Anti-inflammatory activity of polysaccharide from Schizophyllum commune as affected by ultrasonication

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of the genus Rhodiola L. polysaccharides: A review

The genus Rhodiola L., an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine in China, exhibits a broad spectrum of applications. This genus contains key compounds such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, immune-enhancing, and anti-hypoxic properties. As a vital raw material, Rhodiola L. contributes to twenty-four kinds of Chinese patent medicines and 481 health food products in China, finding extensive application in the health food sector. Recently, polysaccharides have emerged as a focal point in natural product research, with applications spanning the medicine, food, and materials sectors. Despite this, a comprehensive and systematic review of polysaccharides from the genus Rhodiola L. polysaccharides (TGRPs) is warranted. This study undertakes a systematic review of both domestic and international literature, assessing the research advancements and chemical functional values of polysaccharides derived from Rhodiola rosea. It involves the isolation, purification, and identification of a variety of homogeneous polysaccharides, followed by a detailed analysis of their chemical structures, pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationship (SAR) of TGRPs. The discussion includes the influence of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bonds on their biological activities, such as sulfation and carboxymethylation et al. Such analyses are crucial for deepening the understanding of Rhodiola rosea and for fostering the development and exploitation of TGRPs, offering a reference point for further investigations into TGRPs and their resource utilization.

A structure-functionality insight into the bioactivity of microbial polysaccharides toward biomedical applications: A review

Microbial polysaccharides (MPs) are biopolymers secreted by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi during their metabolic processes. Compared to polysaccharides derived from plants and animals, MPs have advantages such as wide sources, high production efficiency, and less susceptibility to natural environmental influences. The most attractive feature of MPs lies in their diverse biological activities, such as antioxidative, anti-tumor, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory activities, which have demonstrated immense potential for applications in functional foods, cosmetics, and biomedicine. These bioactivities are precisely regulated by their sophisticated molecular structure. However, the mechanisms underlying this precise regulation are not yet fully understood and continue to evolve. This article presents a comprehensive review of the most representative species of MPs, including their fermentation and purification processes and their biomedical applications in recent years. In particular, this work presents an in-depth analysis into the structure-activity relationships of MPs across multiple molecular levels. Additionally, this review discusses the challenges and prospects of investigating the structure-activity relationships, providing valuable insights into the broad and high-value utilization of MPs.

The angelica Polysaccharide: a review of phytochemistry, pharmacology and beneficial effects on systemic diseases

Angelica sinensis is a perennial herb widely distributed around the world, and angelica polysaccharide (APS) is a polysaccharide extracted from Angelica sinensis. APS is one of the main active components of Angelica sinensis. A large number of studies have shown that APS has hematopoietic, promoting blood circulation, radiation resistance, lowering blood glucose, enhancing the body immunity and other pharmacological effects in a variety of diseases. However, different extraction methods and extraction sites greatly affect the efficacy of APS. In recent years, with the emerging of new technologies, there are more and more studies on the combined application and structural modification of APS. In order to promote the comprehensive development and in-depth application of APS, this narrative review systematically summarizes the effects of different drying methods and extraction sites on the biological activity of APS, and the application of APS in the treatment of diseases, hoping to provide a scientific basis for the experimental study and clinical application of APS.

Anti-Inflammatory Sesquiterpenes from Fruiting Bodies of Schizophyllum commune

Schizophyllum commune, a fleshy fungus, is an important medicinal and food-homologous mushroom in China. In this work, eight undescribed sesquiterpenes schizomycins A-H (1-8) and one new meroterpenoid schizomycin I (9) together with three known analogues (10-12) were isolated from fruiting bodies of S. commune. Their planar structures were established by extensive spectroscopic and mass spectrometric data. The absolute configurations of compounds 1, 2, and 4 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction, and compounds 3 and 5-9 were confirmed by electronic circular dichroism calculations. Anti-inflammatory activities of all isolated compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on IL-6 and IL-1β production in RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, compound 7 exhibited significant IL-6 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 3.6 μM. The results of molecular docking showed that compound 7 interacts with amino acid residues (Gly117, Lys118, Asp120, Thr166, and Try168) of the IL-6 receptor protein through hydrogen bonding.

Schizophyllan from Schizophyllum commune BRM 060008: Potential application as an inhibitor of lipase

β-D-glucan has significant implications in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing diseases associated with lipid accumulation. Schizophyllan (SPG) from Schizophyllum commune fungus is a commercially important β-glucan with applications in the health food industry, pharmacy, and cosmetics. However, SPG was obtained by submerged culture of the wood-rotting and filamentous fungus S. commune BRM 060008, which may have been isolated from the Cerrado Biome of Brazil. In this study, to confirm that the polysaccharide produced by BRM 060008 strain fermentation was indeed (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-glucan, it was purified and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, high-performance size exclusion chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and methylation analysis. The polysaccharide produced was identified as the β-D-glucan expected with a high molecular weight (1.093 × 106 g/mol) and the thermogravimetric analysis indicated a maximum degradation temperature of ~324 °C and a 60 % residual weight, lower than commercial SPG. The molecular structure and thermal properties of the β-D-glucan were similar to the commercial sample. Additionally, the in vitro pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity was evaluated, investigating anti-obesity and anti-lipidemic properties. The results showed unprecedented lipase inhibition activity to SPG prepared using the S. commune strain BRM 060008, making it promising for food and pharmaceutical applications.

The extraction, structure characterization and hydrogel construction of a water-insoluble β-glucan from Poria cocos

Most reported polysaccharides from Poria cocos (PCPs) in traditional Chinese medicine decoctions were water-soluble heteropolysaccharides while the water-insoluble PCPs were scarcely researched due to the poor water-solubility. In this study, a water-insoluble polysaccharide with high yield of 59%, and high purity with a glucan content of 98.8%, was isolated by diluted sodium hydroxide at low temperature and coded as PCPA. The chemical structure of PCPA was identified as a liner β-glucan with 1, 3-linked glycosidic bond by the fourier infrared spectrum (FT-IR), ion chromatography (ICP), gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Importantly, PCPA was successfully used to construct hydrogels (PCPA-Gs) with good thermal stability, water retention ability and swelling property through simple physical cross-linking, due to the abundance of hydroxyl groups on glucan chains. Moreover, the rheology analysis of PCPA-Gs showed a rapid transition between gel and sol as well as the shear-thinning property. The hydrogel developed in this study holds promise for applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic fields.

Macrofungi as Medicinal Resources in Uzbekistan: Biodiversity, Ethnomycology, and Ethnomedicinal Practices

Interest in edible and medicinal macrofungi is millennial in terms of their uses in health and food products in Central Asia, while interest in inedible and medicinal macrofungi has grown in popularity in recent years. Edible and inedible medicinal basidiomycetes were collected during field surveys from different regions of Uzbekistan. The morphological characters and similarity assessment of rDNA-Internal Transcribed Spacer sequence data were used to measure diversity and habitat associations. A number of 17 species of medicinal macrofungi of ethnomycological and medicinal interest was found associated with 23 species of trees and shrubs belonging to 11 families and 14 genera. Polyporaceae and Hymenochaetaceae were represented by the highest number of species followed by Ganodermataceae, Fomitopsidaceae, Auriculariaceae, Cerrenaceae, Grifolaceae, Phanerochaetaceae, Laetiporaceae, Schizophyllaceae, and Stereaceae. The highest number of medicinal basidiomycete species was reported in the following host genera: Acer, Betula, Celtis, Crataegus, Juglans, Juniperus, Lonicera, Malus, Morus, Platanus, Populus, Prunus, Quercus, and Salix. An updated list of edible and inedible medicinal mushrooms identified in Uzbekistan, their morphological characteristics, and phylogenetic placement are given for the first time. Information is provided on their uses in traditional and modern medicine. Their bioactive compounds and extracts can be applied as medicines, as well as food and cosmetic ingredients.

Effect of Ultrasonic Treatment on Structure, Antibacterial Activity of Sugarcane Leaf Polysaccharides

This study investigated the impact of ultrasonic extraction (UE) on the structure and in vitro antibacterial activity of polysaccharides from sugarcane leaves (SLW). Native sugarcane leaf polysaccharides were treated with ultrasound (480 W) for 3 h to yield sugarcane leaf polysaccharides (SLU). Compared to SLW (33.59 kDa), the molecular weight of SLU (13.08 kDa) was significantly decreased, while the monosaccharide composition of SLU was unchanged. The results of SEM and XRD indicated that UE significantly changed the surface morphology of SLW and destroyed its inner crystalline structure. In vitro experiments showed that SLU had stronger antibacterial activity. These findings revealed that UE treatment could alter the tertiary structure of SLW but had no impact on its primary structure. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of SLW could be greatly enhanced after UE treatment. As a bioactive additive, SLU has great application potential in functional foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals.

Pectin from sunflower by-products obtained by ultrasound: Chemical characterization and in vivo evaluation of properties in inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a public health challenge and the use of pectin for symptom amelioration is a promising option. In this work, sunflower pectin has been extracted without (CHP) and with assistance of ultrasound (USP) using sodium citrate as a food-grade extracting agent. At optimal conditions (64 °C, 23 min) the highest yield was obtained with ultrasound application (15.5 vs. 8.1 %). Both pectins were structurally characterized by 1H NMR, HPSEC-ELSD, FT-IR and GC-FID. Unlike CHP, USP showed a lower molecular weight, higher galacturonic acid, lower degree of methyl-esterification and, overall, higher viscosity. These characteristics could affect the anti-inflammatory activity of pectins, evaluated using DSS-induced IBD model mice. So, USP promoted the defence (ICAM-1) and repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa (TFF3, ZO-1) more effectively than CHP. These results demonstrate the potential amelioration of acute colitis in IBD mice through USP supplementation. Taking into account the biomarkers analysed, these results demonstrate, for the first time, the positive impact of sunflower pectin extracted by ultrasound under very soft conditions on inflammatory bowel disease that might open up new possibilities in the treatment of this serious pathology.

Effect of ultrasonic degradation on the structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides: A review

With the bioactivities of antioxidant, anti-bacteria, anti-inflammation, immune regulation, antitumor and anti-coagulation, plant and microbial polysaccharides have been widely used in foods, medicine and cosmetics. However, how structure features affect the physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides is still unclear. Ultrasonic degradation usually degrades or modifies plant and microbial polysaccharides with different physicochemical properties and bioactivities by affecting their chemical or spatial structures via mechanical bond breaking and cavitation effects. Therefore, ultrasonic degradation might be an effective strategy for producing bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-function relationship. Present review summarized the influence of ultrasonic degradation on structural feature, physicochemical property and bioactivity of plant and microbial polysaccharides. Moreover, further problems need to be paid attention to during the application of ultrasonication for plant and microbial polysaccharides degradation are also recommended. Overall, present review will provide an efficient method for producing enhanced bioactive plant and microbial polysaccharides and analyzing their structure-activity relationship based on ultrasonic degradation.

Fuc-S-A New Ultrasonic Degraded Sulfated α-l-Fucooligosaccharide-Alleviates DSS-Inflicted Colitis through Reshaping Gut Microbiota and Modulating Host-Microbe Tryptophan Metabolism

SCOPE

The dysbiosis of intestinal microecology plays an important pathogenic role in the development of inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A polysaccharide named Fuc-S, with a molecular weight of 156 kDa, was prepared by the ultrasonic degradation of fucoidan. Monosaccharide composition, FTIR, methylation, and NMR spectral analysis indicated that Fuc-S may have a backbone consisting of →3)-α-L-Fucp-(1→, →4)-α-L-Fucp-(1→ and →3, 4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→. Moreover, male C57BL/6 mice were fed three cycles of 1.8% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 5 days and then water for 7 days to induce colitis. The longitudinal microbiome alterations were evaluated using 16S amplicon sequencing. In vivo assays showed that Fuc-S significantly improved clinical manifestations, colon shortening, colon injury, and colonic inflammatory cell infiltration associated with DSS-induced chronic colitis in mice. Further studies revealed that these beneficial effects were associated with the inhibition of Akt, p-38, ERK, and JNK phosphorylation in the colon tissues, regulating the structure and abundance of the gut microbiota, and modulating the host-microbe tryptophan metabolism of the mice with chronic colitis.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirmed the presence of glucose in the backbone of fucoidan and provided useful information that Fuc-S can be applied as an effective functional food and pharmaceutical candidate for IBD treatment.

Critical review on alterations in physiochemical properties and molecular structure of natural polysaccharides upon ultrasonication

Natural polymers, such as polysaccharides, cellulose, and starch, have been widely used in the chemical engineering, medicine, food, and cosmetics industries, which had a great many of biological activities. Natural polysaccharides origin from algae, fungi and plants were components of human diet since antique times. Ultrasonication achieved the breakage the polysaccharides reticulum in an ordered fashion. The factors of temperature, ratio of water/material, sonication frequency, time of exposure, pH of the sonication medium influenced the polysaccharide digestion. Sonication improved the enzyme catalysis over its substrate molecule. Positive health promoting slow digestive starch and resistant starch can be prepared quite easily by the sonication process. The aim of this review is to present the current status and scope of natural polymers as well as some emerging polymers with special characteristic. The physiochemical properties and molecular structure of natural carbohydrates under ultrasonic irradiation were also discussed. Moreover, Polysaccharide based films had industrial applications is formed by ultrasonication. Polysaccharide nanoparticles obtained by sonication had efficient water holding capacity. Sonication is an advanced method to improve the food quality. Hence, this review describes the effects of ultrasonication on physical, chemical, and molecular structure of natural polysaccharides.

Research progress on natural β-glucan in intestinal diseases

β-Glucan, an essential natural polysaccharide widely distributed in cereals and microorganisms, exhibits extensive biological activities, including immunoregulation, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor properties, and flora regulation. Recently, increasing evidence has shown that β-glucan has activities that may be useful for treating intestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and colorectal cancer. The advantages of β-glucan, which include its multiple roles, safety, abundant sources, good encapsulation capacity, economic development costs, and clinical evidence, indicate that β-glucan is a promising polysaccharide that could be developed as a health product or medicine for the treatment of intestinal disease. Unfortunately, few reports have summarized the progress of studies investigating natural β-glucan in intestinal diseases. This review comprehensively summarizes the structure-activity relationship of β-glucan, its pharmacological mechanism in IBD and colorectal cancer, its absorption and transportation mechanisms, and its application in food, medicine, and drug delivery, which will be beneficial to further understand the role of β-glucan in intestinal diseases.

The comparison of preliminary structure and intestinal anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities of polysaccharides from different root parts of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The root of Angelica sinensis, has been commonly used in gynecology for centuries, and is normally applied divided into different parts in various clinical applications. At present, the majority of existing studies focus on the volatile oil and ferulic acid extracted from different parts of A. sinensis, but there is a dearth of scientific information on its water-soluble polysaccharides.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The structures of polysaccharides from plants, have been reported contributing to multiple pharmacological activities such as anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and liver protection. Therefore, the focus of this study was on its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, which would be based on the various polysaccharides with distinct structures obtained from different parts of the A. sinensis root.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four parts of A. sinensis root were separated according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia: head, body, tail and whole body. Crude polysaccharides were obtained by water extraction and ethanol precipitation method, and were further fractionated by DEAE Sepharose chromatographic column and gel filtration. The comparison of ASPs from different root parts were performed, including chemical compositions determined by colorimetric analysis, monosaccharide compositions measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), glycosidic linkage units determined by methylation and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), organic functional groups determined by FT-IR, molecular weight (Mw) demarcated by gel permeation chromatography, and the viscosities and solubilities were measured according to method published in the previous report with minor modification. In vitro biological activities of APSs were compared on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory and oxidative stress models on IPEC-J2 cells.

RESULTS

Four purified polysaccharides, ASP-H-AP, ASP-B-AP, ASP-T-AP and ASP-Hb-AP from the root of A. sinensis, were obtained, and consisted of various contents of protein and the polyphenol. They were possibly pectic polysaccharides with a long homogalacturonan region as the main backbone and ramified with rhamnogalacturonan I region, but they were differed by subregions and the relative contents of glycosidic units. The Mw of four pectic polysaccharides were ranged from 67.9-267.7 kDa. The infrared spectrum also showed that the four polysaccharide fractions contained the characteristic peaks of polysaccharides. Their distinct primary structure could lead to a variety of biological activities. In vitro biological assays suggested that four polysaccharide fractions can protect IPEC-J2 cells against the LPS-induced inflammation by down-regulating inflammation factors and related genes on IPEC-J2 cells. These polysaccharides also could alleviate oxidative stress on IPEC-J2 cells by up-regulating the gene and protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes. It was concluded that ASP-H-AP possessed better anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects, while those of ASP-T-AP was relatively poor among the four polysaccharide fractions.

CONCLUSION

All results indicated that the structure of pectic polysaccharides from different root parts of A. sinensis differed, which lead to their distinct anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. This may also be one of the factors why different parts of A. sinensis showed various pharmacological activities and applied independently in traditional use. In addition, it would be valuable for further studies on structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides obtained by different root parts of A. sinensis.

Bioactivity of Biomass and Crude Exopolysaccharides Obtained by Controlled Submerged Cultivation of Medicinal Mushroom Trametes versicolor

The aim of this study is to characterize the bioactivity of mycelial biomass and crude exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by Trametes versicolor NBIMCC 8939 and to reveal its nutraceutical potential. The EPS (1.58 g/L) were isolated from a culture broth. The macrofungal biomass was rich in protein, insoluble dietary fibers and glucans. The amino acid composition of the biomass was analyzed and 18 amino acids were detected. Three mycelial biomass extracts were prepared and the highest total polyphenol content (16.11 ± 0.14 mg GAE/g DW) and the total flavonoid content (5.15 ± 0.03 mg QE/g DW) were found in the water extract. The results indicated that the obtained EPS were heteropolysaccharides with glucose as the main building monosaccharide and minor amounts of mannose, xylose, galactose, fucose and glucuronic acid. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the complex structure of the crude EPS. Five probiotic lactic acid bacteria strains were used for the determination of the prebiotic effect of the crude EPS. The anti-inflammatory potential was tested in vitro using cell line HT-29. The significant decrease of IL-1 and IL-8 and increase of TGF-beta expression revealed anti-inflammatory potential of the crude exopolysaccharides from T. versicolor.

Gamma-Irradiation-Induced Degradation of the Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Auricularia polytricha and Its Anti-Hypercholesterolemic Activity

The water-soluble polysaccharides (APPs) isolated from the edible mushroom Auricularia polytricha were irradiated by γ-ray at doses of 10, 100, and 1000 kGy. The effect of gamma irradiation on the degradation of the polysaccharide was investigated. After irradiation treatment, the viscosity and molecular weight of APPs decreased with the increase in the irradiation dose. The changes in the enthalpy of APPs after irradiation treatment were observed. Meanwhile, SEM showed that R-APPs were crushed into fragments and the surfaces became smooth and wrinkled after irradiation. In further spectrum analysis, it was found that the glycoside bonds of the polysaccharides were broken and accompanied by the formation of double bonds. This suggested that gamma irradiation could cause the depolymerization and oxidation of polysaccharides. In addition, irradiated APPs could reduce the body weight of hyperlipidemia mice. The levels of serum and liver TC, TG, and serum LDH-c significantly decreased in hyperlipidemia mice after treatment by irradiated APPs. It indicated that gamma irradiation significantly improved the anti-hypolipidemic activity of APPs. The relationship between the physicochemical properties and hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides was interpreted, which provides a theoretical basis for the further development of APP products. Gamma irradiation is a viable technology for macromolecular modification for degradation.

Adjuvant effect of two polysaccharides from the petals of Crocus sativus and its mechanisms

Two polysaccharides from Crocus sativus petals (PCSPs), PCSPA and PCSPB, presented immunopotentiatory activity through activating macrophages via MAPK and NF-κB pathway. In this study, two PCSPs were investigated for the adjuvant effects and underlying mechanisms using ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. PCSPA and PCSPB remarkably not only boosted the OVA-specific IgG antibody and its isotype titers, but strengthened splenocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activities in immunized mice. Both PCSPs also dramatically triggered the production of Th1- and Th2-cytokines and facilitated the gene expression of Th1- and Th2-cytokines and transcription factors in OVA-stimulated splenocytes. In mechanisms, two PCSPs rapidly elicited the gene and protein expression of cytokines and chemokines, promoted the recruitment and antigen uptake of immune cells in the injected-muscles, and augmented the migration and antigen transport of immune cells to the draining lymph nodes. These findings demonstrated that PCSPs enhanced and improved immune responses and simultaneously elicited Th1- and Th2-immune responses to OVA through activating innate immune microenvironment, and that they could act as promising vaccine adjuvant candidates.

Spheroidization of ultrasonic degraded corn silk polysaccharide to enhance bioactivity by the anti-solvent precipitation method

BACKGROUND

Corn silk is a very important by-product of corn production with medicinal value. Corn silk polysaccharide (CSP) is the main active ingredient. In the present study, ultrasound and spheroidization by anti-solvent were applied to improve the biological activity of CSP.

RESULTS

The results showed that ultrasonic degradation improved the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of CSP by changing its physicochemical characteristics. As the anti-solvent ratio increased, the particle size of the nanoparticles (NPs) from the spheroidization of ultrasonic-degraded corn silk polysaccharide (UCSP) gradually increased, and NP-1 exhibited the highest inhibitory effect of α-glucosidase. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) results indicated that the enhanced activity might be due to more α-glucosidase binding sites with NP-1 compared with no spheroidization. Western blotting results showed that NP-1 could improve the 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-NBDG) uptake in the L6 cells by regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signal pathway and the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). NP-1 also exhibited excellent stability in different environments.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed that ultrasonic treatment and spheroidization processing showed potential applications for improving the biological activity of polysaccharides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure analysis and anti-inflammatory effect of a polysaccharide from Hippocampus mohnikei

The purpose of this study was to analyze the structure of a polysaccharide (HMP-1) from Hippocampus mohnikei, and to explore its anti-inflammatory effect. HMP-1 was obtained from Hippocampus mohnikei by ethanol sedimentation and secondary column chromatography purification. Its structural characteristics were analyzed by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and scanning electron micrograph (SEM). Results showed its molecular weight (Mw) was 7296 Da, and it mainly consisted of six residues, 1,3-β-Glcp, 1,4-α-Manp, 1,4-α-GalpA, 1,4-β-GlcpA2S, 1,4-α-Galp3S, 1,4-β-GlcNAc. HMP-1 could protect RAW246.7 cells from the cytotoxic effect induced by LPS. HMP-1 also could reduce the levels of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species produced by LPS stimulation, suggesting that HMP-1 has anti-inflammatory activities within a certain concentration range.

Antiviral Strategies Using Natural Source-Derived Sulfated Polysaccharides in the Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Major Human Pathogenic Viruses

Only a mere fraction of the huge variety of human pathogenic viruses can be targeted by the currently available spectrum of antiviral drugs. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has highlighted the urgent need for molecules that can be deployed quickly to treat novel, developing or re-emerging viral infections. Sulfated polysaccharides are found on the surfaces of both the susceptible host cells and the majority of human viruses, and thus can play an important role during viral infection. Such polysaccharides widely occurring in natural sources, specifically those converted into sulfated varieties, have already proved to possess a high level and sometimes also broad-spectrum antiviral activity. This antiviral potency can be determined through multifold molecular pathways, which in many cases have low profiles of cytotoxicity. Consequently, several new polysaccharide-derived drugs are currently being investigated in clinical settings. We reviewed the present status of research on sulfated polysaccharide-based antiviral agents, their structural characteristics, structure-activity relationships, and the potential of clinical application. Furthermore, the molecular mechanisms of sulfated polysaccharides involved in viral infection or in antiviral activity, respectively, are discussed, together with a focus on the emerging methodology contributing to polysaccharide-based drug development.

Purification, Structural Characterization, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of a Novel Polysaccharide Isolated from Orostachys fimbriata

The present study elucidated the structural characteristics and anti-inflammatory activity of a novel polysaccharide isolated from Orostachys fimbriata, which is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant. O. fimbriata polysaccharide (OFP) was extracted and subsequently purified by chromatography using a DEAE cellulose-52 and Sephadex G-75 column. The molecular weight was determined as 6.2 kDa. HPGPC and monosaccharide composition analysis revealed a homogeneous polysaccharide containing only Glc. Chromatography and spectral analysis showed that the possible chemical structure consisted of →4)-α-Glcp-(1→ and a small quantity of →4,6)-β-Glcp-(1→ in the main chain and →6)-β-Glcp-(1→, α-Glcp-(1→, and β-Glcp-(1→ in the side chain. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) indicated that OFP had a multi-branched structure, and the sugar chain molecules of polysaccharide appeared aggregated. OFP was found to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the secretion of inflammatory factors in RAW264.7 cells and by decreasing the extent of xylene-induced ear swelling in mice.

Effect of Gamma Irradiation on Enhanced Biological Activities of Exopolysaccharide from Halomonas desertis G11: Biochemical and Genomic Insights

In this work, a native exopolysaccharide (nEPS) produced by Halomonas desertis G11 isolated from a Tunisian extreme environment was modified by gamma irradiation. Characterization as well as the antioxidant and antitumor activities of nEPS and its gamma-irradiated derivatives (iEPSs) were comparatively evaluated. In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials were determined by using different methods and through different antioxidant enzymes. The antitumor activity was checked against a human colon cancer cell line. Analyses of the complete genome sequence were carried out to identify genes implicated in the production of nEPS. Thus, the genomic biosynthesis pathway and the export mechanism of nEPS were proposed. Analyses of irradiation data showed that iEPSs acquired new functional groups, lower molecular weights, and gained significantly (p < 0.05) higher antioxidant and antitumor abilities compared with nEPS. These findings provide a basis for using iEPSs as novel pharmaceutical agents for human therapies.

Structure, size and aggregated morphology of a β-D-glucan from Lignosus rhinocerotis as affected by ultrasound

The effect of ultrasonic treatment on the structure, size and aggregated morphology of Lignosus rhinocerotis polysaccharide (LRP) was investigated. Ultrasonic treatment for 10 min has demonstrated to improve the aqueous solubility of LRP, leading to a uniform and narrow LRP particle size distribution. Meanwhile, short-time ultrasound was found to obviously decrease the molecular size parameters (M_w, M_n, <S²>_z^1/2, [η] and R_h) of LRP, and transform the hyperbranched LRP molecules into flexible and extended chains, which would reaggregate to form spherical aggregates under long-time ultrasonication. Additionally, Congo red experiment combined with CD analysis indicated the existence of triple helix structure in LRP, which was still retained after ultrasonic treatment. Furthermore, under short-time ultrasonication, the spherical aggregates with some branched chains in the native LRP solution could disaggregate and form triple helixes that could be further arranged to a dense network structure, but the untangled LRP chains would reaggregate after long-time ultrasonication. CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS STUDIED IN THIS ARTICLE: Congo red (PubChem CID: 11313); Sodium hydroxide (PubChem CID: 14798); Potassium bromide (PubChem CID: 253877).

Anti-inflammatory effect of a polysaccharide fraction from Craterellus cornucopioides in LPS-stimulated macrophages

Immunocytes-involved inflammation is considered to modulate the damage in various diseases. Oxidative stress is initiated by oxidative agents such as LPS and ROS, which are strongly involved in chronic inflammation. Our previous study found that a polysaccharide fraction from Craterellus cornucopioides (CCPP-1) showed good antioxidant activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of CCPP-1 was still elusive. The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of CCPP-1 and its potential mechanism in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages. The results showed that CCPP-1 could inhibit LPS-induced ROS and NO accumulation. Additionally, CCPP-1 could decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines production (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18) and inflammatory mediator (iNOS) expression, which might be associated with its capacity to inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, this study suggested that CCPP-1 had an ameliorative effect on the inflammation response and was potential to develop into functional food for treating chronic inflammation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Craterellus cornucopioides is an edible fungus widely distributed in Southwestern China. It was reported that C. cornucopioides polysaccharide (CCPP-1), as important active ingredient, showed good antioxidant activity. However, the anti-inflammatory effect was still elusive. This study showed that CCPP-1 possessed anti-inflammatory activity. The molecular mechanism might be associated with its capacity to inhibit NF-κB signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Therefore, polysaccharides from C. cornucopioides have potential to develop into functional food to combat inflammatory condition and thus indirectly halt the progression of various inflammatory response-related chronic diseases.

Molar mass effect in food and health

It is demanded to supply foods with good quality for all the humans. With the advent of aging society, palatable and healthy foods are required to improve the quality of life and reduce the burden of finance for medical expenditure. Food hydrocolloids can contribute to this demand by versatile functions such as thickening, gelling, stabilising, and emulsifying, controlling texture and flavour release in food processing. Molar mass effects on viscosity and diffusion in liquid foods, and on mechanical and other physical properties of solid and semi-solid foods and films are overviewed. In these functions, the molar mass is one of the key factors, and therefore, the effects of molar mass on various health problems related to noncommunicable diseases or symptoms such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, constipation, high blood pressure, knee pain, osteoporosis, cystic fibrosis and dysphagia are described. Understanding these problems only from the viewpoint of molar mass is limited since other structural characteristics, conformation, branching, blockiness in copolymers such as pectin and alginate, degree of substitution as well as the position of the substituents are sometimes the determining factor rather than the molar mass. Nevertheless, comparison of different behaviours and functions in different polymers from the viewpoint of molar mass is expected to be useful to find a common characteristics, which may be helpful to understand the mechanism in other problems.

Pilot scale isolation of exopolysaccharides from Streptococcus thermophilus DGCC7710: Impact of methodical details on macromolecular properties and technofunctionality

Exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Streptococcus thermophilus provide similar technofunctionality such as water binding, viscosity enhancing and emulsifying effects as commercial thickeners at a significant lower concentration. Despite their high technofunctional potential, hetero polysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria are still not commercially used in unfermented foods, as the small amount of synthesised EPS calls for a high isolation effort. This study aims to analyse the macromolecular properties of EPS and cell containing isolates from S. thermophilus DGCC7710 obtained by different isolation protocols, and to link these data to the technofunctionality in model food systems. The EPS content of the isolates was affected by the microfiltration/ultrafiltration membranes used for cell removal/dialysis, respectively, and was 89% at maximum. There was no link between purity of the isolates, molecular mass (3 × 106 Da) and intrinsic viscosity (0.53 - 0.59 mL/mg) of the EPS. After adding EPS containing isolates to milk, gel stiffness after acidification increased by 25% at maximum, depending on the type and concentration of the specific isolate. Partly purified, cell containing isolates were effective at low absolute EPS concentration (approx. 0.1 g/kg) and therefore represent, together with their simple isolation protocol, an interesting approach to introduce microbial EPS into non-fermented products.

Degradation of Exopolysaccharides from Lactic Acid Bacteria by Thermal, Chemical, Enzymatic and Ultrasound Stresses

During isolation, exopolysaccharides (EPS) from lactic acid bacteria are subject of thermal, chemical, enzymatic or ultrasound stress of different intensity that may affect macromolecular properties, for instance molecular mass or (intrinsic) viscosity. These parameters are, however, crucial, as they are associated with the technofunctional potential of EPS replacing commercial thickeners in nonfermented products. The aim of this study was to systematically examine treatments EPS are usually exposed to during isolation and to investigate the underlying degradation mechanisms. Solutions (1.0 g/L) of EPS from Streptococcus thermophilus, isolated as gently as possible, and commercial dextran were analyzed for molecular mass distributions as representative measure of molecule alterations. Generally, acid, excessive heat and ultrasonication, intensified by simultaneous application, showed EPS degradation effects. Thus, recommendations are given for isolation protocols. Ultrasonic degradation at 114 W/cm² fitted into the random chain scission model and followed third- (S. thermophilus EPS) or second-order kinetics (dextran). The degradation rate constant reflects the sensitivity to external stresses and was DGCC7710 EPS > DGCC7919 EPS > dextran > ST143 EPS. Due to their exceptional structural heterogeneity, the differences could not be linked to individual features. The resulting molecular mass showed good correlation (r² = 0.99) with dynamic viscosity.

Recent Advances in Antiinflammatory Material Design

Implants and prostheses are widely used to replace damaged tissues or to treat various diseases. However, besides the risk of bacterial or fungal infection, an inflammatory response usually occurs. Here, recent progress in the field of anti-inflammatory biomaterials is described. Different materials and approaches are used to decrease the inflammatory response, including hydrogels, nanoparticles, implant surface coating by polymers, and a variety of systems for anti-inflammatory drug delivery. Complex multifunctional systems dealing with inflammation, microbial infection, bone regeneration, or angiogenesis are also described. New promising stimuli-responsive systems, such as pH- and temperature-responsive materials, are also being developed that would enable an "intelligent" antiinflammatory response when the inflammation occurs. Together, different approaches hold promise for creation of novel multifunctional smart materials allowing better implant integration and tissue regeneration.

A novel self-assembled micelles based on stearic acid modified schizophyllan for efficient delivery of paclitaxel

This study was aimed to design a novel amphiphilic carrier based on schizophyllan (SPG) exopolysacharide for drug delivery. Stearic acid (SA) was used for the esterification of SPG with two degrees of substitutions (SA-SPG0.5 and SA-SPG1). The H NMR and FTIR spectroscopies verified the succesfull esterification of SPG. The polymeric micelles easily self-assembled into nanomicelles by ultrasound method. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed that the critical micelle concentrations (CMCs) of SA-SPG0.5 and SA-SPG1 micelles were 0.068 mg/mL and 0.027 mg/mL, respectively. DLS analyses showed that nanomicelles were ranged from 156 to 175 nm. SEM and TEM images showed that nanomicelles were mostly spherical. Paclitaxel (PTX) as a drug model was successfully loaded into SA-SPG nanomicelles with three different drug/polymer weight ratios of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3. The highest encapsulation efficiency (75 %) was obtained when the PTX/SA-SPG weight ratio was 0.1. The in vitro release of PTX from SA-SPG micelles represented the sustained release profile over 144 h. MTT assay showed that the PTX-loaded SA-SPG nanomicelles had the higher cytotoxicity against MCF-7 cells than free PTX. These results revealed that the synthesized SA-SPG nanomicelles had a promising potential as a new carrier for efficient delivery of hydrophobic drugs.

Prebiotic Potential and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Soluble Polysaccharides Obtained from Soybean Residue

In the present study, we assessed the extraction of low molecular weight soluble polysaccharides (MESP) from soybean by-products using microwave-assisted enzymatic technology and proposed the chemical structure of MESP using Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, gas chromatography, and ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum analysis. The results suggested that MESP mainly comprised arabinose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid with (1→4) glycosidic linkages in the backbone. Compared with inulin, MESP was found to selectively stimulate the growth of Lactobacillus probiotics. Moreover, the results of in vitro fermentation indicated that MESP significantly increased the concentrations of both acetate and butyrate (p < 0.05). MESP were treated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells to determine the anti-inflammatory effect in vitro. It was observed that MESP inhibited nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 production. Furthermore, Western blotting results indicated that MESP significantly attenuated LPS-induced downregulation of phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in macrophages. The underlying mechanism might involve inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, presumably via JAK2/STAT3 pathway. Collectively, the results of our study paved way for the production of MESP, which may be potentially used as nutraceutical ingredients for prebiotics and anti-inflammatory agents, from soybean residue.

Assessment of Cosmeceutical Potentials of Selected Mushroom Fruitbody Extracts Through Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anti-Hyaluronidase and Anti-Tyrosinase Activity

Cosmeceutical formulations containing naturally derived active ingredients are currently preferred by consumers worldwide. Mushrooms are one of the potential sources for cosmeceutical ingredients but relevant research is still lacking. In this study, hot- and cold-water extractions were performed on four locally-cultivated mushrooms—Pleurotus ostreatus, Ganoderma lucidum, Auricularia polytricha and Schizophyllum commune—with the aim to assess the cosmeceutical potential of these mushroom fruitbody extracts. Total phenolics, polysaccharide and glucan content were determined. Antioxidant property of the mushroom extracts was assessed by determining the DPPH radical scavenging, ferric-reducing (FRAP) and superoxide anion (SOA) scavenging activity. Anti-hyaluronidase activity was used as an indicator for the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory property, while anti-tyrosinase activity was evaluated to assess the anti-pigmentation or whitening property of these extracts. Our results showed that total polysaccharide content of P. ostreatus extracts was the highest (235.8–253.6 mg GE/g extract), while extracts from G. lucidum contained the lowest glucan (10.12–10.67%). Cold-water extract from S. commune exhibited substantial tyrosinase inhibition activity (98.15%) and SOA scavenging activity (94.82%). The greatest hyaluronidase activity was exhibited by G. lucidum hot-water extract, with the value of 72.78%. The findings from the correlation analyses suggest that the cosmeceutical properties of these mushrooms can be attributed mainly to the combination of different types of compound such as polysaccharides and phenolics. Overall, cold-water extract of S. commune and hot-water extract of G. lucidum showed the best results and may be further investigated.

Recent Advances in Chain Conformation and Bioactivities of Triple-Helix Polysaccharides

Natural polysaccharides derived from renewable biomass sources are regarded as environmentally friendly and sustainable polymers. As the third most abundant biomacromolecule in nature, after proteins and nucleic acids, polysaccharides are also closely related with many different life activities. In particular, β-glucans are one of the most widely reported bioactive polysaccharides and are usually considered as biological response modifiers. Among them, β-glucans with triple-helix conformation have been the hottest and most well-researched polysaccharides at present, especially lentinan and schizophyllan, which are clinically used as cancer therapies in some Asian countries. Thus, creation of these active triple-helix polysaccharides is beneficial to the research and development of sustainable "green" biopolymers in the fields of food and life sciences. Therefore, full fundamental research of triple-helix polysaccharides is essential to discover more applications for polysaccharides. In this Review, the recent research progress of chain conformations, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships of triple-helix β-glucans is summarized. The main contents include the characterization methods of the macromolecular conformation, proof of triple helices, bioactivities, and structure-function relationships. We believe that the governments, enterprises, universities, and institutes dealing with the survival and health of human beings can expect the development of natural bioproducts in the future. Hence, a deep understanding of β-glucans with triple-helix chain conformation is necessary for application of natural medicines and biologics for a sustainable world.

A Concise Review on the Molecular Structure and Function Relationship of β-Glucan

β-glucan is a non-starch soluble polysaccharide widely present in yeast, mushrooms, bacteria, algae, barley, and oat. β-Glucan is regarded as a functional food ingredient due to its various health benefits. The high molecular weight (Mw) and high viscosity of β-glucan are responsible for its hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycemic properties. Thus, β-glucan is also used in the food industry for the production of functional food products. The inherent gel-forming property and high viscosity of β-glucan lead to the production of low-fat foods with improved textural properties. Various studies have reported the relationship between the molecular structure of β-glucan and its functionality. The structural characteristics of β-glucan, including specific glycosidic linkages, monosaccharide compositions, Mw, and chain conformation, were reported to affect its physiochemical and biological properties. Researchers have also reported some chemical, physical, and enzymatic treatments can successfully alter the molecular structure and functionalities of β-glucan. This review article attempts to review the available literature on the relationship of the molecular structure of β-glucan with its functionalities, and future perspectives in this area.

A comparison study on polysaccharides extracted from Fructus Mori using different methods: structural characterization and glucose entrapment

The characteristics and hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities of mulberry fruit polysaccharides obtained by the hot water (MFPh)-, ultrasonic (MFPu)-, acid (MFPc)- and alkali (MFPa)-assisted extraction methods were investigated.

Effects of ultrasound irradiation on the characterization and bioactivities of the polysaccharide from blackcurrant fruits

In this study, the influence of ultrasound irradiation on the characterization and bioactivities of the polysaccharide from blackcurrant fruits (BCP, molecular weight: M_w = 3.26 × 10⁴ kDa) was investigated. Two degraded polysaccharides (U-400, M_w = 1.89 × 10⁴ kDa, and U-600, M_w = 1.32 × 10⁴ kDa) were obtained by different ultrasound powers of 400 W and 600 W, respectively. Compared with BCP, U-400 and U-600 showed 63.52% and 68.85% reductions in the particle size (Z_avg), respectively; moreover, the dynamic viscosity of BCP was reduced by 27.88%, and 33.63%, separately. The reducing sugar content and thermal stability increased with the increase of ultrasound intensity. The degraded polysaccharides contained the same monosaccharide species as those of BCP but at different molar ratios. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopic analysis confirmed that the degraded polysaccharides and BCP exhibited the similar structural features, which were mainly composed of six glycosidic bonds. A reduction in surface area of the flake-like structure was observed in the degraded polysaccharides compared to that of BCP, and they had no triple helix structure. Furthermore, the precise structural characteristics of U-600 were identified by 2D NMR analysis. The results of the bioactivity assays indicated that the ultrasound irradiation could evidently enhance the antioxidant (hydroxyl and superoxide radicals scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and DNA damage protection activities), α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of BCP. These activities increased in the order of U-600 > U-400 > BCP. In particular, the DNA protection and α-amylase inhibition activities for U-600 were 52.19 ± 1.34% and 75.98 ± 0.77%, respectively, which were 2 times higher than those of BCP. U-600 prepared with the higher-intensity ultrasound exhibited the best physicochemical properties and bioactivities among the three polysaccharides. These results suggested that ultrasound irradiation was an efficient, green method to produce value-added polysaccharide for use in functional food or medicine.