Pectic polysaccharides of the fresh plum Prunus domestica L. isolated with a simulated gastric fluid and their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities

In vitro antiviral effect of sulfated pectin from Mangifera indica against the infection of the viral agent of childhood bronchiolitis (Respiratory Syncytial Virus - RSV)

The Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of acute respiratory infections in children. Currently, no safe, effective, or feasible option for pharmacological management of RSV exists. Hence, plant-derived natural compounds have been explored as promising antiviral agents. Mangifera indica is a globally distributed plant with reported anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, and antiviral activities. Our study investigated the antiviral potential of a novel pectin from M. indica peels (PMi) and its chemically sulfated derivative (PSMi) against RSV in HEp-2 cells. The compounds were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). NMR analysis revealed the presence of ester and carboxylic acid groups in PMi, and sulfation resulted in a sulfation degree of 0.5. PMi and PSMi showed no cytotoxic effects even at concentrations as high as 2000 μg/mL. PSMi completely inhibited RSV infectivity (100-1.56 μg/mL, 50 % inhibitory concentration of viral infectivity = 0.77 ± 0.11 μg/mL). The mechanism of action was investigated using the 50 % tissue culture infectious dose assay. PSMi displayed virucidal activity at concentrations from 100 to 6.25 μg/mL, and a significant reduction in viral infection was observed at all treatment times. Overall, PSMi is antiviral, cell-safe, and exhibits promising potential as an RSV treatment.

A Novel Strategy for Mixed Jam Evaluation: Apparent Indicator, Sensory, Metabolomic, and GC-IMS Analysis

Jam is a popular traditional and modern food product for daily consumption. However, the benefits of mixed jams over single-fruit jams have not been thoroughly explored, with analyses limited to superficial indices. In this study, Xinjiang special Morus nigra L. and Prunus domestica L. were used as raw materials to prepare single-fruit and mixed jams, and their differences in antioxidants, organoleptic qualities, pH, texture, and color were analyzed. The dynamics of metabolites before and after thermal processing were assessed using untargeted metabolomics. The results indicate that the main metabolites were flavonoids, terpenoids, amino acids, phenolic acids, and carbohydrates. Flavonoid metabolites changed significantly after thermal processing, with 40 up-regulated and 13 down-regulated. During storage, polyphenols were the prominent differential metabolites, with fifty-four down-regulated and one up-regulated. Volatile aroma components were analyzed using gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS); the aroma components E-2-hexenal, E-2-pentenal, 3-methylbutanal, 1-penten-3-ol, tetrahydro-linalool, 1-penten-3-one, hexyl propionate, isoamyl acetate, α-pinene, and propionic acid in mixed jam were significantly higher than in single-fruit jam. In this study, untargeted metabolomics and GC-IMS were used to provide a more comprehensive and in-depth evaluation system for jam analysis.

Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides and evaluation of its structural, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity

The study aimed to improve the extraction rate of Platycodon grandiflorum roots polysaccharides (PGPs) using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). A comparative analysis was undertaken to evaluate polysaccharides content, molecular weight distribution, monosaccharide composition, preliminary structure, antioxidant, and hypoglycemic activity of UAE in comparison with heating water extraction (HWE). The optimum extraction conditions included a liquid-to-material ratio of 20 mL/g, ultrasonic power of 150 W, extraction temperature of 70 ℃, and extraction time of 20 min, resulting in a significantly greater polysaccharides (12.011 ± 0.91 %) compared to HWE (7.62 ± 0.18 %). Through Sephacryl S-100 column elution, two homogenous fraction (PGP-U extracted with UAE and PGP-H extracted with HAE) were obtained. The molecular weight of PGP-U and PGP-H was 3.14 kDa and 3.44 kDa, respectively, mainly composed of different proportions of fourteen monosaccharides. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra experiment results showed that the two polysaccharides were pyranose ring with α- and β-glycoside bond. PGP-U and PGP-H exhibited specific antioxidant activities, encompassing total reducing force, scavenging of DPPH radicals, ABTs radicals and hydroxyl radicals in vitro, along with mitigation of H2O2-induced damage in HepG2 cells. Moreover, PGP-U exerted significantly stronger inhibitory activities against α-amylase and α-glucosidase and could significantly enhances the glucose uptake capacity and intracellular glycogen content of insulin-resistant HepG2 (IR-HepG2) cells.

Structural characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a pectin polysaccharide HBHP-3 from Houttuynia cordata

In this study, a hot buffer soluble Houttuynia cordata polysaccharide (HBHP-3) with a molecular weight of 397.4 kDa was isolated from H. cordata. HBHP-3 was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, galactose and galacturonic acid with molar ratio of 16.0:12.6:4.6:18.1:15.6. Structural analysis showed that the main chain of HBHP-3 was composed of →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→, →4)-α-D-GalpA-(1→ and →4)-β-D-Galp-(1→. There were branched chains of α-L-Araf-(1→, →5)-α-L-Araf-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, β-D-Galp-(1→ connected to the O-4 positions of →2)-α-L-Rhap-(1→. HBHP-3 effectively inhibited the secretion of NO and the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner in macrophages. HBHP-3 inhibited the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα proteins as well, illustrating that HBHP-3 exerted its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the activation of NF-κB pathway.

Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications

Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.

Polysaccharides from traditional Asian food source and their antitumor activity

Polysaccharides extracted from Asian traditional food source have been demonstrated to possess different antitumor activities mostly without side effect. In this paper, we reviewed many kinds of polysaccharides from different Asian food source and their antitumor activities. Some are common food such as different mushroom with more research. Some are special e.g., Ginseng, Salvia, Astragalus, Lycium barbarum etc. with relatively fewer research. This review mainly focused on their structure, derivatives, antitumor activities and their mechanism of action in the last decades. It aimed to bridge traditional Asian ingredients with tumor and cancer curation in order to avoid side effect of traditional treatment. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: There are abundant resources of Asian food. And polysaccharides from these resources have been showed good antitumor activities and immunopotentiating activity. This review introduced the advance of the polysaccharides and their antitumor activities, which will promote the development antitumor medicine derived from Asian food source, or their applications as Adjuvant therapy of traditional chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to their multiple antitumor activities, enhancing immunity potential, and non-toxic side-effects, it might be utilized for the treatment of multiple tumors and improve the health and the life quality of patients whether as anti-tumor drugs or as adjuvant therapy method. Furthermore, traditional Asian food source is rich. In the near future, more and more efficient polysaccharides with antitumor activities of Asian food source will be discovered. There will be broad application market for the polysaccharides.

Construction and antitumor activity of selenium nanoparticles decorated with the polysaccharide extracted from Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f. (Rutaceae)

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), a potential cancer therapeutic agent, have attracted widespread attention owing to their high bioavailability and remarkable anticancer activity. Nevertheless, the poor water solubility and dispersibility of SeNPs seriously limit their applications. In the present study, we synthesized stable and individual spherical selenium nanoparticles (CL90-Tw-SeNP2) with an average diameter of approximately 79 nm using a polysaccharide extracted from Citrus limon (CL90) and Tween-80 as the decorator and stabilizers. The proportion of selenium in CL90-Tw-SeNP2 was 10.6%. CL90-Tw-SeNP2 possessed high stability and good dispersion in water for more than three months. The subsequent biological assay revealed that CL90-Tw-SeNP2 showed remarkable antitumor effects against HepG2 cells, with an IC₅₀ value of 49.13 μg/mL, by inducing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, an in vivo zebrafish assay to explore possible applications indicated that CL90-Tw-SeNP2 could inhibit the proliferation and migration of tumors and the zebrafish angiogenesis. These results indicated that CL90-Tw-SeNP2 could be a potential agent for cancer treatment, especially against human liver hepatoma cancer.

Xylogalacturonan-enriched pectin from the fruit pulp of Adansonia digitata: Structural characterization and antidepressant-like effect

The low methyl-esterified and acetylated xylogalacturonan (DM 20 %, DA 2 %, Mw ∼ 58 kDa) was isolated by water extraction for 4 h × 2 at 50 °C (yield 23 %) from the pulp of baobab fruit (Adansonia digitata L.). Subsequent tightening of the conditions for water extraction by mean increasing the temperature to 70 °C and time to 12 h led to the co-extraction of small amounts of starch components and RG I with xylogalacturonan. Structural analysis (DEAE-cellulose ion-exchange chromatography, HPSEC, monosaccharide analysis, NMR spectroscopy) revealed that about 12 mol. % of 1,4-linked α-GalpA residues were substituted by single β-Xylp residues at the O-3 position. The xylogalacturonan was found to possess an antidepressant-like effect in mice. The study offers using the baobab fruit as a rich source of soluble dietary fiber - water-soluble pectin with beneficial physiological effect.

Delineating the inherent functional descriptors and biofunctionalities of pectic polysaccharides

Pectin is a plant-based heteropolysaccharide macromolecule predominantly found in the cell wall of plants. Pectin is commercially extracted from apple pomace, citrus peels and sugar beet pulp and is widely used in the food industry as a stabilizer, emulsifier, encapsulant, and gelling agent. This review highlights various parameters considered important for describing the inherent properties and biofunctionalities of pectins in food systems. These inherent descriptors include monosaccharide composition, galacturonic acid content, degree of esterification, molecular weight, structural morphology, functional group analysis, and functional properties, such as water and oil holding capacity, emulsification, foaming capacity, foam stability, and viscosity. In this study, we also delineate their potential as a nutraceutical, prebiotic, and carrier for bioactive compounds. The biofunctionalities of pectin as an anticancer, antioxidant, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetic agent are also conceptually elaborated in the current review. The multidimensional characteristics of pectin make it a potential candidate for use in food and biomedical science.

Dried Plum Consumption Improves Total Cholesterol and Antioxidant Capacity and Reduces Inflammation in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

Dried plums contain bioactive components that have demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine if dried plum consumption reduces the risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in postmenopausal women, specifically examining lipid profiles, oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. We conducted a 6-month, parallel-design controlled clinical trial, where 48 postmenopausal women were randomly assigned to consume 0, 50, or 100 g of dried plum each day. After 6 months of intervention, total cholesterol (TC) in the 100 g/day treatment group (P = .002) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the 50 g/day treatment group (P = .005) improved significantly compared to baseline. Inflammatory biomarkers interleukin-6 (P = .044) and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = .040) were significantly lower after 6 months within the 50 g/day dried plum group compared to baseline. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity increased significantly within the 50 g/day group (P = .046), and superoxide dismutase activity increased significantly within both 50 and 100 g/day groups (P = .044 and P = .027, respectively) after 6 months compared to baseline. In addition, plasma activities of alanine transaminase (P = .046), lactate dehydrogenase (P = .039), and creatine kinase (P = .030) were significantly lower after 6 months in the 50 g/day dried plum group. These findings suggest that daily consumption of 50-100 g dried plum improves CVD risk factors in postmenopausal women as exhibited by lower TC, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers with no clear dose dependence.

Protective Effect of Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim. Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastritis in Rats

Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim (Korean pear) has been used for hundreds of years as a traditional herbal medicine for asthma, cough, and atopic dermatitis in Korea and China. Although it was originally shown to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiatopic properties, its gastroprotective effects have not been investigated. In the present study, we evaluated the protective effects of Pyrus ussuriensis Maxim extract (PUE) against ethanol-induced gastritis in rats. The bioactive compound profile of PUE was determined by gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The gastroprotection of PUE at different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight) prior to ethanol ingestion was evaluated using an in vivo gastritis rat model. Several endpoints were evaluated, including gastric mucosal lesions, cellular degeneration, intracellular damage, and immunohistochemical localization of leucocyte common antigen. The gastric mucosal injury and ulcer score were determined by evaluating the inflamed gastric mucosa and by histological examination. To identify the mechanisms of gastroprotection by PUE, antisecretory action and plasma prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), gastric mucosal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and histamine levels were measured. PUE exhibited significant antioxidant effects with IC₅₀ values of 56.18 and 22.49 µg/mL for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′- azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) inhibition (%), respectively. In addition, GC/MS and HPLC analyses revealed several bioactive compounds of PUE. Pretreatment with PUE significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the ulcer index by preventing gastric mucosal lesions, erosion, and cellular degeneration. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that PUE markedly attenuated leucocyte infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement of PGE₂ levels and attenuation of cAMP levels along with the inhibition of histamine release following PUE pretreatment was associated with the cytoprotective and healing effects of PUE. In contrast, the downregulation of the H⁺/K⁺ ATPase pathway as well as muscarinic receptor (M₃R) and histamine receptor (H₂R) inhibition was also involved in the gastroprotective effects of PUE; however, the expression of cholecystokinin-2 receptors (CCK₂R) was unchanged. Finally, no signs of toxicity were observed following PUE treatment. Based on our results, we conclude that PUE represents an effective therapeutic option to reduce the risk of gastritis and warrants further study.

A novel herbal immunostimulant for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) against Yersinia ruckeri

In this 21-day study, we examined the effects of the aqueous methanolic extract of thin-skinned plum (Prunus domestica) on growth, immune response and resistance to a pathogenic bacterium, Yersinia ruckeri in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were fed with diets containing thin-skinned plum extract doses as 0 (Control) 0.1 (PD01), 0.5 (PD05) and 1% (PD1) ad libitum twice in a day. At the end of the study, growth was affected positively but not significantly. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was decreased in the PD01 group (P < 0.05). There were elevated respiratory burst and potential bacterial killing activities on the 7th day in the PD1 fish group. No differences were observed in lysozyme activity (P > 0.05). An increased myeloperoxidase activity was recorded on the 14th day of study. Expression of interleukin and COX-2 genes was elevated on the 7th day of study in the kidney and intestine of treated fish. Histological results indicated no marked changes in organs (gill, kidney, liver and spleen) of PD treated fish groups. Challenge results of fish in all plum extract-treated groups showed an increased survival rate against Y. ruckeri (P < 0.05). This study indicated that the thin-skinned plum aqueous methanolic extract could improve innate immunity, survival against Y. ruckeri and decrease the FCR level.

Isolation and Purification of Polysaccharides from Litchi Seeds, with an Analysis of in Vitro Hypoglycemic Effect

Polysaccharides from litchi (Litchi chinensis) seeds were isolated and purified using ion exchange column chromatography. Molecular weight distribution of polysaccharides and monosaccharides were detected. Preliminary structural characterisation of polysaccharides was conducted using infrared, nuclear magnetic, and other spectroscopy techniques in combination with methylation analysis. In vitro cell culture experiments were designed to detect the effects of polysaccharides on cell growth and cellular glucose consumption. We extracted and analysed three polysaccharides from litchi seed. Monosaccharide composition and infrared spectroscopy detection showed that the skeleton structure of polysaccharides consisted of glucose and mannose. Polysaccharides 1 and 2 are similar and have relatively high glucose content (around 70%); polysaccharide 3 has 39.17% glucose only but is rich in arabinose (about 21.03%). In a certain range of use (50~1000 μg ml–1), polysaccharides 1 and 2 have no significant impacts on cell growth, while polysaccharide 3 can promote proliferation to some extent. All three polysaccharides can promote in vitro cellular glucose consumption, especially polysaccharide 3, which shows the strongest promotion, a significant dose effect, and synergistic effect with insulin. The above results highlight important roles of litchi seed polysaccharides in promoting cell growth and validate litchi seed polysaccharides as potential drugs for hypoglycaemia.

Structural characterization and osteogenic bioactivities of a novel Humulus lupulus polysaccharide

Humulus lupulus is a perennial climbing plant of the subfamily Cannabioideae native to the Northern Hemisphere. The primary use of H. lupulus is in the brewing industry, where it is an essential ingredient for imparting a unique flavor (bitterness and aroma) to beer. The female flowers of H. lupulus are also used in traditional Chinese medicine, but the biologically active ingredients underlying its benefits remain unclear. China is the largest producer and consumer of H. lupulus in Asia. Using the waste from the beer-brewing process of H. lupulus as raw materials, the biologically active polysaccharides can be screened. This is useful for the full utilization of H. lupulus, potentially leading to disease prevention and treatment. In this study, we isolated a homogeneous polysaccharide (HLP50-1) with a molecular weight of 49.13 kDa from female flowers of H. lupulus via a DEAE-Cellulose 52 anion exchange column and a Sephadex G-75 gel filtration column. Methylation, GC-MS, and NMR analyses revealed that the HLP50-1 comprised →4)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →6)-α-d-Manp-(1→, →3)-α-l-Rhap-(1→, β-d-Glcp-(1→, α-l-Araf-(1→, →4,6)-2-OAc-β-d-Galp-(1→, β-d-Galp-(1→, →3,6)-β-d-Glcp-(1→, →2,3,4)-α-d-Xylp-(1→, →6)-α-d-Glcp-(1→, →3)-α-d-Galp-(1→, →4)-α-d-Galp-(1→. Advanced structural analysis showed that the HLP50-1 contained irregular fragments of different sizes and shapes with a smooth surface. The aggregates appeared be composed of accumulated crystals. Furthermore, the osteogenic activities of the HLP50-1 were evaluated via MC3T3-E1 cells in vitro. The results showed that 0.13 μM HLP50-1 led to outstanding proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of the MC3T3-E1 cells. Therefore, HLP50-1 has osteogenic effects, and it may be a candidate for the treatment of osteoporosis. It has broad application prospects in functional foods, health-care products, and pharmaceuticals.

Fabrication and Characterization of Pectin Hydrogel Nanofiber Scaffolds for Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Vascular Cells

Despite significant progress over the past few decades, creating a tissue-engineered vascular graft with replicated functions of native blood vessels remains a challenge due to the mismatch in mechanical properties, low biological function, and rapid occlusion caused by restenosis of small diameter vessel grafts (<6 mm diameter). A scaffold with similar mechanical properties and biocompatibility to the host tissue is ideally needed for the attachment and proliferation of cells to support the building of engineered tissue. In this study, pectin hydrogel nanofiber scaffolds with two different oxidation degrees (25 and 50%) were prepared by a multistep methodology including periodate oxidation, electrospinning, and adipic acid dihydrazide crosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the obtained pectin nanofiber mats have a nano-sized fibrous structure with 300-400 nm fiber diameter. Physicochemical property testing using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentations, and contact angle measurements demonstrated that the stiffness and hydrophobicity of the fiber mat could be manipulated by adjusting the oxidation and crosslinking levels of the pectin hydrogels. Live/Dead staining showed high viability of the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured on the pectin hydrogel fiber scaffold for 14 days. In addition, the potential application of pectin hydrogel nanofiber scaffolds of different stiffness in stem cell differentiation into vascular cells was assessed by gene expression analysis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results showed that the stiffer scaffold facilitated the differentiation of MSCs into vascular smooth muscle cells, while the softer fiber mat promoted MSC differentiation into endothelial cells. Altogether, our results indicate that the pectin hydrogel nanofibers have the capability of providing mechanical cues that induce MSC differentiation into vascular cells and can be potentially applied in stem cell-based tissue engineering.

Basil polysaccharides: A review on extraction, bioactivities and pharmacological applications

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been widely used in China and is regarded as the most commonly used treatment. As a natural plant used in traditional Chinese Medicine, Basil has various functions associated with a number of its components. There are many compositions in basil including polysaccharides, naphtha, steroids, flavone, coumarins, vitamins, and so on. Among these, polysaccharides play a significant role in based therapeutics. The article summarizes that basil polysaccharides have a lot of biological activities and pharmacological applications, such as their antitumor activity, antioxidant activity, anti-aging activity, immunity enhancement effect, hypolipidemic and anti-atherosclerotic effects, antibacterial effect, treatment of diabetes mellitus, and so on. This review summarized the extraction method, purification method, compositions, pharmacological applications, molecular weight, biological activities, and prospects of basil polysaccharides, providing a basis for further study of basil and basil polysaccharides.

Modified soybean meal polysaccharide with high adhesion capacity to Salmonella

Carbohydrates are known to act as analog receptors for bacteria and therefore are promising alternatives for the control and prevention of bacterial infections. The present study evaluated the chemical structure of modified soybean meal polysaccharides and their capacity to adhere enterobacteria (Salmonella Typhimurium) and to interfere with the bacteria adhesion to the known analogue receptors, using in vitro assays. For this, soybean meal suspensions were subjected to a thermochemical extraction process and structural analyses showed that the fraction with higher adhesion and adhesion-inhibition potential, SAP, was constituted by two types of polysaccharides: a partially depolymerized pectin, of high molar mass, composed of xylogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan regions (SAP1, 545.5 kDa), and a (1 → 4)-linked-β-D-galactan of low molar mass (SAP2, 8.7 kDa). The results showed a high affinity of Salmonella for galactans, while high molar mass pectins showed no adhesion capacity. The chemical compositions of the fractions suggested that galactose could be responsible for the recognition process in the adhesion process. Other factors, such as structure and degree of polymerization of the polymers, may also be influencing the adhesion process. Modified soybean meal polysaccharides appear to be a promising alternative agent to antibiotics for the control and prevention of foodborne diseases.

A novel strategy to utilize ethylene glycol-ionic liquids for the selective precipitation of polysaccharides

In the present work, three hydrophilic ionic liquids based on the combination between imidazolium cations attached with ethylene glycol polymers of various lengths and hexafluorophosphate anion were designed and synthesized for the separation of polysaccharides. By employing dextran 100 kDa as model compound, the effects of ionic liquid content, solvent/anti-solvent volume, and temperature on its recovery efficiency were investigated systematically. The ability of these ionic liquids to precipitate dextran 100 kDa, increases with the elongation of ethylene glycol polymer chain. The established ionic liquid-based precipitation system was successfully applied to selectively precipitate polysaccharides from water extracts of three traditional Chinese medicines and the precipitation could be achieved in about 15 min. In addition, the different precipitation responses of acidic, neutral, and basic polysaccharides in the ionic liquid-based precipitation system and theoretical calculations both suggested that the selective precipitation of polysaccharides was probably mediated by interaction between ionic liquids and polysaccharides. The proposed strategy facilitated the isolation and purification of polysaccharides and may trigger a novel application of ionic liquids in carbohydrate research.

Structural, rheological and antioxidant properties of pectins from Equisetum arvense L. and Equisetum sylvaticum L

The pectins were isolated from sterile stems of E. arvense (EA, yield 5.9%) and E. sylvaticum (ES, yield 4.8%) (Equisetaceae) using ammonium oxalate extraction after preliminary treatment with dilute HCl (рH 4.0). The pectins possessed high molecular weight (Mw, 340-360 kDa), high GalA content (ca. 85%), low degrees of methyl-esterification (14-16%) and acetylation (3-8%). NMR analysis indicated extensive regions of partially methyl-etherified and 3-O-acetylated HG and minor regions of low branched RG in the fragment isolated after hydrolysis of pectin EA by pectinase. Pectin EA produced a higher viscosity solution, formed a stronger and more rigid ionotropic hydrogel than pectin ES. The pectins scavenged DPPH and hydroxyl radicals, but not the superoxide radical and hydrogen peroxide. Phenolic compounds (0.11 and 0.23%) associated with polysaccharide moieties were apparently responsible for the differences in the anti-DPPH scavenging activity of pectins EA and ES (63 and 49%). The findings suggested that pectin from E. arvense should be more perspective than pectin from E. sylvaticum on their use as components of wound healing remedies.

Physicochemical and functional properties of Cucurbita maxima pumpkin pectin and commercial citrus and apple pectins: A comparative evaluation

The physicochemical characteristics and functional properties of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima D. var. Cabello de Ángel) pectin obtained by cavitation facilitated extraction from pumpkin pulp have been evaluated and compared with commercial citrus and apple pectins. C. maxima pectin had an Mw value of 90 kDa and a high degree (72%) of esterification. The cytoprotective and antioxidant effects of citrus, apple and pumpkin pectin samples with different concentrations were studied in vitro in cell lines HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma) and MDCK1 (canine kidney epithelium). All pectin samples exhibited cytoprotective effect in HT-29 and MDCK1 cells after incubation with toxic concentrations of cadmium and mercury for 4 h. Pumpkin pectin increased the proliferation of cadmium-treated MDCK1 cells by 210%. The studied pectins also inhibited oxidative stress induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in cell cultures, as determined by measuring the production of intracellular reactive species using dihydrochlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). Pectin from pumpkin pomace had the highest (p < 0.05) protective effect against reactive oxygen species generation in MDCK1 cells induced by AAPH. Distinctive features of pumpkin pectin were highly branched RG-I regions, the presence of RG-II regions and the highest galacturonic acid content among the studied samples of pectins. This correlates with a considerable protective effect of C. maxima pectin against oxidative stress and cytotoxicity induced by heavy metal ions. Thus, C. maxima pectin can be considered as a source of new functional foods of agricultural origin.

Characteristics and immune-enhancing activity of pectic polysaccharides from sweet cherry (Prunus avium)

Two water soluble polysaccharides components PAPS-1 and PAPS-2 with homogeneously distributed molecular weight were obtained from Prunus avium. PAPS-1 and PAPS-2 contained GalA: Ara: Gal: Rha: GluA: Glu in 49.38: 32.39: 10.68: 4.66: 1.94: 0.48 and 77.18: 14.91: 3.39: 3.46: 0.93: 0.19 M ratios respectively, as well as trace amount of mannose and fucose. Infrared spectroscopy (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and methylation analysis indicated that both fractions were type I rhamnogalacturonan (RG-I) pectic polysaccharides with glycan side chains constituted mainly of arabinose with minor amount of galactose. Galacturonic acid methylation and sugar acetylation was found in both PAPS-1 and PAPS-2. Both PAPS-1 and PAPS-2 significantly induced the NO release from RAW264.7 cells and the expression of several immune-related molecular (TNFα, IL6, IL10, GCSF, iNOS, COX-2) was induced in RAW264.7 cells.

Antidiabetic Effects of the Auricularia auricular Polysaccharides Simulated Hydrolysates in Experimental Type-2 Diabetic Rats

A model of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using high-fat diet and low-dose STZ was established to assess the antidiabetic effects of Auricularia auricular polysaccharides simulated hydrolysates (AAPHs) obtained from the dried fruiting body of A. auricular. AAPHs were administered intragastrically (i.g.) at the dose of 0.15 g/kg b. W. to diabetic Wistar rats for 4 weeks. Results show that AAPHs was demonstrated to exhibit significant diminution in T-CHO and LDL-C levels (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) compared to the diabetic control group. In addition, the secretion level of GLP-1 were different with the diabetes model group from 0 to 30 min, and had a tendency to alleviate weight loss. The current study suggests that AAPHs might be incorporated as a supplement in diabetic agents or combined with other health-care foods.

Anti-inflammatory bowel effect of industrial orange by-products in DSS-treated mice

Pectin, phenolic compounds and/or Maillard reaction products present in orange by-products may exert an anti-inflammatory bowel effect in DSS-treated mice.

Orally Administered Baker's Yeast β-Glucan Promotes Glucose and Lipid Homeostasis in the Livers of Obesity and Diabetes Model Mice

Baker's yeast glucan (BYG) has been reported to be an anti-diabetic agent. In the work described herein, further study on the effect of orally administered BYG on glucose and lipid homeostasis in the livers of ob/ob mice was performed. It was found that BYG decreased the blood glucose and the hepatic glucose and lipid disorders. Western blotting analysis revealed that BYG up-regulated p-AKT and p-AMPK, and down-regulated p-Acc in the liver. Furthermore, RNA-Seq analysis indicated that BYG down-regulated genes responsible for gluconeogenesis (G6pase and Got1), fatty acid biosynthesis (Acly, Acc, Fas, etc.), glycerolipid synthesis (Gpam and Lipin1/2), and cholesterol synthesis (Hmgcr, Fdps, etc.). Additionally, BYG decreased glucose transporters SGLT1 and GLUT2, fat emulsification, and adipogenic genes/proteins in the intestine to decrease glucose and lipid absorption. All these findings demonstrated that BYG is beneficial for regulating glucose and lipid homeostasis in diabetic mice, and thus has potential applications in anti-diabetic foods or drugs.

RAW264.7 Cell Activating Glucomannans Extracted from Rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum

Water-soluble polysaccharides isolated from the rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum and fractionated using ion-exchange chromatography were investigated to determine their structure and immunostimulating activity. Crude and fractions (F₁ and F₂) consisted of carbohydrates (85.1~88.3%) with proteins (4.51~11.9%) and uronic acid (1.79~7.47%), and included different levels of mannose (62.3~76.3%), glucose (15.2~20.3%), galactose (4.35~15.3%), and arabinose (4.00~7.65%). The crude contained two peaks with molecular weights (Mw) of 151×10³ and 31.8×10³, but F₁ and F₂ exhibited one major peak with Mw of 103×10³ and 628×10³, respectively. Little immunostimulatory activity was observed by the crude; however, F₁ and F₂ significantly activated RAW264.7 cells to release nitric oxide and various cytokines, suggesting they were potent immunostimulators. The backbone of the most immunostimulating fraction (F₁) was (1→4)-manno- and (1→4)-gluco-pyranosyl residues with galactose and glucose attached to O-6 of manno-pyranoside.

Polyphenolic-polysaccharide conjugates of Sanguisorba officinalis L. with anticoagulant activity mediated mainly by heparin cofactor II

A macromolecular complex has been isolated from the dried flowering parts of medicinal plant Sanguisorba officinalis L. (So) by multi-step extraction procedure, including that with extraction by organic solvents to degrease the plant material, then with hot alkali, followed by neutralization, partitioning with organic solvents and dialysis. The complex was purified by size-exclusion chromatography into five fractions labeled as So1-So5. Individual fractions differed in the chemical composition and molecular weight distribution patterns. In vitro anticoagulant activity tests showed in all fractions more or less important inhibition of plasma clots, however, So3 and So4 were the most active. The anticoagulant activity of So3 was even more significant than that of the unfractionated complex So. These S. officinalis conjugates were able to inhibit mainly the activity of thrombin when they were mediated by heparin cofactor II, but what was unexpected they were the non-direct inhibitors of factor Xa, mediated by antitrombin, where such mechanism of action is typical for a highly sulphated glycosaminoglycans.

Plant oligosaccharides - outsiders among elicitors?

This review substantiates the need to study the plant oligoglycome. The available information on oligosaccharins - physiologically active fragments of plant cell wall polysaccharides - is summarized. The diversity of such compounds in chemical composition, origin, and proved biological activity is highlighted. At the same time, plant oligosaccharides can be considered as outsiders among elicitors of various natures in research intensity of recent decades. This review discusses the reasons for such attitude towards these regulators, which are largely connected with difficulties in isolation and identification. Together with that, approaches are suggested whose potentials can be used to study oligosaccharins. The topics of oligosaccharide metabolism in plants, including the ways of formation, transport, and inactivation are presented, together with data on biological activity and interaction with plant hormones. The current viewpoints on the mode of oligosaccharin action - perception, signal transduction, and possible "targets" - are considered. The potential uses of such compounds in medicine, food industry, agriculture, and biotechnology are discussed.

Injectable hydrogel from plum pectin as a barrier for prevention of postoperative adhesion

An injectable hydrogel was obtained from the high methyl-esterified plum Prunus domestica L. (PD) pectin and calcium ions (Ca2+). PD hydrogel showed a weak gel-like behavior and could be squeezed out of the syringe with an injection force of ca. 9 N. PD hydrogel was not suitable for the NIH/3T3 fibroblast cell adhesion in vitro. The live/dead fluorescence and MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays indicated that the PD hydrogel had a low cytotoxicity in relation to both the adhered and gel surrounding fibroblasts. PD hydrogel was found to inhibit adhesion formation in the sidewall defect-cecum abrasion rat model. In the control group, the occurrence of adhesion of the cecum to the peritoneal wall was found in seven of the total seven rats operated. Only four of the seven animals that were treated with the PD hydrogel were noted to have any adhesions. These adhesions were of a minimum grade of 1, 2, and 3 and were represented by a thin film that could be easily broken. The protective effect of PD hydrogel was found to be comparable with that of hyaluronic acid hydrogel used as a positive control. PD hydrogel appeared to possess enhanced in vivo residence stability on the injury sites compared to hyaluronic acid hydrogel as measured by staining of healing tissue with periodic acid-Schiff reagent. The data obtained offered the prospect for the development of the pectin-based gels as new barrier materials for surgery.