An arabinogalactan from flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium: structural and bioactivity studies

Review of polysaccharides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships and applications

Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (C. morifolium), as a traditional ornamental plant, it has multiple values, including edible, economic, nutritional and even medicinal values, which is used as herbal medicine and a new food resource in the world. Polysaccharides are one of the main bioactive components in C. morifolium, which have various health benefits such as improving functional constipation, improving colitis, anti-glycosylation, antioxidant, anti-angiogenesis, immunomodulation, prebiotic, and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. This paper describes the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, health benefits, structural-activity relationships, applications, and analyses the shortcomings of the major relevant studies exist on C. morifolium polysaccharides. In addition, the potential mechanisms of the health benefits of C. morifolium polysaccharides were summarized. This study can provide reference and direction for further research and development of C. morifolium polysaccharides.

Identification of Efficacy-Associated Markers to Discriminate Flos Chrysanthemum and Flos Chrysanthemi Indici Based on Fingerprint-Activity Relationship Modeling: A Combined Evaluation over Chemical Consistence and Quality Consistence

Monitoring the quality consistency of traditional Chinese medicines, or herbal medicines (HMs), is the basis of assuring the efficacy and safety of HMs during clinical applications. The purpose of this work was to characterize the difference in hydrophilic antioxidants and related bioactivities between Flos Chrysanthemum (JH) and its wild relatives (Chrysanthemum indicum L.; YJH) based on the establishment of fingerprint-efficacy relationship modeling. The concentrations of the total phenolics and flavonoids of JH samples were shown to be generally higher than those of YJH, but the concentration distribution ranges of YJH were significantly greater compared to JH samples, possibly related to environmental stress factors leading to the concentration fluctuations of phytochemicals during the growth and flowering of Chrysanthemum cultivars. Correspondingly, the total antioxidant capabilities of JH were greatly higher than those of YJH samples, as revealed by chemical assays, including DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and FRAP assays. In addition, cellular-based antioxidant activities confirmed the results of chemical assays, suggesting that the differences in antioxidant activities among the different types of Chrysanthemums were obvious. The extracts from YJH and JH samples showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and lipase-inhibitory activity, implying the modulatory effects on lipid and glucose metabolisms, which were also confirmed by an untargeted cell-based metabolomics approach. The selected common peaks by similarity analysis contributed to the discrimination of YJH and JH samples, and the modeling of the fingerprint-bioactivity relationship identified neochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, and linarin as efficacy-associated chemical markers. These results have demonstrated that integrating HPLC fingerprints and the analysis of similarity indexes coupled with antioxidant activities and enzyme-inhibitory activities provides a rapid and effective approach to monitoring the quality consistency of YJH/JH samples.

Physicochemical characteristics and immunoregulatory activities of polysaccharides from five cultivars of Chrysanthemi Flos

This study compared the physicochemical characteristics and immunomodulatory activities of chrysanthemums' polysaccharides (JPs) from five cultivars. Significant differences were found in the molecular weights, the ratios of monosaccharide compositions, and morphological properties. Polysaccharides of Gongju (GJP) had the lowest molecular weight populations and polysaccharides of Boju (BJP) had the highest. SEM showed that GJP and polysaccharides of Qiju had looser and uniform surface structures, which are beneficial for being developed into instant products. Immunoregulatory assay revealed that JPs enhanced the phagocytosis and proliferation of RAW264.7 cells without obvious cytotoxicity, and upregulated the release level of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and NO. Immune-enhancing activity correlated with their molecular weights, the contents of glucuronic acid and arabinose, and microstructure, which performed differently according to different cultivars. The results suggested that BJP and polysaccharides of Hangbaiju are more suitable to be developed as new functional foods for enhancing immunity, and provided a reference for selection based on the immunization requirements.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Effectsof Chrysanthemum Stem and Leaf Extract on Zebrafish Inflammatory Bowel Disease Model

Present studies have shown that Flos Chrysanthemi has anti-inflammatory and other effects and regulates intestinal function, while the chrysanthemum stem and leaf as non-medicinal parts of chrysanthemum have similar chemical components with chrysanthemum, but the activity and mechanisms are rarely elucidated. Therefore, this study used a DSS-induced zebrafish inflammatory bowel disease model to study the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of chrysanthemum stem and leaf extracts. The results indicate that DSS induction leads to increased secretion of acidic mucin in the intestines of juvenile fish, enlargement of the intestinal lumen and the emergence of intestinal inflammation. Compared with the model group, each administration group differentially inhibited the expression of IL-1β, IL-8 and MMP9 in DSS-induced zebrafish, while upregulating the activity of superoxide dismutase. The quantitative analysis results showed that the flavonoids (including Linarin, Diosmetin-7-glucoside, Tilianin, etc.) and phenolic acids (including Isochlorogenic acid C, Isochlorogenic acid A, 1,3-Dicaffeoylquinic acid, etc.) in the alcohol extract were closely related with both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, while the polysaccharides were also shown a certain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this study suggests that the flavonoids, phenolic acids and polysaccharides from chrysanthemum stem and leaf extracts can improve inflammatory bowel disease of zebrafish by regulating the expressions of IL-1β, IL-8 and MMP9.

The effect of microbial composition and proteomic on improvement of functional constipation by Chrysanthemum morifolium polysaccharide

In this paper, SD rat constipation model was established with loperamide hydrochloride to study the effect of Chrysanthemum morifolium polysaccharide on the improvement of functional constipation, and the mechanism of improving constipation was investigated with the proteomics and intestinal flora. The results showed that the HD group of C. morifolium polysaccharide could significantly increase the levels of water content of stool pellets, small intestine propulsion rate, gastrin (MTL), gastrin (GAS) and substance P (SP), decrease the level of growth inhibitor (SS) and improved gastrointestinal motility in rats. Gut microbial studies showed that C. morifolium polysaccharide could significantly increase species abundance and flora diversity and improve flora structure. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Romboutsia increased, while the relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Roseburia decreased compared with the MC group. Proteomics studies suggested that C. morifolium polysaccharides could reduce intestinal lesions, enhance intestinal homeostasis, increase amino acid uptake, promote intestinal motility and relieve constipation by regulating the expression of RAS, FABP1 and SLC1A5 proteins.

Plants arabinogalactans: From structures to physico-chemical and biological properties

Arabinogalactans (AGs) are plant heteropolysaccharides with complex structures occasionally attached to proteins (AGPs). AGs in cell matrix of different parts of plant are freely available or chemically bound to pectin rhamnogalactan. Type I with predominantly β-d-(1 → 4)-galactan and type II with β-d-(1 → 3) and/or (1 → 6)-galactan structural backbones construct the two main groups of AGs. In the current review, the chemical structure of AGs is firstly discussed focusing on non-traditional plant sources and not including well known industrial gums. After that, processes for their extraction and purification are considered and finally their techno-functional and biological properties are highlighted. The role of AG structure and function on health advantages such as anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-ulcer- anti-diabetic and other activites and also the immunomodulatory effects on in-vivo model systems are overviewed.

The flower head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. (Juhua): A paradigm of flowers serving as Chinese dietary herbal medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dietary herbal medicines are widely used for the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases due to their pharmacological activities in China. Juhua (the flower head of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat.), the most representative flower-derived one, which is mainly used for the treatment of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, shows significant activities, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer, and, neuroprotective, as well as effects on the cardiovascular system.

AIMS OF THIS REVIEW

This review aims to provide an overview of the crucial roles of flowers in Chinese dietary herbal medicine, and the pharmaceutical research progress of Juhua (the paradigm of dietary herbal medicine derived from the flower) including its applications in Traditional Chinese medicine and diet, cultivars, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, and toxicity, along with chrysanthemum breeding and biotechnology.

METHOD

The information associated with Chinese dietary herbal medicine, flower-derived medicine, dietary flower, and pharmaceutical research of Juhua, was collected from government reports, classic books of Traditional Chinese medicine, the thesis of doctors of philosophy and maters, and database including Pubmed, Scifinder, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Internet; and others.

RESULT

All flower-originated crude medicines recorded in Chinese pharmacopeia and their applications were summarized for the first time in this paper. The edible history and development of flowers in China, the theory of Chinese dietary herbal medicines, as well as flowers serving as dietary herbal medicines, were discussed. Moreover, applications in Traditional Chinese medicine and diet, cultivars, phytochemistry, quality control, pharmacology, and safety evaluation of Juhua, together with chrysanthemum breeding and biotechnology, were summarized in this paper.

CONCLUSION

The theory of dietary herbal medicines, which are an important part of the Traditional Chinese medicine system, has a history of thousands of years. Many herbal flowers, serving as dietary herbal medicines, contribute significantly to the prevention and treatment of a variety of diseases for Chinese people. To better benefit human health, more effective supervision practice for dietary herbal medicines is needed. Although various investigations on Juhua have been done, there is a lack of analytical methods for discrimination of cultivar flowers and identification of authenticity. Research on the major compounds with bioactivities, especially those related to its clinical application or healthcare function, as well as their possible mechanize, need be strengthened. More safety evaluation of Juhua should be carried out. The research limitations Juhua is facing exist in all dietary herbal medicine.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Thirteen Ingredients after the Oral Administration of Flos Chrysanthemi Extract in Rats by UPLC-MS/MS

A rapid and reliable UPLC-MS/MS method was developed and validated for the simultaneous quantification of thirteen bioactive compounds (luteolin, cynaroside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, isochlorogenic acid C, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, apigenin, apigenin 7-glucoside, acacetin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, tilianin, and hesperidin) in rat plasma. The compounds were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.7 μm) with a gradient mobile phase system of acetonitrile and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. All compounds were quantitated using Agilent Jet Stream electrospray ionization (AJS ESI) in a negative ion mode. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all compounds was below 5 ng/mL. The intra- and interday accuracy ranged from -13.0% to 14.0%, and precisions were less than 12.2%. The extraction recoveries of the compounds were in the range of 56.9% to 95.0%, and the matrix effect ranged between 71.6% and 109.3%. Stability studies proved that the thirteen compounds were stable under tested conditions, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 11.4%. This developed method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of the 13 bioactive compounds after oral administration of Flos Chrysanthemi extract in rat by UPLC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters of 8 out of the 13 compounds investigated are presented in this paper.

An acidic heteropolysaccharide from Lycii fructus: Purification, characterization, neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities in vitro

Regeneration of neurites network constitutes a neurotrophic and therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease (PD). Increasing evidence is supporting the potential application of natural polysaccharides in prevention or treatment of PD. In this study, an acidic heteropolysaccharide LFP-1 was isolated from Lycii fructus, and purified by ion-exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Structural features of LFP-1 were analyzed with molecular weight (MW) distribution, monosaccharide composition, methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. LFP-1 was a complicated structured polysaccharide with an average MW of 1.78 × 10⁴ Da and composed of highly branched arabinogalactans, homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan moieties. LFP-1 promoted neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in vitro in PC12 cell models. Furthermore, LFP-1 had a significantly protective effect against 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridiniumion (MPP+)-induced neurotoxicity in PD model PC12 cells. These observations unambiguously indicated the neurotrophic and neuroprotective activities of LFP-1, which may be developed for prevention or treatment of neurodegeneration in PD.

Extraction Optimization and Effects of Extraction Methods on the Chemical Structures and Antioxidant Activities of Polysaccharides from Snow Chrysanthemum (Coreopsis Tinctoria)

In order to explore snow chrysanthemum polysaccharides (SCPs) as functional food ingredients and natural antioxidants for industrial applications, both microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) were firstly optimized for the extraction of SCPs. Furthermore, the effects of conventional hot water extraction, UAE, and MAE on the chemical structures and antioxidant activities of SCPs were investigated. The maximum extraction yields of SCPs extracted by UAE (4.13 ± 0.24%) and MAE (4.26 ± 0.21%) were achieved at the optimized extraction parameters as follows: ultrasound amplitude (68%) and microwave power (500 W), ultrasound extraction time (21 min) and microwave extraction time (6.5 min), and ratio of liquid to raw material (42.0 mL/g for UAE and 59.0 mL/g for MAE). In addition, different extraction methods significantly affected the contents of uronic acids, the molecular weights, the molar ratio of constituent monosaccharides, and the degree of esterification of SCPs. SCPs exhibited remarkable DPPH (IC50 ≤ 1.702 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50 ≤ 1.121 mg/mL), and nitric oxide (IC50 ≤ 0.277 mg/mL) radical scavenging activities, as well as reducing power (≥ 80.17 ± 4.8 μg Trolox/mg), which suggested that SCPs might be one of the major contributors toward the antioxidant activities of snow chrysanthemum tea. The high antioxidant activities (DPPH, IC50 = 0.693 mg/mL; ABTS, IC50 = 0.299 mg/mL; nitric oxide, IC50 = 0.105 mg/mL; and reducing power, 127.79 ± 2.57 μg Trolox/mg) observed in SCP-M extracted by the MAE method might be partially attributed to its low molecular weight and high content of unmethylated galacturonic acids. Results suggested that the MAE method could be an efficient technique for the extraction of SCPs with high antioxidant activity, and SCPs could be further explored as natural antioxidants for industrial application.

Structural characterization, antioxidant activity, and antiglycation activity of polysaccharides from different chrysanthemum teas

In this study, structural characteristics, antioxidant activity, and antiglycation activity of polysaccharides from different chrysanthemum teas were investigated and compared.

Protective effect of an arabinogalactan from black soybean against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

In vivo hepatoprotective effect of a novel arabinogalactan (AG) from black soybean on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury was evaluated for the first time. Our results showed that administration of AG could significantly attenuate the increase in the levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase in the serum caused by CCl4 treatment. AG treatment not only significantly elevated the levels of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase; but also increased the levels of non-enzyme antioxidants (glutathione and total antioxidant capacity in liver tissues) when compared with CCl4-induced acute liver injury model. In addition, AG significantly reduced lipid peroxidation levels in liver tissues. The hepatoprotective effect of high-dose of AG was comparable to that of silymarin, which served as a positive standard. This study indicated that AG had a protective effect on CCl4-induced acute liver injury.

Determination of Total Polysaccharides and Total Flavonoids in Chrysanthemum morifolium Using Near-Infrared Hyperspectral Imaging and Multivariate Analysis

The rapid and nondestructive determination of active compositions in Chrysanthemum morifolium (Hangbaiju) is of great value for producers and consumers. Hyperspectral imaging as a rapid and nondestructive technique was used to determine total polysaccharides and total flavonoids content in Chrysanthemum morifolium. Hyperspectral images of different sizes of Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers were acquired. Pixel-wise spectra within all samples were preprocessed by wavelet transform (WT) followed by standard normal variate (SNV). Partial least squares (PLS) and least squares-support vector machine (LS-SVM) were used to build prediction models using sample average spectra calculated by preprocessed pixel-wise spectra. The LS-SVM model performed better than the PLS models, with the determination of the coefficient of calibration (R²c) and prediction (R²p) being over 0.90 and the residual predictive deviation (RPD) being over 3 for total polysaccharides and total flavonoids content prediction. Prediction maps of total polysaccharides and total flavonoids content in Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers were successfully obtained by LS-SVM models, which exhibited the best performances. The overall results showed that hyperspectral imaging was a promising technique for the rapid and accurate determination of active ingredients in Chrysanthemum morifolium, indicating the great potential to develop an online system for the quality determination of Chrysanthemum morifolium.

Extraction, partial characterization and bioactivity of polysaccharides from Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham

Mechanochemistry was applied to improve the yield of bioactive acid polysaccharides obtained from low-cost Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. The structural characteristics and biological activities of three novel polysaccharides from S. scandens (SP2-1, SP2-2 and SP3-2) were investigated. SP2-1 and SP2-2 with molecular weights of 267.6 and 253.1 kDa, respectively, were composed of _L-rhamnose, _D-arabinose, _D-mannose, _D-xylose, _D-glucose and _D-galactose in various ratios, whereas SP3-2 with molecular weight of 266.6 kDa was composed of _D-arabinose, _D-glucose and _D-galactose. In vitro, SP3-2 presented the strongest DPPH, ABTS and O^2- radicals scavenging activities, as well as Fe³⁺ reducibility. Immunological tests demonstrated that all polysaccharide fractions stimulated the production of nitric oxide (NO) and immunomodulatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) without cytotoxicity in macrophages and promoted splenocyte proliferation in different degree. These findings indicated that SP2-1, SP2-2 and SP3-2 have prominent antioxidant activity and potential immune response, which proved the possibility of S. scandens polysaccharides (SSP) applied in the field of functional food or medicine.

Structural, physicochemical, antioxidant and antitumor property of an acidic polysaccharide from Polygonum multiflorum

In this study, the structural characterization, physicochemical property, antioxidant and antitumor activity of an acidic polysaccharide (APS) from Polygonum multiflorum were investigated. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed APS was composed of arabinose, rhamnose, galactose and galacturonic acid in the molar ratio of 1.23:1.32:1.48:1.00. The presence of uronic acid was also confirmed by the bands at 1740, 1645 and 1425cm^-1 on Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy. Methylation and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses showed APS was mainly composed by the residues of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →3)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→, →4)-α-d-GalAp-(1→ and →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→ in the backbone. The non-reducing terminal α-l-Araf-(1→ was probably attached to the O-6 position of →3,6)-β-d-Galp-(1→ residues. Besides, APS exhibited rod-like and flaky shapes with rough surface. The initial decomposition of APS occurred at 172°C, and the rapidest weight loss rate of APS appeared at 320°C. Antioxidant activity assay showed the DPPH radical scavenging activity of APS was 67.5% at 1mg/mL. At the concentration of 400μg/mL, the antiproliferation activities of APS against HepG-2 and BGC-823 cells were 65.28% and 51.57%, respectively. Our results suggested APS could be a potential antioxidant and antitumor agent.

Structural elucidation of a polysaccharide from Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers with anti-angiogenic activity

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium were extracted with 5% sodium hydroxide, yielding a neutral polysaccharide (JHB0S2) with a molecular weight of 16 kDa by anion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column and gel permeation chromatography on a Sephacryl S-200 HR column. JHB0S2 was found to contain glucose, xylose, arabinose and galactose in molar ratio of 2.9:2.3:1.0:1.2. Through the linkage analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and NMR spectra and so forth, indicated that its backbone consisted of 1,4-linked β-Glcp, nearly 50% of which was substituted at O-6 by 1,2-linked α-Xylp terminated with Galp or Xylp. Furthermore, some of 1,2-linked α-Xylp was substituted at O-4 by α-Araf-(1→5)-α-Araf-(1→6)-β-Galp. The biological test showed that JHB0S2 could inhibit the tube formation of HMEC-1 cells.

Structural characterization of a polysaccharide from Chrysanthemum morifolium flowers and its antioxidant activity

The flowers of Chrysanthemum morifolium were extracted by boiling water, and a water-soluble polysaccharide (CMJA0S2) with a molecular weight of 6.5 kDa was isolated by anion-exchange chromatography on a DEAE-cellulose column and gel permeation chromatography on a Sephacryl S-300 HR column. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that CMJA0S2 was composed of galactose, glucose, mannose and arabinose in molar ratio of 4.1: 3.3: 1.0: 2.3. According to linkage analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and NMR spectra, the backbone was shown to contain 1, 4-linked β-Galp, 1, 4-linked β-Glcp and 1, 4-linked β-Manp, with branches substituted at C-6 of 1, 4-linked β-Manp by 1, 6-linked β-Galp and at O-6 of partial 1, 4-linked β-Galp substituted by T-linked α-Glcp. About 40% of 1, 6-linked β-Galp with T-linked α-Glcp was substituted at O-3 by α-Araf-(1→[5)-α-Araf-(1]3. The anti-oxidative analysis showed that CMJA0S2 could scavenge the DPPH radicals and relieve the damage of PC12 cells caused by H2O2, thus it could be regarded as a potential natural antioxidant.

Special Effect of Ionic Liquids on the Extraction of Flavonoid Glycosides from Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat by Microwave Assistance

A microwave-assisted extraction approach based on ionic liquids of different chain lengths was successfully applied to the extraction of ten flavonoid glycosides from the flowering heads of Chrysanthemum morifolium Ramat. The pretreated sample was quantified by HPLC-ESI-MSⁿ. The main components were identified as flavonoid glycosides, including three luteolin glycosides, three apigenin glycosides, three kaempferide glycosides, and one acacetin glycoside according to the characteristics of the corresponding CID mass spectrometric patterns. Eight ionic liquids from the imidazolium family with different chain lengths, namely, 1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [C_nmim]Br, (n = 2–16) were studied as extraction medium in water. Results indicated that alkyl chain length had an irregular impact on the extraction efficiency. Moreover, the best extraction efficiency was achieved by 1-dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide aqueous solution ([C₁₂mim]Br). Besides the alkyl chain length of the cations, other factors influencing extraction efficiency were systematically investigated, including concentration of the IL solutions, extraction time, matrix-to-solvent ratio and irradiation power.

Structure characterization of an arabinogalactan from green tea and its anti-diabetic effect

A water-soluble polysaccharide, 7WA, with an average molecular mass of 7.1×10(4)Da, was isolated from the leaves of green tea. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated that 7WA mainly contained Arabinose and Galactose in the molar ratio of 1.0:0.96. By using the methods of methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis, and NMR, 7WA was characterized to possess a backbone consisting of 1,3- and 1,6-linked galactopyranosyl residues, with branches attached to O-3 of 1,6-linked galactose residues, and O-4 and O-6 of 1,3-linked galactose residues. The results of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) showed that 7WA significantly augmented insulin secretion at high glucose level (25mM), however, such effect was not seen at low glucose level (5mM). The mechanism study results indicated 7WA, a type II arabinogalactan from Green Tea, enhances GSIS through cAMP-PKA pathway.

Structural characterization of two water-soluble polysaccharides from black soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

Black soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) have been widely used as a health food and medicinal herb in oriental medicine. In the present study, the chemical structures of two water-soluble polysaccharides (black soybean polysaccharide 1 (BSPS-1) and black soybean polysaccharide 3 (BSPS-3)) isolated from black soybeans were characterized by high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC), methylation analysis, and 1D (1H, 13C) and 2D (COSY, TOCSY, HSQC, NOESY, and HMBC) NMR spectra. The molecular weights of BSPS-1 and BSPS-3 were 1.95 × 105 and 1.88 × 105 Da, respectively. Methylation analysis and NMR spectra indicate that BSPS-1 is composed of 1,6-α-d-glucopyranosyl residues. By contrast, BSPS-3 is mainly composed of a 1,3-β-d-galactopyranosyl residue backbone with side chains substituted at the O-6 position consisting of large content of T-α-l-Araf-(1→ residues, and small contents of →5)-α-l-Araf-(1→, →2)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, and 4-O-Me-β-d-GlcAp-(1→ residues. Our results suggest that BSPS-1 is a linear (1→6)-α-d-glucan, whereas BSPS-3 is a type II arabinogalactan. The unique structures of BSPS-1 and BSPS-3 indicate that they might have wide applications in food and pharmaceutical industries.