of Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury

Acute lung injury (ALI) is an important cause of mortality of patients with sepsis, shock, trauma, pneumonia, multiple transfusions and pancreatitis. Physalis alkekengi L. var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino (PAF) has been extensively used in Chinese folk medicine because of a good therapeutic effect in respiratory diseases. Here, an integrated approach combining network pharmacology, proton nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics, histopathological analysis and biochemical assays was used to elucidate the mechanism of PAF against ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a mouse model. We found that the compounds present in PAF interact with 32 targets to effectively improve the damage in the lung undergoing ALI. We predicted the putative signalling pathway involved by using the network pharmacology and then used the orthogonal signal correction partial least-squares discriminant analysis to analyse the disturbances in the serum metabolome in mouse. We also used ELISA, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and TUNEL assay to confirm the potential signalling pathways involved. We found that PAF reduced the release of cytokines, such as TNF-α, and the accumulation of oxidation products; decreased the levels of NF-κB, p-p38, ERK, JNK, p53, caspase-3 and COX-2; and enhanced the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Collectively, PAF significantly reduced oxidative stress injury and inflammation, at the same time correcting the energy metabolism imbalance caused by ALI, increasing the amount of antioxidant-related metabolites and reducing the apoptosis of lung cells. These observations suggest that PAF may be an effective candidate preparation alleviating ALI.

Trends in the extraction, purification, characterisation and biological activities of polysaccharides from tropical and sub-tropical fruits - A comprehensive review

Tropical and sub-tropical fruits are tremendous sources of polysaccharides (PSs), which are of great interest in the human welfare system as natural medicines, food and cosmetics. This review paper aims to highlight the recent trends in extraction (conventional and non-conventional), purification and analytic techniques of fruit polysaccharides (FPSs). The chemical structure and biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-coagulant and anti-diabetic effects, of PSs extracted from 53 various fruits were compared and discussed. With this wide coverage, a total of 172 scientific articles were reviewed and discussed. This comprehensive survey from previous studies suggests that the FPSs are non-toxic and highly biocompatible. In addition, this review highlights that FPSs might be excellent functional foods as well as effective therapeutic drugs. Finally, the future research advances of FPSs are also described. The content of this review will promote human wellness-based food product development in the future.

Structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and immunomodulatory activity of non-starch polysaccharides from Chuanminshen violaceum collected from different regions

Chuanminshen violaceum has been used as an important traditional Chinese medicine and a popular tonic food in China. Polysaccharides are considered the major bioactive components in C. violaceum. In this study, in order well understand the chemical structures and bioactivities of non-starch polysaccharides in C. violaceum (CVPs), the physicochemical structures, antioxidant activities, and immunomodulatory activities of CVPs in C. violaceum collected from different regions of China were investigated and compared. Results showed that the constituent monosaccharides and Fourier transform infrared spectra of CVPs in C. violaceum collected from different regions were similar. However, their molar ratios of constituent monosaccharides, molecular weights, and contents of uronic acids were different. Furthermore, CVPs exerted remarkable antioxidant activities (ABTS and nitric oxide radical scavenging capacities) and immunomodulatory activities (promoted production of nitric oxide, IL-6, and TNF-α from RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro). Meanwhile, the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of CVPs extracted from C. violaceum also varied by cultivated regions. Moreover, results indicated that the antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of CVPs were closely correlated to their α-1,4-d-galactosiduronic linkages. Results are helpful for better understanding of the structure-bioactivity relationships of CVPs, and beneficial for the improvement of their applications in pharmaceutical and functional food industries.

Analysis of Methanolic Extracts and Crude Polysaccharides from the Leaves of Chuanminshen violaceum and Their Antioxidant Activities

The root of Chuanminshen violaceum is used as an important edible and medicinal plant in China. However, its leaves are generally considered byproducts, and therefore do not have a use. Thus, the phenolic compounds in the methanolic extracts (CVLMs) and the chemical characteristics of crude polysaccharides (CVLPs) from the leaves of C. violaceum and their in vitro antioxidant activities were explored. The results showed that chlorogenic acid and rutin were the major individual phenolic compounds in the leaves, which ranged from 1.22 ± 0.03 to 2.87 ± 0.04 mg/g DW, and from 2.25 ± 0.04 to 4.03 ± 0.05 mg/g DW, respectively. Meanwhile, the extraction yields of CVLPs from the leaves ranged from 4.73% to 5.41%. The CVLPs consisted of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose, and arabinose, suggesting the existence of pectic polysaccharides. Furthermore, both CVLMs and CVLPs exhibited strong antioxidant activities. Chlorogenic acid and rutin were major contributors to the antioxidant activities of CVLMs, and the antioxidant activities of CVLPs were closely correlated to their α-1,4-D-galactosiduronic linkages. The results are beneficial for understanding the chemical properties and in vitro antioxidant activities of CVLMs and CVLPs. The leaves of C. violaceum have potential to be developed as natural antioxidants.

Characterization, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of a neutral polysaccharide from Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke

A neutral polysaccharide (DIP-1) from Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke was obtained by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation and chromatographic separation (DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange column and Sephadex G-100 gel column). The physicochemical properties of DIP-1 were elucidated by gel permeation chromatography, monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, UV-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscope and Congo red test. The results indicated that DIP-1 was consisted of mannose, glucosamine, glucose, galactose and arabinose in a ratio of 1.00:0.42:18.36:14.17:0.81, and its molecular weight was 218.3 kDa. Meanwhile, DIP-1 presented a straight hexahedron structure, but no triple-helical conformation. In antioxidant activity tests, DIP-1 exhibited powerful scavenging activities on hydroxyl, DPPH, ABTS radicals and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. Especially, DIP-1 demonstrated high inhibitory activities against SKOV-3 and Hep-G2 cells in vitro, with IC₅₀ values of 1.42 and 1.23 mg/ml, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: D. indica has been used for a long time as a Chinese medicine for therapy of many diseases, including cancer, inflammation, leprosy, fever, bleeding and so on. At present, polysaccharides have attracted comprehensive attention because of a large range of pharmacological and biological properties, including antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. In the present study, we purified and characterized a neutral polysaccharide from D. indica for the first time. Moreover, the neutral polysaccharide exhibits significant antioxidant and antitumor activities. Therefore, the present study laid a foundation for the high-value application of D. indica polysaccharides in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

Optimization of bioactive preservative coatings of starch nanocrystal and ultrasonic extract of sour lemon peel on chicken fillets

Starch nanocrystal (S-NC) was produced after sulfuric acid hydrolysis of potato starch granules and then characterized by laser diffraction particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize S-NC (2-10%) concentration, sour lemon peel extract (SLPE, 2.5-12.5%) amount, mixing temperature (M-TE, 25-65 °C) and mixing time (M-TI,15-75 min) in the preparation of bioactive coating solutions to develop the high-quality chicken fillets during the cold-storage. The optimized conditions for achieving the highest DPPH inhibition percentage (89.14%), antibacterial activity (Staphylococcus aureus, 3.58-mm; Escherichia coli, 3.14-mm; Listeria monocytogenes, 2.31-mm and Salmonella enterica, 2.24-mm) and lightness value (77.82) and the lowest redness (6.69), yellowness (13.21) values and viscosity (27.5 mPa.s) were 4.0% S-NC, 5.62% SLPE, 51.17 °C M-TE and 43.29 min M-TI. Spraying the optimal coating solution on chicken fillets led to a significant improvement in their physicochemical, textural and sensory characteristics compared to the control during 12-day cold-storage.

The GC-MS metabolomics signature in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome directs to dysbiosis as an aspect contributing factor of FMS pathophysiology

INTRODUCTION

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome. Previous analyses of untargeted metabolomics data indicated altered metabolic profile in FMS patients.

OBJECTIVES

We report a semi-targeted explorative metabolomics study on the urinary metabolite profile of FMS patients; exploring the potential of urinary metabolite information to augment existing medical diagnosis.

METHODS

All cases were females. Patients had a medical history of persistent FMS (n = 18). Control groups were first-generation family members of the patients (n = 11), age-related individuals without indications of FMS (n = 10), and healthy, young (18-22 years) individuals (n = 41). The biofluid investigated was early morning urine samples. Data generation was done through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and data processing and analyses were performed using Matlab, R, SPSS and SAS software.

RESULTS

Quantitative analysis revealed the presence of 196 metabolites. Unsupervised and supervised multivariate analyses distinguished all three control groups and the FMS patients, which could be related to 14 significantly increased metabolites. These metabolites are associated with energy metabolism, digestion and metabolism of carbohydrates and other host and gut metabolites.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, urinary metabolite profiles in the FMS patients suggest: (1) energy utilization is a central aspect of this pain disorder, (2) dysbiosis seems to prevail in FMS patients, indicated by disrupted microbiota metabolites, supporting the model that microbiota may alter brain function through the gut-brain axis, with the gut being a gateway to generalized pain, and (3) screening of urine from FMS is an avenue to explore for adding non-invasive clinical information for diagnosis and treatment of FMS.