Determination and analysis of monosaccharides in Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides from different areas by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole trap tandem mass spectrometry

Research of saccharides and related biocomplexes: A review with recent techniques and applications

Saccharides and biocompounds as saccharide (sugar) complexes have various roles and biological functions in living organisms due to modifications via nucleophilic substitution, polymerization, and complex formation reactions. Mostly, mono-, di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides are stabilized to inactive glycosides, which are formed in metabolic pathways. Natural saccharides are important in food and environmental monitoring. Glycosides with various functionalities are significant in clinical and medical research. Saccharides are often studied with the chromatographic methods of hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and anion exchange chromatograpy, but also with capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry with their on-line coupling systems. Sample preparation is important in the identification of saccharide compounds. The cases discussed here focus on bioscience, clinical, and food applications.

Effective separation of protein from Polygonatum cyrtonema crude polysaccharide utilizing ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium bromide

Extraction of plant polysaccharides often results in a large amount of proteins, which is hard to eliminate from the crude extract, and conventional approaches for deproteinization are time-consuming and often involve hazardous organic solvents. In this study, ionic liquid tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBABr) was used to create an ionic liquid aqueous two-phase system (ILATPS) for the separation of the polysaccharide (PcP) and protein extracted from the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was first applied to assess the feasibility of the ILATPS, and MgSO4 was determined to be the most suitable inorganic salt. By adopting the Taguchi experiment with an L9 (3^4) orthogonal array, it was found that the best condition for the efficient separation of crude PcP was at 25°C, with 1.5 g of TBABr, 15 mg of PcP, and 2.0 g of MgSO4, with the extraction efficiency for the protein and polysaccharide as 98.6% and 93.5%, respectively. The purified PcP was homogeneous, and its weight average molecular weight (Mw) was 7,554 Da. Monosaccharide composition analysis indicated the PcP comprised mannose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid, arabinose, and rhamnose at a molar ratio of 33:13:8:3.5:2:1. This approach offers a practical tactic to purify polysaccharides of plant origin.

Pharmacological properties of Polygonatum and its active ingredients for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases

Despite continued advances in prevention and treatment strategies, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death worldwide, and more effective therapeutic methods are urgently needed. Polygonatum is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with a variety of pharmacological applications and biological activities, such as antioxidant activity, anti-inflammation, antibacterial effect, immune-enhancing effect, glucose regulation, lipid-lowering and anti-atherosclerotic effects, treatment of diabetes and anticancer effect. There has also been more and more evidence to support the cardioprotective effect of Polygonatum in recent years. However, up to now, there has been a lack of comprehensive studies on the active ingredients and their pharmacotoxicological effects related to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the main active components of Polygonatum (including Polysaccharides, Flavonoids, Saponins) and their biological activities were firstly reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, we summarized the pharmacological effects of Polygonatum's active components in preventing and treating CVDs, and its relevant toxicological investigations. Finally, we emphasize the potential of Polygonatum in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.

Research on the Impact of Deep Eutectic Solvent and Hot-Water Extraction Methods on the Structure of Polygonatum sibiricum Polysaccharides

Deep eutectic solvent (DES) and hot-water extraction (HWE) methods were utilized to extract polysaccharides from Polygonatum sibiricum, referred to as DPsP and WPsP, respectively. The extracted polysaccharides were purified using the Superdex-200 dextran gel purification system, resulting in three components for each type of polysaccharide. The structures of these components were characterized. The molecular weight analysis revealed that DPsP components had slightly larger molecular weights compared with WPsP, with DPsP-A showing a slightly higher dispersity index and broader molecular weight distribution. The main monosaccharide components of both DPsP and WPsP were mannose and glucose, while DPsP exhibited a slightly greater variety of sugar components compared with WPsP. FTIR analysis demonstrated characteristic polysaccharide absorption peaks in all six PSP components, with a predominance of acidic pyranose sugars. NMR analysis revealed the presence of pyranose sugars, including rhamnose and sugar aldehyde acids, in both DPsP-B and WPsP-A. DPsP-B primarily exhibited β-type glycosidic linkages, while WPsP-A predominantly displayed α-type glycosidic linkages, with a smaller fraction being β-type. These findings indicated differences in monosaccharide composition and structure between PSPs extracted using different methods. Overall, this study provided experimental evidence for future research on the structure-function relationship of PSPs.

Application of chromatography in purification and structural analysis of natural polysaccharides: A review

Polysaccharides are widely distributed in natural sources from monocytic microorganisms to higher animals, and are found in a variety of biological activities in recent decades. Natural polysaccharides have the characteristics of large molecular weight, diverse composition, and complex structure, so their purification and structural analysis are difficult issues in research. Chromatography as a powerful separation technique, plays an irreplaceable role in the separation and structural analysis of natural polysaccharides, especially in the purification of polysaccharides, the separation of hydrolysates, and the analysis of monosaccharide composition. The separation mechanisms and application of different chromatographic methods in the studies of polysaccharides were summarized in this review. Moreover, the advantages and drawbacks of various chromatography methods were discussed as well.

Bioactive compounds from Polygonatum genus as anti-diabetic agents with future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most serious health problems worldwide. Species in the genus Polygonatum are traditional food and medicinal plants, which play an important role in controlling blood glucose. In this reveiw, we systematically summarized the traditional and modern applications of the genus Polygonatum in DM, focused on the material bases of polysaccharides, flavonoids and saponins. We highlighted their mechanisms of action in preventing obese diabetes, improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion, regulating intestinal microecology, inhibiting advanced glycation end products (AGEs) accumulation, suppressing carbohydrate digestion and obsorption and modulating gluconeogenesis. Based on the safety and efficacy of this 'medicinal food' and its utility in the prevention and treatment of diabetes, we proposed a research and development program that includs diet design (supplementary food), medical nutrition therapy and new drugs, which could provide new pathways for the use of natural plants in prevention and treatment of DM.

Review on the genus Polygonatum polysaccharides: Extraction, purification, structural characteristics and bioactivities

The genus Polygonatum is gaining increasing attention from nutrition experts as well as health-conscious consumers because of its excellent performance in providing nutrients. Among these plants, Polygonatum sibiricum and Polygonatum odoratum have been selected for inclusion in China's Medicinal Food Directory due to their high safety profile. Polysaccharides are considered the main functional component and one of the main active ingredients of the plant. In addition, polysaccharides from genus Polygonatum have a variety of nutritional, biological and health-promoting properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protective, neuroprotective, antitumor, antidiabetic, antiosteoporosis, and hepatoprotective properties. This paper reviews the origin, extraction, purification, structural characteristics, biological activity, safety, toxicological evaluation, and structure-activity relationship of polysaccharides from the genus Polygonatum. Ultimately, we hope that this work can provide a more useful reference for understanding the polysaccharide structure and developing of new functional foods from polysaccharides of the genus Polygonatum.

An alternative strategy based on ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography for full monosaccharide compositional analysis of polysaccharides in Schisandra chinensis fruits

Due to green and environment-friendly characteristics, ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography has been widely used in analytical fields in recent years, but until now few reports are available for monosaccharide compositional analysis of macromolecule polysaccharides. In this study, an ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography technology with an unusual binary modifier is used to determine the monosaccharide compositions of natural polysaccharides. Each carbohydrate herein is simultaneously labeled as 1-pheny-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone and acetyl-derivative via pre-column derivatizations aiming to increase UV absorption sensitivity and decrease water solubility. Ten common monosaccharides are fully separated and detected on ultra-high-performance supercritical fluid chromatography combined with a photo-diode array detector by systematic optimization of multiple relevant parameters, for example, column stationary phases, organic modifiers, additives, flow rates, and so on. Compared with carbon dioxide as a mobile phase, the addition of a binary modifier increases the resolution of analytes. Additionally, this method has the advantages of small consumption of organic solvent, safety, and being environmental-friendly. It has been successfully applied for full monosaccharide compositional analysis of heteropolysaccharides from Schisandra chinensis fruits. To sum up, a new alternative approach is provided for monosaccharide compositional analysis of natural polysaccharides.

Health-Promoting Activities and Associated Mechanisms of Polygonati Rhizoma Polysaccharides

Polygonati Rhizoma, a typical homology of medicine and food, possesses remarkable anti-fatigue, anti-aging, metabolic regulatory, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetes, and anti-cancer effects. Among bioactive phytochemicals in Polygonati Rhizoma, polysaccharides play important roles in the health-promoting activities through the mechanisms mentioned above and potential synergistic effects with other bioactives. In this review, we briefly introduce the updated biosynthesis of polysaccharides, the purification method, the structure characterization, and food applications, and discuss in detail the biological activities of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharides and associated mechanisms, aiming at broadening the usage of Polygonati Rhizoma as functional food and medicine.

Structural elucidation and anti-nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharide

The chemical structure and pharmacological activity of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua polysaccharides have garnered significant attention in recent years. In this study, a homogeneous polysaccharide, PCP1, was extracted from P. cyrtonema Hua rhizomes and purified. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that PCP1 is primarily composed of fructose, glucose, and mannose. Chemical structure analysis showed that the main chain of PCP1 is composed mainly of →1)-β-D-Fruf-(2→ and →1,6)-β-D-Fruf-(2→, with small amounts of →6)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, and β-D-Glcp-(1→. The side chain is β-D-Fruf-(2→ linked at C-6 of →1,6)-β-D-Fruf-(2→. In vivo experiments showed that PCP1 mitigates liver pathological damage, improves abnormal lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids, and balances the composition of the intestinal microbiota in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) mice. Thus, PCP1 can be used as a natural ingredient in functional foods for the treatment of NAFLD.

Dynamic Analysis of Physicochemical Properties and Polysaccharide Composition during the Pile-Fermentation of Post-Fermented Tea

Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to study the diversity of tea polysaccharides and the dynamic changes in the physicochemical indexes of tea samples. FT-IR spectra and the free radical scavenging ability of tea polysaccharides, during pile-fermentation of post-fermented tea, were analyzed. The results showed that 23 saccharide co mponents in tea polysaccharides were identified: these belonged to 11 monosaccharides, 5 oligosaccharides, and 6 derivatives of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides. The abundance of oligosaccharides decreased gradually, while monosaccharides, and derivatives of monosaccharides and oligosaccharides increased gradually with the development of pile-fermentation. According to the differences in polysaccharide composition and their abundance, the tea polysaccharide samples extracted from different pile-fermentation stages could be clearly classed into three groups, W-0, W-1~W-4 and W-5~C-1. The pile-fermentation process affected the yield, the content of each component, FT-IR spectra, and the DPPH free radical scavenging ability of tea polysaccharides. Correlation analysis showed that microorganisms were directly related to the changes in composition and the abundance of polysaccharides extracted from different pile-fermentation stages. The study will further help to reveal the function of tea polysaccharides and promote their practical application as a functional food.

Recent advances in qualitative and quantitative analysis of polysaccharides in natural medicines: A critical review

Polysaccharides from natural medicines, being safe and effective natural mixtures, show great potential to be developed into botanical drugs. However, there is yet one polysaccharide-based case that has fulfilled the Botanical Guidance definition of a botanical drug product. One of the reasons is the analytical methods commonly used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of polysaccharides fall far behind the quality control criteria of botanical drugs. Here we systemically reviewed the recent advances in analytical methods. A critical evaluation of the strength and weaknesses of these methods was provided, together with possible solutions to the difficulties. Mass spectrometry with or without robust chromatographic separation was increasingly employed. And scientists have made significant progress in simplifying polysaccharide quantification by depolymerizing it into oligosaccharides. This oligosaccharides-based strategy is promising for qualitative and quantitative analysis of polysaccharides. And continuous efforts are still needed to develop a standardized quality control method that is specific, accurate, repeatable, and applicable for analyzing individual components in natural medicine formulas.

An Evaluation of Traits, Nutritional, and Medicinal Component Quality of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua and P. sibiricum Red

Polygonati rhizoma (Huangjing in Chinese) is a traditional and classic dual-purpose material used in food and medicine. Herbalists in China and Japan have noticed several different rhizome types in Huangjing with different qualities. Rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua and P. sibiricum Red. is divided into five types: "Jitou-type" Polygonati rhizoma (JTPR), atypical "Jitou-type" Polygonati rhizoma (AJTPR), "Jiang-type" Polygonati rhizoma (JPR), "Cylinder-type" Polygonati rhizoma (CPR), and "Baiji-type" Polygonati rhizoma (BJPR). This study observed the microstructure and histochemical localization of polysaccharides, saponins, and proteins in Huangjing. Nutritional and medicinal component data and antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS) were analyzed to evaluate the quality of different types of Huangjing. The results showed that the comprehensive quality of the rhizomes, BJPR and JTPR, was better, regardless of their nutritional or medicinal values. Altogether, these results could recommend future breeding efforts to produce Huangjing with improved nutritional and medicinal qualities.

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatograph-tandem mass spectrometer combined with chemometric analysis an approach for the quality evaluation of Mume Fructus

Mume Fructus is an important traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in the treatment of intestinal diseases and asthma for thousands of years. In order to evaluate the quality of Mume Fructus in different processing methods, the main chemical components in Mume Fructus were investigated and a method was established for simultaneous quantification organic acids of Mume Fructus. Firstly, an optimized ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight tandem-mass spectrometry method was used to identify the structures of main components in Mume Fructus. A total of 41 chemical compounds were identified, including 11 organic acids, 13 flavonoids and 3 fatty acids. The contents of 11 organic acids in 18 batches of Mume Fructus from different processing methods were simultaneously determined by LC-MS/MS method. The results of quantitative and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that Mume Fructus under different processing methods were rich in the above 11 organic acids and the contents were obvious different. Taken together, the proposed quality evaluation method was fast and comprehensively reflects the content of the main chemical components in Mume Fructus under different processing methods, and provides a useful reference for the quality control and evaluation of Mume Fructus. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Evolutionary research trend of Polygonatum species: a comprehensive account of their transformation from traditional medicines to functional foods

With the advances in Polygonatum research, there is a huge interest in harnessing the valuable functional ingredients of this genus with the potential for functional foods. This review emphasizes the different aspects of Ploygonatum based research starting from its bioactive compounds, their structural characterization, various extraction methods, as well as biological activities. In view of its integral use as an essential medicinal plant, our review emphasizes on its promising food applications both as an ingredient and as a whole food, and its improved health benefits with potential for agricultural and environmental relevance are also discussed. As we collated the recent research information, we present the main challenges and limitations of the current research trend in this area which can upgrade the further expansion of Polygonatum-related research that will strengthen its economic and accessible nutritional value in the food and health industries. By highlighting the need for the unattended species, this review not only fills existing research gaps, but also encourages the researchers to find new avenues for the natural production of bio-based functional materials and the development of highly functional and health-promoting foods for disease prevention and treatment.