Extraction optimization, characterization and immunity activity of polysaccharides from Fructus Jujubae

Ultrasound-assisted ethanol/K2HPO4 aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from Plantago asiatica L. seeds: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity

INTRODUCTION

The seeds of Plantago asiatica L., a folk herb, are rich in polysaccharides that possess antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Polysaccharides with lower molecular weights generally exhibit higher biological activity, so a method to efficiently extract low-molecular-weight polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds (PLPs) is needed.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to establish an efficient method for extracting polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds while preserving their activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Response surface methodology was applied to determine the optimal polysaccharide extraction conditions. Subsequently, the extracted polysaccharides were characterized to determine their monosaccharide composition, physicochemical properties, and molecular weight. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring their ability to scavenge DPPH and ABTS free radicals.

RESULTS

An extraction yield of 9.17% was achieved under an ethanol concentration of 18.0% (w/w), a K2HPO4 concentration of 27.8% (w/w), a solvent-to-material ratio of 30:1 (mL/g), an ultrasound power of 203 W, and an extraction time of 39 min. Structural analyses indicated that this method might cause physicochemical changes in the conformation of PLPs and induce the degradation of PLP side chains but not the backbone. The antioxidant assay results showed that the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging rates of PLPs were 48.3% and 49.2%, respectively, while in the control group the radical scavenging rates were 35.5% and 37.1%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The established method for extracting polysaccharides from P. asiatica L. seeds is efficient and reliable. The polysaccharides could be used as an important resource with antioxidant activity.

Research progress on the structure, derivatives, pharmacological activity, and drug carrier capacity of Chinese yam polysaccharides: A review

Chinese yam is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a long history of medicinal and edible usage in China and is widely utilised in food, medicine, animal husbandry, and other industries. Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYPs) are among the main active components of Chinese yam. In recent decades, CYPs have received considerable attention because of their remarkable biological activities, such as immunomodulatory, antitumour, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and bacteriostatic effects. The structure and chemical alterations of polysaccharides are the main factors affecting their biological activities. CYPs are potential drug carriers owing to their excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. There is a considerable amount of research on CYPs; however, a systematic summary is lacking. This review summarises the structural characteristics, derivative synthesis, biological activities, and their usage as drug carriers, providing a basis for future research, development, and application of CYPs.

A Literature Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Jujube

Jujube is a plant native to China that could be used in medicine and food. Its dried fruit is a superior herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine formulations for its calming effect and for nourishing the blood and strengthening the spleen and stomach. Jujube contains numerous active components including polysaccharides, phenols, and triterpene acids, which show a diverse array of pharmacological activities such as neuroprotection and the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. In this paper, the research status of jujube over the past two decades has been statistically evaluated. Meanwhile, by tracking the latest research advances, the pharmacological efficacy and molecular mechanisms of jujube are exhaustively expounded to provide specific and systematic references for further research on the pharmacological effects of jujube and its application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Exploring the pharmacological mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction on hepatocellular carcinoma using network pharmacology

BACKGROUND

Wuzhuyu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicinal formula, is effective in treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

AIM

To explore the potential mechanism of action of Wuzhuyu decoction against HCC.

METHODS

The active components of each Chinese herbal medicinal ingredient in Wuzhuyu decoction and their targets were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Database and Analysis Platform. HCC was used as a search query in GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, Malacards, DisGeNET, Therapeutic Target Database, and Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The overlapping targets of the Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, and then protein-protein interaction, Gene Ontology, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed. CytoHubba was used to select hub genes, and their binding activities and key active components were verified using molecular docking.

RESULTS

A total of 764 compounds, 77 active compounds, and 204 potential target genes were identified in Wuzhuyu decoction. For HCC, 9468 potential therapeutic target genes were identified by combining the results from the six databases and removing duplicates. A total of 179 overlapping targets of Wuzhuyu decoction and HCC were defined, including 10 hub genes (tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-6, AKT1, TP53, caspase-3, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, epidermal growth factor receptor, MYC, mitogen-activated protein kinase 8, and JUN). There were six main active components (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) that may act on hub genes to treat HCC in Wuzhuyu decoction. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis mainly involved the mitogen-activated protein kinase, p53, phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase-Akt, Janus kinase-signal transducer of activators of transcription, and Hippo signaling pathways. Further verification based on molecular docking results showed that the small molecule compounds (quercetin, kaempferol, ginsenoside Rh2, rutaecarpine, β-carotene, and β-sitosterol) contained in Wuzhuyu decoction generally have excellent binding affinity to the macromolecular target proteins encoded by the top 10 genes.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that Wuzhuyu decoction may be a latent multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway treatment for HCC. It provided novel insights for verifying the mechanism of Wuzhuyu decoction in the treatment of HCC.

Physicochemical properties and prebiotic activities of polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujube based on different extraction techniques

Zizyphus jujube polysaccharide was extracted with hot water, ultrahigh pressure, deep eutectic solvent (DES) and ultrahigh pressure-assisted DES. Comparative analyses were conducted on the yield, physicochemical properties and prebiotic activity of four polysaccharides (JP-H, JP-U, JP-D and JP-UD). The yield of JP-UD (10.42 %) was 3.3 times that of JP-H (3.12 %), and its sugar content was the highest. JP-UD possessed the lowest Mw, while JP-H possessed the highest. Four JPs were acidic pyranose and mainly composed of galacturonic acid, arabinose and galactose. NMR results demonstrated that they contained not only similar glycosidic linkage but also the specific glycosidic linkage of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(l→ appeared in JP-U and JP-UD, the esterified units of GalA and CONH₂ group appeared in JP-D and JP-UD, and the Terminal β-D-Galp and →4)-α-GalpA-(1→ appeared in JP-UD. JPs showed different proliferation effects on four lactobacillus strains, among which JP-UD exhibited the strongest prebiotic activity. Zizyphus jujube polysaccharides have great potential for application in the functional food and medical industry.

Structural characterization of a new high molecular weight polysaccharide from jujube fruit

From Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao fruit, a new polysaccharide (PZMP3-1) with high molecular weight was isolated. Constructional characterization revealed that PZMP3-1 comprized 2.56 rhamnose, 7.70 arabinoses, 3.73 galactose, and 6.73 galactose, and it has a 241 kDa average molecular weight. The principal structural components of PZMP3-1 were 1,2,4 and 1,4-linked GalpA, 1,4-linked Galp, 1,3 and 1,5-linked Araf, and 1-linked Rhap based on methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analyses. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) structural analysis of PZMP3-1 revealed a tangled and branching pattern. Overall, these structural results suggested that PZMP3-1 could have unique bioactivities and be widely used in nutritional supplements.

Research Progress on the Extraction, Structure, and Bioactivities of Polysaccharides from Coriolus versicolor

Coriolus is the dried fruiting body of Coriolus versicolor (L. ex Fr.) Quel. C. versicolor (CV) is a worldwide-distributed fungus, which is common and widely used in primitive forests in the northern hemisphere. Polysaccharide, as the main active ingredient in CV, has a variety of biological activities, such as promoting immune function, antivirus, antitumor, anti-diabetes, and so on. However, Coriolus versicolor polysaccharide (CVP) faces the problems of a single extraction method, lack of research on separation and purification, and the research on structural characterization is limited to the primary structure. Furthermore, the existing research results have not been systematically reviewed. Therefore, this paper summarizes the research status of CVP in terms of extraction technology, separation and purification, structural characterization, and pharmacological activity in recent years, in order to provide a theoretical basis for in-depth research, development, and utilization of CVP.

Wen Dan Tang: A Potential Jing Fang Decoction for Headache Disorders?

Background: Chinese herbal medicine is considered relatively safe, inexpensive, and easily accessible. Wen Dan Tang (WDT), a Jing Fang ancient classical Chinese herbal formula with a broad indication profile has been used for several centuries in China to treat various illnesses. Question: Are there evidence-based clinical trials that show that WDT has a significant impact on the treatment of various diseases, especially in patients with migraine and tension-type headaches (TTH)? Methods: This study is based on an online database search using PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, AcuTrials, Embase, Semantic Scholar, Jstor, internet research, and review of ancient and modern Chinese medical textbooks regarding WDT and its compounds. Results: There were no studies on WDT in migraine and TTH; therefore, this work gathers and describes data for every single compound in the formula. Conclusion: This study suggests that the bioactive compounds found in WDT composition show potential in treating patients with neurological, psychiatric disorders, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and digestive disorders. Some coherence between WDT in headache reduction and improvements in the quality of life in patients with migraines and TTH could be evaluated, showing positive results of WDT in these patients.

Structure, physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant activity of the highly arabinose-branched exopolysaccharide EPS-M2 from Streptococcus thermophilus CS6

Streptococcus thermophilus CS6 could produce the high exopolysaccharide (EPS) level in optimized skimmed milk medium. However, physicochemical properties and structure of these polymers have not been fully characterized. In this study, two purified fractions (EPS-M1 and EPS-M2) exhibited good rheology, thermostability and antioxidant activity. Further monosaccharide composition, molecular weight and NMR analysis indicated EPS-M2 was composed of galactose, arabinose and glucose (5:2.5:1) with an average molecular weight of 2.22 × 10⁴ Da and its suggested repeating unit was →6)-[α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)]-β-D-Galp-(1 → 4)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-[α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-{α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)}-α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)]-β-D-Galp-(1 → 4)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-[β-D-Galp-(1 → 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)]-β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-[β-D-Galp-(1 → 5)-α-L-Araf-(1 → 5)-{α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)}-α-L-Araf-(1 → 3)]-β-D-Galp-(1→. High EPS production relied on the expression of eps gene cluster and key enzymes of nucleotide sugar metabolism. Overall, EPS-M2 from a potential functional starter S. thermophilus CS6 provided opportunities for natural thickener, stabilizer, and antioxidant agent exploration in the food industry.

Preparation Optimization, Characterization, and Antioxidant and Prebiotic Activities of Carboxymethylated Polysaccharides from Jujube

In this study, jujube polysaccharides (JP) were extracted from Jinsixiaozao, and carboxymethylated jujube polysaccharides (CMJP) were prepared. The optimum carboxymethylation conditions optimized by Response Surface Methodology (RSM) were as follows: the reaction temperature was 60°C, the concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution was 2.8 mol/L, and the content of chloroacetic acid was 2.12% with a degree of substitution (DS) of 0.2275 ± 0.0108. Physicochemical characterizations and in vitro antioxidant and prebiotic activities of JP and CMJP were evaluated. Compared with unmodified JP, water solubility and viscosity were improved in CMJP. Chemical analysis revealed that CMJP was composed of Rha: Ara: Xyl: Glc: Gal = 0.18 : 9.09 : 0.45 : 0.36 : 0.98 with a molecular weight of 3.04 × 105 Da. The signals of carboxymethyl were observed at 1600, 1420, and 1328 cm−1 in FT-IR. In addition, CMJP showed obviously strong hydroxyl radical scavenging ability compared with JP and also exhibited stronger abilities than JP on the proliferation growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains. These results indicated that CMJP could be explored as a promising resource for the development of functional foods.

Cytotoxicity activities and chemical characteristics of exopolysaccharides and intracellular polysaccharides of Physarum polycephalum microplasmodia

BACKGROUND

Microbial polysaccharides have been reported to possess remarkable bioactivities. Physarum polycephalum is a species of slime mold for which the microplasmodia are capable of rapid growth and can produce a significant amount of cell wall-less biomass. There has been a limited understanding of the polysaccharides produced by microplasmodia of slime molds, including P. polycephalum. Thus, the primary objectives of this research were first to chemically characterize the exopolysaccharides (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS) of P. polycephalum microplasmodia and then to evaluate their cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines.

RESULTS

The yields of the crude EPS (4.43 ± 0.44 g/l) and partially purified (deproteinated) EPS (2.95 ± 0.85 g/l) were comparable (p > 0.05) with the respective crude IPS (3.46 ± 0.36 g/l) and partially purified IPS (2.45 ± 0.36 g/l). The average molecular weight of the EPS and IPS were 14,762 kDa and 1788 kDa. The major monomer of the EPS was galactose (80.22%), while that of the IPS was glucose (84.46%). Both crude and purified IPS samples showed significantly higher cytotoxicity toward Hela cells, especially the purified sample and none of the IPSs inhibited normal cells. Only 38.42 ± 2.84% Hela cells remained viable when treated with the partially purified IPS (1 mg/ml). However, although only 34.76 ± 6.58% MCF-7 cells were viable when exposed to the crude IPS, but the partially purified IPS displayed non-toxicity to MCF-7 cells. This suggested that the cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 would come from some component associated with the crude IPS sample (e.g. proteins, peptides or ion metals) and the purification process would have either completely removed or reduced amount of that component. Cell cycle analysis by flow cytometry suggested that the mechanism of the toxicity of the crude IPS toward MCF-7 and the partially purified IPS toward Hela cells was due to apoptosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The EPS and IPS of P. polycephalum microplasmodia had different chemical properties including carbohydrate, protein and total sulfate group contents, monosaccharide composition and molecular weights, which led to different cytotoxicity activities. The crude and partially purified IPSs would be potential materials for further study relating to cancer treatment.

Pectic polysaccharides from edible halophytes: Insight on extraction processes, structural characterizations and immunomodulatory potentials

The preparation, chemical properties and bio-activities of polysaccharides derived from halophytes have gained an increasing interest in the past few years. Phytochemical and pharmacological reports have shown that carbohydrates are important biologically active compounds of halophytes with numerous biological potentials. It is believed that the mechanisms involved in these bio-activities are due to the modulation of immune system. The main objective of this summary is to appraise available literature of a comparative study on the extraction, structural characterizations and biological potentials, particularly immunomodulatory effects, of carbohydrates isolated from halophytes (10 families). This review also attempts to discuss on bioactivities of polysaccharides related with their structure-activity relationship. Data indicated that the highest polysaccharides yield of around 35% was obtained under microwave irradiation. Structurally, results revealed that the most of extracted carbohydrates are pectic polysaccharides which mainly composed of arabinose (from 0.9 to 72%), accompanied by other monosaccharides (galactose, glucose, rhamnose, mannose and xylose), significant amounts of uronic acids (from 18.9 to 90.1%) and some proportions of fucose (from 0.2 to 8.3%). The molecular mass of these pectic polysaccharides was varied from 10 to 2650 kDa. Hence, the evaluation of these polysaccharides offers a great opportunity to discover novel therapeutic agents that presented especially beneficial immunomodulatory properties. Moreover, reports indicated that uronic acids, molecular weights, as well as the presence of sulfate and unmethylated acidic groups may play a significant role in biological activities of carbohydrates from halophyte species.

An acidic polysaccharide (AGC3) isolated from North American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) suspension culture as a potential immunomodulatory nutraceutical

Polysaccharides isolated from Panax quinquefolius roots are widely used as nutraceuticals due to their immunomodulatory properties. Despite their popularity, several challenges exist in isolating ginseng root polysaccharides such as batch-to-batch structural inconsistencies and bacterial endotoxin contamination. A plant tissue culture-based platform offers a potential solution to isolate natural polysaccharide fractions with consistent chemical characteristics and reduced endotoxin content. In this study, an acidic polysaccharide fraction (AGC3) with immunomodulatory properties was isolated from Panax quinquefolius suspension cultures. The heterogeneous fraction (molecular weight: 4.81 and 32.14 kDa), purified by anion exchange chromatography, was predominantly composed of galactose (>60%) along with the presence of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, glucuronic acid and galacturonic acid. The major glycosidic linkages were found to be t-Galp (47.7%), 4-Galp (15.6%), 2,4-Rhap (8.1%), 6-Galp (8.1%) and 4-GalAp (6.8%). Structural analyses indicated the presence of a pectic rhamnogalacturonan I polysaccharide in AGC3. AGC3 significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells and primary murine splenocytes by enhancing the production of several immunomodulatory mediators such as IL-6, TNF-α, GM-CSF and MCP-1. The results also indicated the putative roles of NF-κB (p65/RelA) and MAPK (p38) signaling pathways in the immunostimulatory response. Additionally, AGC3 induced murine splenocyte proliferation, another major indicator of immunostimulation. Overall, AGC3 has the potential to be used as an immunostimulatory nutraceutical.

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American ginseng suspension culture as source of natural bioactive polysaccharides.

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Acidic polysaccharide, AGC3 displayed potent immunostimulatory properties.

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Putative mechanism of action includes NF-κB (p65/RelA) and MAPK (p38) pathways.

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AGC3 predominantly composed of RGI-type pectins.

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Potential nutraceutical that can be used as an exogenous immunomodulator.

Dietary supplementation with polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao intervenes in immune response via regulating peripheral immunity and intestinal barrier function in cyclophosphamide-induced mice

Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao has been consumed as a traditional fruit with regional characteristics in China for a long time; however, fewer studies on polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Pozao (JP) have been documented. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oral administration of JP on cyclophosphamide-induced ICR mice for 28 days. The results showed that oral administration of JP could significantly improve the lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen and decrease the proportion of CD3+ and CD4+ and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ in cyclophosphamide-induced mice in a dose-dependent manner. JP treatment also increased the levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in serum and the intestine, and the improvement effects were proportional to the dose of JP. Similarly, JP significantly increased the levels of IgA and SIgA, as well as the expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin in the intestine. Particularly, the expressions of Claudin-1 and Occludin were the best in the M-JP group. Furthermore, JP positively regulated the gut microbiota as indicated by the enriched microbiota diversity. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly decreased by JP, while that of Bacteroidetes was increased by JP treatment. More importantly, the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes was significantly increased. And a high dose of JP is the most effective. At the genus level, the abundances of the Bacteroidales-S24-7-group, Lachnospiraceae, Alloprevotella, Alistipes and Bacteroides were increased by JP treatment. These results provided evidence for the regulating effect of JP on the peripheral immunity and intestinal barrier function in cyclophosphamide-induced hypoimmune mice.

Hovenia dulcis polysaccharides: Influence of multi-frequency ultrasonic extraction on structure, functional properties, and biological activities

The directional effect of single-frequency ultrasonic was the cause of the low extraction yield of polysaccharide macromolecule. Thus, a possible solution was to use multi-frequency ultrasonic technology to improve the yield of polysaccharide. Single-frequency (SF), dual-frequency (DF), and three-frequency (TF) ultrasonic extraction were applied to extract polysaccharides of Hovenia dulcis (HDPs). A maximal polysaccharide extraction yield (9.02 ± 0.29%) was gat using the dual-frequency ultrasonic with optimized DF conditions comprising 58.00 °C, 33.00 min, 28&40 kHz. The three HDPs were compared for their physicochemical, rheological, and functional properties, and their antioxidant activities. DF-HDPs contain higher uronic acid than SF-HDPs and TF-HDPs. Rheological tests indicated that the HDPs had excellent colloid properties and a promising potential to serve as a thickener, gelatinizer, and stabilizing agent in the food industry. Moreover, the DF-HDPs exhibited a notable oil holding capacity (3.92 ± 0.04 g oil/g), foaming capacity (35.26 ± 0.47%), and emulsion capacity (43.96 ± 0.67%). Compared to the SF- and TF-HDPs, the DF-HDPs had superior antioxidant activities. In conclusion, a better extraction method (dual-frequency ultrasonic extraction) was achieved.

Physicochemical Composition and Apparent Degree of Polymerization of Fructans in Five Wild Agave Varieties: Potential Industrial Use

In this study, we characterize fructan extracts from five wild agave varieties at three ages to identify their potential use in the food industry. Physicochemical parameters (solids soluble total and pH), sugar content and fructan distribution profiles by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) were evaluated. We found that the ages and variety influenced the carbohydrate content and also fructan dispersion. Two- to four-year-old plants exhibited the highest concentrations of free sugars and fructans, with a low apparent degree of polymerization (DPa) of ≤9 monomers, which highlights their potential use as prebiotics. Conversely, 10- to 12-year-old plants presented a low concentration of free sugars and fructans with a maximum DPa of 70 monomers, which can be used to obtain fractions with high, intermediate and low DPa. These fractions have a potential use in the food industry as prebiotic, soluble fibers, stabilizers and sweeteners, among others. The agave varieties Agave spp., Agave salmiana, and Agave atrovirens showed mainly fructooligosaccharides (FOSs). Due to the presence of these low molecular carbohydrates, prebiotics, fermented products and/or syrups could be obtained. A. salmiana spp. crassipina and Agave tequilana variety cenizo presented DPa ≤50 and DPa ≤70, respectively, which could be useful in the production of fructan fractions of different DPa. These fractions might be used as functional ingredients in the manufacture of a wide range of food products.

Isolation, structure elucidation, and immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharide fractions from Boswellia carterii frankincense resin

Frankincense has a long history in religious, cultural, and medicinal use. In this study polysaccharides were extracted from frankincense from Boswellia carterii. The polysaccharides were purified by anion exchange chromatography on a DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow 16/10 FPLC column. Six fractions were obtained and the three most active immunomodulatory fractions were further purified by size exclusion chromatography on a Superdex-200 column. The composition showed the monosaccharides present were predominantly galactose, arabinose, and glucuronic acid along with small amounts of rhamnose and glucose. The monosaccharide composition and glycosyl linkage analysis revealed the polysaccharides belong to the type II arabinogalactans. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and bicinchoninic acid assay showed that the amount of protein in the samples was <1 wt%. One-dimensional ¹H NMR were consistent with high molecular weight compounds. The monosaccharides were primarily in the β conformation. The three fractions exhibited an immunostimulatory effect on RAW 264.7 murine macrophage cells. The most active immunostimulatory fraction FA2, stimulated a range of pro-inflammatory mediators including iNOS, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in RAW 264.7 cells. The fractions were effective in proliferating primary murine splenocytes. The results indicate that the polysaccharides isolated from frankincense have the potential to be used as an immunological stimulant or nutraceutical.

Extraction, purification, characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujuba cv. Linzexiaozao

The extraction process, purification and characterization analyses of polysaccharides (LZJP) in Ziziphus jujuba planted in Linze County, Gansu Province were investigated, respectively. The results showed a maximum polysaccharide yield of 5.72% was achieved at a solid/liquid ratio of 1:20 g/mL for 90 min at 80 °C. Two homogenous acidic polysaccharides (LZJP3 and LZJP4) were purified successively by DEAE-52 cellulose and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. LZJP3 is composed of one polymer with galactose while LZJP4 is made up of two different kinds of polymers with xylose and glucose by size-exclusion chromatograph combined with multi-angle laser photometer (HPSEC-LLS) and gas chromatography (GC) analysis. LZJP3 and LZJP4 were β-pyran polysaccharides with a large number of molecular globular aggregates by FT-IR (Fourier-transform infrared) and AFM (Atomic force microscopy) analysis, and the surface morphology exhibited smooth and filamentous staggered extension in the form of rod-like aggregation with SEM (Scanning electron microscopy) determination. Meanwhile, LZJP3 and LZJP4 exhibited antioxidant activities against DPPH, hydroxyl radical, hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical and stronger reducing power in vitro with the concentration increasing. The results indicated that LZJPs were worthy of being developed further as a natural antioxidant in food and medicine industries.

Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction and Structural Characterization of the Polysaccharide from Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seeds

In the present study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of crude polysaccharides (PSP) from pumpkin seeds was optimized by response surface method (RSM). The polysaccharide yield (2.29 ± 0.14%), which agreed closely with the theoretical predicted value 2.40%, was obtained under the optimal extraction conditions: extraction time 24 min, extraction temperature 50 °C, ultrasonic power 347 W, and liquid to solid ratio 23 mL/g. After further purification by two-step column chromatography, a novel polysaccharide (PSP-1) was isolated from pumpkin seeds. PSP-1 was composed of mannose, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 1.00:4.26:5.78 with molecular weight of 3728 g/mol. 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy analysis revealed that the backbone of PSP-1 was mainly formed by β→6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, and →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→ with branching at O-3 and O-6 of →3,6)-β-d-Manp-(1→. Branch linkages were composed of α-d-Glcp-(1→ and →4)-α-d-Galp-(1→.

Characterization and immunological activity of polysaccharides from Ixeris polycephala

A water-soluble polysaccharide, named KMCP, was isolated and purified from edible plant Ixeris polycephala by using DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography. Its structure was determined by chemical analysis, methylation analysis, and NMR analysis, coupled with characterization by scanning electron spectroscopy (SEM). The resulting data indicated that KMCP was an arabinogalactan, with an average molecular weight of 1.95×10⁶Da, which was mainly composed of arabinose and galactose in a relative molar ratio of 28.1% and 70.3%, respectively. The structure of KMPC was characterized as 72.5% of (1→4)-β-Galp residues interspersed with 27.5% of (1→4,6)-β-Galp residues in the main chain, and the branches were composed of (1→5)-α-Araf moieties or α-Araf (1→5) α-Araf (1→disaccharide moieties attached at O-6 of the (1→4,6)-β-Galp residues. KMCP was revealed to be capable of exhibiting macrophage-mediated innate immune responses via enhancing phagocytosis of macrophages and increasing production of NO, activating NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting the mice spleen cells proliferation in a dose-dependent manner within the test concentrations (10.0-200.0μg/mL). These results suggested that KMCP could potentially be an effective and safe immunomodulator valuable to be utilized in pharmacological fields or in the development of functional foods.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction, characterization, and antioxidant activity in vitro and in vivo of polysaccharides from Chestnut rose (Rosa roxburghii tratt) fruit

In this study, the response surface methodology was utilized to determine optimum conditions for extracting the polysaccharides from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (RRTPs) using ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and the characterization and antioxidant activities of the RRTPs were discussed. RRTPs yield was 6.59 ± 1.34%, which was well consistent with the predicted value of 6.716%, under the following optimum conditions: ratio of water to raw material 40.18 mL/g, extraction temperature 78.8 °C, ultrasonic power 148 W, and extraction time 32.8 min. The monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that RRTPs were composed of mannose (Man), rhamnose (Rha), glucuronic acid (GlcA), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), arabinose (Ara) and xylose (Xyl). The molecular weight distribution analysis showed that RRTPs had four main components with molecular weights of 332.56, 183.96, 11.92 and 5.95 kDa, respectively. In vitro antioxidant studies revealed RRTPs exhibited significant antioxidant potential on hydroxyl, superoxide and DPPH radicals. In addition, antioxidant assays in vivo demonstrated that RRTPs can significantly increase the superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities, and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) to some extent, as well as decrease the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in both serum and liver of d-Gal aging-induced mice. These data suggested that RRTPs could be a potential candidate of natural antioxidants for applications in functional food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetic industries. In summary, this work provided an effective method for the exploitation and utilization of value-added R. roxburghii Tratt fruit which would be useful to fully utilize this resource.

Extraction and physicochemical properties of polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao by ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction

In this paper, ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UAATPE) performed via a one-step procedure was applied to extract polysaccharides from Ziziphus Jujuba cv. Muzao. Using an ethanol/ammonium sulfate system as a multiphase solvent, effects of UAATPE on extraction of ZMP, such as solvent-to-material ratio, composition of aqueous two-phase system, and extraction time and temperature, were investigated using response surface methodology on basis of results of single-factor experiment. The final optimal conditions were ATPS composition: 29% ethanol and 15% (NH₄)₂SO₄, extraction time: 38min, extraction temperature: 48°C, solvent-to-material ratio: 30, and microwave power: 70W. Under these conditions, the experimental extraction yield was 8.18%. Chemical analysis revealed that ZMP were composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid, at a ratio of 1.46:2.47:2.27:1.12:1.00:1.57:5.40, respectively. The structures were also characterized with UV, FTIR, and SEM. The DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities showed ZMP had moderately antioxidant activity.

Chemical Characterization and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Polysaccharides from Zizyphus jujube cv. Muzao

Polysaccharides fromZizyphus jujube cv. Muzao(ZMP) were extracted by ultrasonic-assisted extraction with acidic buffer. The chemical composition and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ZMP were evaluated. The results revealed that ZMP had a molecular weight of 89.90 kDa and consisted of arabinose, galactose, glucose, rhamnose, and mannose, with molar percentages of 4.52 %, 2.64 %, 1.04 %, 0.49 %, and 0.41 %, respectively. Based on Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, ZMP belonged to the type I rhamnogalacturonans family. In vitro antioxidants assays revealed that ZMP had remarkable antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha, were suppressed by ZMP in lipopolysaccharide-treated RAW264.7 cells. Overall, the results revealed that ZMP has potential applications as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.

Optimized Extraction, Preliminary Characterization, and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Fisch

Background

This study performed optimized extraction, preliminary characterization, and in vitro antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.

Material/Methods

Three parameters (extraction temperature, ratio of water to raw material, and extraction time) were optimized for yields of G. uralensis polysaccharides (GUP) using response surface methodology with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The GUP was purified using DEAE cellulose 32-column chromatography. The main fraction obtained from G. uralensis Fisch was GUP-II, which was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, and glucose monosaccharide, was screened for antioxidant properties using DP Hand hydroxyl radical scavenging assays. In addition, immunological activity of GUP-II was determined by nitric oxide and lymphocyte proliferation assays.

Results

Optimization revealed maximum GUP yields with an extraction temperature of 99°C, water: raw material ratio of 15: 1, and extraction duration of 2 h. GUP-II purified from G. uralensis Fisch had good in vitro DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities. Immunologically, GUP-II significantly stimulated NO production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, and significantly enhanced LPS-induced lymphocyte proliferation.

Conclusions

Extraction of GUP from G. uralensis Fisch can be optimized with respect to temperature, extraction period, and ratio of water to material, using response surface methodology. The purified product (GUP-II) possesses excellent antioxidant and immunological activities.

Simultaneous determination of 13 carbohydrates using high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry

A simple, accurate, and highly sensitive method was developed for the determination of 13 carbohydrates in polysaccharide of Spirulina platensis based on high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry. Samples were extracted with deionized water using ultrasonic-assisted extraction, and the ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were optimized by Box-Behnken design. Then the extracted polysaccharide was hydrolyzed by adding 1 mol/L trifluoroacetic acid before determination by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and confirmed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection method was performed on a CarboPac PA20 column by gradient elution using deionized water, 0.1 mol/L sodium hydroxide solution, and 0.4 mol/L sodium acetate solution. Excellent linearity was observed in the range of 0.05-10 mg/L. The average recoveries ranged from 80.7 to 121.7%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification for 13 carbohydrates were 0.02-0.10 and 0.2-1.2  μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has been successfully applied to ambient samples, and the results indicated that high-performance anion-exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection and mass spectrometry could provide a rapid and accurate method for the simultaneous determination of carbohydrates.

Purification, characterization and immunoregulatory activity of a polysaccharide isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa L

BACKGROUND

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. is not only used traditionally as a component of herbal drinks, beverages and flavoring agents but also as a herbal medicine in the drug industry. Bioactive polysaccharides are important constituents of H. sabdariffa that may contribute to the plant's beneficial effects. This study was designed to investigate the structural characteristics of a water-soluble polysaccharide from H. sabdariffa, HSP41, and its immunoregulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells.

RESULTS

HSP41 was mainly composed of arabinose, xylose and mannose at a molar ratio of 1:1.34:15.6, with an average molecular weight of 3.3 × 10⁵  Da. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra exhibited absorption peaks characteristic of HSP41. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the amorphous form and aggregation conformation of HSP41 respectively. HSP41 significantly induced interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 cells in vitro, promoting an increase in nuclear factor kB p65 (NF-kB p65) levels in the nucleus.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that HSP41 up-regulated the immune response by stimulating RAW264.7 cell activity. HSP41, a promising immunoregulator, possibly contributes to the health benefits of H. sabdariffa and might have potential applications in health food or medicine. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicines: Extraction, Purification, Modification, and Biological Activity

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been used to treat diseases in China for thousands of years. TCM compositions are complex, using as their various sources plants, animals, fungi, and minerals. Polysaccharides are one of the active and important ingredients of TCMs. Polysaccharides from TCMs exhibit a wide range of biological activities in terms of immunity- modifying, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-tumor properties. With their widespread biological activities, polysaccharides consistently attract scientist's interests, and the studies often concentrate on the extraction, purification, and biological activity of TCM polysaccharides. Currently, numerous studies have shown that the modification of polysaccharides can heighten or change the biological activities, which is a new angle of polysaccharide research. This review highlights the current knowledge of TCM polysaccharides, including their extraction, purification, modification, and biological activity, which will hopefully provide profound insights facilitating further research and development.