Extraction of polysaccharides from maca: Characterization and immunoregulatory effects on CD4+ T cells

The increasing popularity of Peruvian maca (Lepidium meyenii) and its potential impacts on sleep and quality of life

•Peruvian maca is a popular supplement consumed to increase energy and sexual health. •Studies report it also has anti-sinflammatory and neuroprotective effects. •Stimulant properties of this supplement raise questions about its effects on sleep. •Investigation of possible reinforcing characteristics is also recommended.

The structures of two polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii and their immunomodulatory effects via activating NF-κB signaling pathway

Lepidium meyenii Walp., also known as the "Peruvian national treasure", is a popular functional food in the daily lives of Peruvian people due to its bioactive with main polysaccharides. However, studies on polysaccharides isolated from Lepidium meyenii were few. Two new highly heterogeneous polysaccharides, MCP-1a and MCP-2b, were isolated and purified from the tuber of Lepidium meyenii. The structure characterization revealed that MCP-1a primarily consisted of D-Glc and had a molecular weight of 6.6 kDa. Its backbone was composed of 1,4,6-α-D-Glc, while branches feature T-α-L-Ara, 1,5-α-L-Ara, and T-α-D-Glc attached to the O-6 positions. MCP-2b was a rare arabinogalactan with a molecular weight of 49.4 kDa. Interestingly, the backbone of MCP-2b was composed of 1,6-β-D-Gal, 1,3,6-β-D-Gal with a few 1,3-β-D-GlcpA-4-OMe units inserted. Side chains of MCP-2b were mainly composed of 1,3-β-D-Gal, T-β-D-Gal, T-α-L-Ara, 1,5-α-L-Ara, with trace amounts of 1,4-β-D-Glc and T-β-D-Glc. The bioactivity assay results revealed that MCP-1a and MCP-2b increased the release of NO, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 from RAW 264.7 cells at concentrations ranging from 50 μg/mL to 400 μg/mL. Furthermore, MCP-1a and MCP-2b could promote the expression of key transcription factors (IκB-α, p-IκB-α, p65, and p-p65) in the NF-κB pathway, indicating that MCP-1a and MCP-2b had potential immunomodulatory activities.

Natural polysaccharides and their derivatives targeting the tumor microenvironment: A review

Polysaccharides have gained attention as valuable supplements and natural medicinal resources, particularly for their anti-tumor properties. Their low toxicity and potent anti-tumor effects make them promising candidates for cancer prevention and treatment. The tumor microenvironment is crucial in tumor development and offers potential avenues for novel cancer therapies. Research indicates that polysaccharides can positively influence the tumor microenvironment. However, the structural complexity of most anti-tumor polysaccharides, often heteropolysaccharides, poses challenges for structural analysis. To enhance their pharmacological activity, researchers have modified the structure and properties of natural polysaccharides based on structure-activity relationships, and they have discovered that many polysaccharides exhibit significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity after chemical modification. This article reviews recent strategies for targeting the tumor microenvironment with polysaccharides and briefly discusses the structure-activity relationships of anti-tumor polysaccharides. It also summarises the main chemical modification methods of polysaccharides and discusses the impact of chemical modifications on the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharides. The review aims to lay a theoretical foundation for the development of anti-tumor polysaccharides and their derivatives.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of the genus Schisandra polysaccharides: A review

The genus Schisandra, a member of the Magnoliaceae family, is a well-known tonic traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of traditional medicinal and functional food used in China. Polysaccharides are one of its main active constituents, which have a wide range of bioactivities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotection, anti-diabetes, hepatoprotection, immunomodulation, and anti-fatigue. In this paper, we review the extraction, isolation, purification, structural characterization, bioactivities, as well as structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides from the genus Schisandra. In conclusion, we hope that this review could provide reference for the subsequent research on structural, bioactivities, development and application of the genus Schisandra polysaccharides.

Extraction of polysaccharides from Maca enhances the treatment effect of 5-FU by regulating CD4+T cells

In our previous studies, we used a graded alcohol precipitation method to extract four maca polysaccharide components (MCP1, MCP2, MCP3, and MCP4) from maca with various molecular weights. Compared to other three components, MCP2 had stronger immunoregulatory abilities on CD4⁺T cells. To avoid the immunosuppressive effect of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), maca polysaccharides in combination with 5-FU treatment were investigated in this study. The results show that 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg MCP2 could significantly delay the growth of tumor and enhance the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU in vivo. Furthermore, MCP2 can partly recover the proliferation of CD4⁺T cells after being suppressed by 5-FU in vitro. Additionally, in order to explore the mechanism in which MCP2 acts on CD4⁺T cells, the MCP2 is marked with FITC fluorescence and synthesis MCP2-Tyr-FITC for the first time. Confocal microscope results show that MCP2-Tyr-FITC can directly bind to the surface of CD4⁺T cells. Together, our work demonstrates that maca polysaccharides could enhance the anti-tumor effect when combined with 5-FU by regulating CD4⁺T cells, suggesting a novel potential immunomodulator in tumor therapy.

Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Brassicaceae-Derived Phytochemicals: In Vitro and In Vivo Evidence for a Putative Role in the Prevention and Treatment of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a group of intestinal disorders, of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation within the gut. They are gradually becoming critical because of the increasing incidence worldwide and improved diagnosis. Due to the important side effects observed during conventional therapy, natural bioactive components are now under intense investigation for the prevention and treatment of chronic illnesses. The Brassicaceae family comprises vegetables widely consumed all over the world. In recent decades, a growing body of literature has reported that extracts from the Brassicaceae family and their purified constituents have anti-inflammatory properties, which has generated interest from both the scientific community and clinicians. In this review, data from the literature are scrutinized and concisely presented demonstrating that Brassicaceae may have anti-IBD potential. The excellent biological activities of Brassicacea are widely attributable to their ability to regulate the levels of inflammatory and oxidant mediators, as well as their capacity for immunomodulatory regulation, maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity and intestinal flora balance. Possible future applications of bioactive-derived compounds from Brassicaceae for promoting intestinal health should be investigated.

Structural characterization and immunoregulatory activity of a neutral polysaccharide from the roots of Apocynum venetum L

The structural characteristics and immunoregulatory activities of neutral heteropolysaccharide (AVRP-N) separated from the roots of Apocynum venetum L. were extensively investigated. The results showed that the weight average molecular mass (Mw) of AVRP-N was 6.430 × 10³ Da. Moreover, the backbone is composed of natural acetylated (1 → 4)-β-D-Man and (1 → 5)-α-L-Ara domains. The mannan is composed of →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→, and the terminal group α-D-Galp-(1→ attached to →4,6)-β-D-Manp-(1→ at O-6. Araban is composed of →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→; the terminal group α-L-Araf-(1→attached to→2,3,5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ at O-2, O-3 and →3,5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ at O-3. In addition, the senior structure shows that AVRP-N has a triple-helix conformation. Furthermore, AVRP-N exhibited immunomodulatory effects, which could significantly regulate the proliferation of mouse splenic lymphocytes by enhancing the secretion of the cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10). Our results provide new structural and immunoregulatory information for natural polysaccharides derived from Apocynum venetum L.

Multimode ultrasonic extraction of polysaccharides from maca (Lepidium meyenii): Optimization, purification, and in vitro immunoregulatory activity

This study evaluates the effect of multimodal ultrasound on the extraction efficiency and immunoregulatory activity of polysaccharides from Lepidium meyenii Walp. (LMP). The separation and purification of maca polysaccharides were investigated by the DEAE-52 cellulose column, and the monosaccharide compositions were identified by HPGPC. Their immune activity was analyzed by the secretion of cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) from RAW 264.7 macrophage. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were energy aggregation alternation dual-frequency ultrasound (EADU) with frequency combinations of 20/35, extraction time of 15 min, material/water ratio of 1:10 g/mL, ultrasonic power intensity of 150 W/L, intermittent time ratio of 4 s/3 s, and extraction temperature of 50 ℃. The extraction rates of purified polysaccharides (US3) increased by 44.90%. The LMP extracted by EADU contained arabinose, galactose, and glucose in the molar ratios of 2.9:2.72:5.05. In addition, US3 promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-6 from RAW 264.7 better than RS3 (purified polysaccharides extracted by hot water), which indicated that US3 exerted remarkable immune activity. It could be an excellent functional additive in food or medicine.

Maca against Echinococcosis?-A Reverse Approach from Patient to In Vitro Testing

Drug-based treatment of alveolar echinococcosis (AE) with benzimidazoles is in most cases non-curative, thus has to be taken lifelong. Here, we report on a 56-year-old male AE patient who received standard benzimidazole treatment and biliary plastic stents, and additionally self-medicated himself with the Peruvian plant extract Maca (Lepidium meyenii). After 42 months, viable parasite tissue had disappeared. Based on this striking observation, the anti-echinococcal activity of Maca was investigated in vitro and in mice experimentally infected with Echinococcus multilocularis metacestodes. Albendazole (ABZ)-treated mice and mice treated with an ABZ+Maca combination exhibited a significantly reduced parasite burden compared to untreated or Maca-treated mice. As shown by a newly established UHPLC-MS/MS-based measurement of ABZ-metabolites, the presence of Maca during the treatment did not alter ABZ plasma levels. In vitro assays corroborated these findings, as exposure to Maca had no notable effect on E. multilocularis metacestodes, and in cultures of germinal layer cells, possibly unspecific, cytotoxic effects of Maca were observed. However, in the combined treatments, Maca inhibited the activity of ABZ in vitro. While Maca had no direct anti-parasitic activity, it induced in vitro proliferation of murine spleen cells, suggesting that immunomodulatory properties could have contributed to the curative effect seen in the patient.

Eucommia ulmoides Leaf Polysaccharide in Conjugation with Ovalbumin Act as Delivery System Can Improve Immune Response

In this investigation, to maximize the desired immunoenhancement effects of PsEUL and stimulate an efficient humoral and cellular immune response against an antigen, PsEUL and the model antigen ovalbumin (OVA) were coupled using the N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N′-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) reaction to yield a novel delivery system (PsEUL-OVA). The physicochemical characteristics and immune regulation effects of this new system were investigated. We found the yield of this EDC method to be 46.25%. In vitro, PsEUL-OVA (200 μg mL⁻¹) could enhance macrophage proliferation and increase their phagocytic efficiency. In vivo, PsEUL-OVA could significantly increase the levels of OVA-specific antibody (IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG2b) titers and cytokine (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ) levels. Additionally, it could activate T lymphocytes and facilitate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). These findings collectively suggested that PsEUL-OVA induced humoral and cellular immune responses by promoting the phagocytic activity of macrophages and DCs. Taken together, these results revealed that PsEUL-OVA had the potential to improve immune responses and provide a promising theoretical basis for the design of a novel delivery system.

Structural Characterization of a Polysaccharide from Gastrodia elata and Its Bioactivity on Gut Microbiota

A novel homogeneous polysaccharide named GEP-1 was isolated and purified from Gastrodia elata (G. elata) by hot-water extraction, ethanol precipitation, and membrane separator. GEP-1, which has a molecular weight of 20.1 kDa, contains a polysaccharide framework comprised of only glucose. Methylation and NMR analysis showed that GEP-1 contained 1,3,6-linked-α-Glcp, 1,4-linked-α-Glcp, 1,4-linked-β-Glcp and 1,4,6-linked-α-Glcp. Interestingly, GEP-1 contained citric acid and repeating p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol as one branch. Furthermore, a bioactivity test showed that GEP-1 could significantly promote the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila (A. muciniphila) and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (L.paracasei) strains. These results implied that GEP-1 might be useful for human by modulating gut microbiota.

Structural characterization of a novel Schisandra polysaccharides and nutritional intervention in immunotoxicity to PCBs

A new polysaccharide from fruits of Schisandra chinensis (SCPP22) with a molecular weight of 143 ± 0.13 KDa was mainly made up of glucose and galactose. The possible structure of SCPP22 was showed that its main chain was composed of 1,4-α-d-Glup and branch was stretched from O-6 position of 1,4-β-d-Glup. Branches consisted of T-α-d-Galp. Further, SCPP22 could reverse PCB126-induced immunosuppression, significantly enhance body weight and immune organ indices. It also significantly ameliorated oxidative injury to immune organ induced by PCB126, as shown by evaluation of SOD activities, as well as MDA levels in spleen and thymus. SCPP22 strongly stimulated cytokines production by up-regulating mRNA expression of TNF-α, INF-γ and IL-2. Mechanism investigation revealed that recovery effects of SCPP22 in immunosuppression induced by PCB126 are mainly through regulating apoptosis-related proteins expression. Schisandra polysaccharides might be applied in functional food as nutritional intervention ingredient.