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In this paper, a synthesis of ethnomedical uses and modern biological knowledge has been done on 40 medicinal plants used by women in hamlets in and around Anaikatty hills of Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu. Women in these areas possess a rich knowledge of medicinal plants and still continue the medical tradition of using plants as medicine for themselves, their families and others around them. A description of the chemical contents and biological activities of different parts of the plants recorded is given wherever possible in order to substantiate or verify the traditional uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Water decoctions of the root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera are used by traditional healers in Mali to cure a wide range of illnesses, such as wounds, hepatitis, malaria, fever, cough and diarrhea as well as tuberculosis. Plant polysaccharides isolated from crude water extracts have previously shown effects related to the immune system. The aims of this study are comparing the properties of the polysaccharides among different plant parts, as well as relationship between chemical characteristics and complement fixation activities when the plant material has been extracted as the traditional healers do, with boiling water directly. Materials and methods Root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera were extracted by boiling water, and five purified polysaccharide fractions were obtained by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Chemical compositions were determined by GC of the TMS derivatives of the methyl-glycosides and the linkage determined after permethylation and GC-MS of the derived partly methylated alditol acetates. The bioactivity was determined by the complement fixation assay of the crude extracts and purified fractions. Results The acidic fraction TRBD-I-I isolated from the root bark was the most active of the fractions isolated. Structural studies showed that all purified fractions are of pectic nature, containing rhamnogalacturonan type I backbone. Arabinogalactan type II side chains were present in all fractions except TRBD-I-II. The observed differences in complement fixation activities among the five purified polysaccharide fractions are probably due to differences in monosaccharide compositions, linkage types and molecular sizes. Conclusion The crude extracts from root bark and stem bark have similar total activities, both higher than those from leaves. The root bark, leaves and stem bark are all good sources for fractions containing bioactive polysaccharides. But due to sustainability, it is prefer to use leaves rather than the other two plant parts, and then the dosage by weight must be higher when using leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-naturally branched polysaccharides were prepared homogeneously by reaction of cellulose in N,N-dimethyl acetamide/LiCl and the ionic liquid 1-N-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride with 2,3,4,6-tetraacetyl-1-bromo-a-D-glucopyranoside in the presence of triethylamine as base. Degrees of substitution up to 0.58 were realized. The samples were soluble in dimethyl sulphoxide and water. NMR spectroscopy and methylation analysis revealed the formation of 1,2-orthoesters. The purity of the products regarding non-bonded sugar molecules was evidenced by advanced NMR techniques (DOSY- and T2 measurements). In contrast to the reaction in 1-N-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, 1-N-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium acetate acts not only as solvent but also as reagent and leads to the formation of cellulose acetate instead of the desired product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although protein glycosylation systems are becoming widely recognized in bacteria, little is known about the mechanisms and evolutionary forces shaping glycan composition. Species within the genus Neisseria display remarkable glycoform variability associated with their O-linked protein glycosylation (pgl) systems and provide a well developed model system to study these phenomena. By examining the potential influence of two ORFs linked to the core pgl gene locus, we discovered that one of these, previously designated as pglH, encodes a glucosyltransferase that generates unique disaccharide products by using polyprenyl diphosphate-linked monosaccharide substrates. By defining the function of PglH in the glycosylation pathway, we identified a metabolic conflict related to competition for a shared substrate between the opposing glycosyltransferases PglA and PglH. Accordingly, we propose that the presence of a stereotypic, conserved deletion mutation inactivating pglH in strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, and related commensals, reflects a resolution of this conflict with the consequence of reduced glycan diversity. This model of genetic détente is supported by the characterization of pglH "missense" alleles encoding proteins devoid of activity or reduced in activity such that they cannot exert their effect in the presence of PglA. Thus, glucose-containing glycans appear to be a trait undergoing regression at the genus level. Together, these findings document a role for intrinsic genetic interactions in shaping glycan evolution in protein glycosylation systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of the tree Opilia celtidifolia have a long tradition for being used in Mali and other West African countries against various ailments such as for wound healing. Previous studies on polysaccharides from these leaves showed the presence of pectic-like polymers with an effect on the human complement system as well as the ability to activate macrophages. The present study shows that bioactive arabinogalactans isolated by water of 50°C could be separated into two acidic fractions, Oc50A1 and Oc50A2. The former could, by gel filtration on Sephacryl S-400, be separated into two fractions, which were further purified on a Superdex 200 column to give the fractions Oc50A1.I.pur and Oc50A1.II.pur. These fractions were subjected to chemical and biological studies. The polysaccharides consisted mainly of heavily branched type II arabinogalactans and minor amounts of rhamnogalacturonan I regions. The isolated polymers had a high human complement-fixating ability, as well as the ability to stimulate rat macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) and to induce B cell proliferation. These effects were especially pronounced for the higher molecular weight fraction of Oc50A1.I.pur. The fractions Oc50A1.I.pur and Oc501.II.pur stimulated secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from purified B cells or DCs. Collectively, these results indicate that the arabinogalactan type II polymers present in the leaves of O. celtidifolia may be used to develop medical devices for regulating inflammatory processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: A novel type polysaccharide was isolated from the bark of Cola cordifolia (Cav.) R. Br. (Sterculiaceae), a plant used in traditional medicine in Mali (West Africa). The polysaccharide was isolated from the water extract by ion exchange chromatography. Structural studies showed that this was a highly complex new type polysaccharide containing 20% of 2,3- and 2,4-linked rhamnose, 24% of galacturonic acid mostly 4-linked, 15% of terminal, 3- and 4-linked galactose, 20% of terminal and 3-linked 2-O-methyl galactose, 18% of 4-O-methyl glucuronic acid which was also terminally linked, and 2% of terminal 2-O-methyl fucose. This paper reports in addition to structural features, physical property and complement fixating activity using human serum as target of this novel polysaccharide. This is a first report of a plant polysaccharide containing such a diverse composition and quantity of natively methylated monosaccharides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim of the study: The present study is aimed to determine the bioactivity and structure of polysaccharides present in the leaves from the Malian medicinal plant Opilia celtidifolia [Guill. & Perr. Endl. ex Walp (Opiliaceae)]. Materials and methods: The polysaccharides from the leaves of Opilia celtidifolia were isolated from water extracts of the leaves using gelfiltration and anion exchange chromatography giving the fractions Oc50A1 and Oc50A2. Monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography of the derived TMS-derivatives of the methyl-glycosides. Linkages were determined of the partly methylated, partly acetylated alditol acetates obtained after a process including reduction, methylation, hydrolysis, reduction and acetylation followed by GC-MS. Effects on the complement system and the macrophages were determined using specific methods aimed for studying those activities. Results: The polysaccharide fractions isolated from the leaves of Opilia celtidifolia has high complement fixing activity and induce nitrite oxide release from macrophages in a dose dependent manner. The fractions had an ICH50 of 0.5 and 0.9μg/ml respectively in the complement fixing assay. They induced the release of 7.2 and 7.3μM of nitrite oxide from macrophages respectively at a dose of 100μg/ml. The monosaccharide composition in Oc50A1 and Oc50A2, analysed, showed the presence of arabinose (26.7 and 13.2%), galactose (31.5 and 28%) and galacturonic acid (5.3 and 7.8%) respectively. The Yariv test confirmed the presence of arabinogalactan type II in both fractions. Structural analyses did also show the presence of terminal and 1-4 linked galacturonic acid and terminal and 1-2 linked rhamnose. Endo-polygalacturonanase treatment was performed to isolate the heavily substituted parts of the polysaccharides. These parts contained the same monosaccharides in similar proportion, and showed stronger dose dependent complement fixing activity and also stimulated macrophages to release nitrite oxide. Conclusions: The leaves of Opilia celtidifola contains polysaccharides of pectic type that have both complement fixing and macrophage stimulating activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Extracts of five medicinal plants: Boscia angustifolia, Cissus quadrangularis, Securidaca longipedunculata, Stylosanthes erecta and Trichilia emetica, used traditionally in Malian traditional medicine were screened for in vitro antiplasmodial activity and GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor binding activity. Four extracts showed significant antiplasmodial activities, with the dichloromethane extract of leaf of Securidaca longipedunculata being the most active (IC50 of 7μg/ml [95% CI: 5–9]). The dichloromethane extract of leaf of Trichilia emetica, in addition to its antiplasmodial activity (IC50: 12μg/ml [95% CI: 12–14]), exhibited a good binding activity to the GABAA–benzodiazepine receptor, while water and methanol extracts of the same plant did not show any activity. A strong GABAA-receptor complex binding activity was observed in the methanol extract of aerial part of Stylosanthes erecta. The results in this study justify some of the traditional indications of the plants investigated and may thus be candidates for Improved Traditional Medicines in Mali. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mild acid hydrolysis was used to release polysaccharides from the chlorite-treated leaves of Sphagnum papillosum. These polysaccharides, collectively known as sphagnan, were physically and chemically characterised. No evidence was found of the presence of a previously described 5-keto-d-mannuronic acid (5-KMA) monomer in sphagnan, or in the chlorite-treated leaves from which sphagnan was extracted. After fractionation by anion-exchange chromatography the majority of polysaccharides were similar to rhamnogalacturonan I-type pectins. They were highly branched and had a weight average molecular weight of 3.9×10g/mol. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In Mali the use of traditional medicine is a wide spread phenomenon, not only because of its cultural importance, but also as the majority of people cannot afford the western drugs or medicines. In Mali, the Office du Niger area constitutes the main zone of schistosomiasis transmission where both Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium are encountered. An ethnopharmacological survey, using questionnaire, was conducted in the Office du Niger area of the Niono District to determine the plants used against schistosomiasis amongst traditional healers. Forty healers from 21 villages of six different health areas were interviewed. All interviewed healers knew about urinary schistosomiasis, while only six knew about the intestinal form. The presence of blood in urine was reported as the main symptom of urinary schistosomiasis. Fifty-five plants belonging to 30 families were reported to be used alone for treating urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis, while nine combinations of plants were used against the urinary form of the disease. Cissus quadrangularis and Stylosanthes erecta were the plants most frequently used and were reported for the first time, to be used against schistosomiasis in Mali. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The African flora contains numerous medicinal plants whose biological and chemical properties are incompletely known. Antioxidant and radical scavenging properties of plants are subject to intensive research. In the work described here, we have investigated the antioxidant activity of the plants Diospyros abyssinica (root bark), Lannea velutina (root bark and stem bark) and Crossopteryx febrifuga (seeds). Extracts of different polarity were assayed for radical scavenging activity, using the stable free radical diphenylpicrylhydrazyl, and for inhibition of enzymatic lipid peroxidation mediated by soybean 15-lipoxygenase. All plants investigated showed activity, but there were large differences between plants and between extracts. In general, Diospyros abyssinica and Lannea velutina were richer in antioxidants than Crossopteryx febrifuga. Lipophilic extracts were not active as radical scavengers, but did inhibit 15-lipoxygenase. Semipolar extracts (80% aqueous ethanol and methanol) of Diospyros abyssinica and Lannea velutina showed the highest activity both as radical scavengers and lipoxygenase inhibitors, and also gave the highest extract yields. These plants therefore appear to be excellent sources of antioxidants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoaceae) is a Malian medicinal plant used against various types of illnesses related to the immune response, like joint pains, inflammations, fever, malaria and wounds. Two pectin type polysaccharides, GOA1 and GOA2, being isolated from a 50°C water extract from the aerial parts of Glinus oppositifolius were investigated for their activity towards the complement system and different leukocyte subsets because of the assumed effects on conditions related to the immune system. The polysaccharide polymer in GOA1 was shown to contain considerable amounts of the neutral sugars arabinose (26.4mol%) and galactose (42.9mol%), and methylation analysis indicated the presence of arabinogalactans type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II). GOA2 was rich in galacturonic acid (68.3mol%), along with rhamnose, arabinose and galactose. Structural studies indicated that rhamnose and galacturonic acid might constitute a rhamnogalacturonan backbone, often found in pectic substances, with side chains consisting of arabinose and galactose. Both GOA1 and GOA2 were shown to exhibit potent dose-dependent complement fixating activities, and induced chemotaxis of macrophages, T cells and NK cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Structure and immunological characteristics of the pectic arabinogalactan Vk2a (previously reported as Vk100A2a) from the roots of Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. were investigated after enzymatic digestion of the galacturonan moiety and the side chains of the rhamnogalacturonan structure of Vk2a. endo-α-d-(1→4)-Polygalacturonase digestion released the high molecular weight ‘hairy region’ (Vk2a-HR) and oligogalacturonides. Vk2a-HR consisted of GalA (4-linked) and Rha (2- or 2,4-linked) in a 1:1 ratio, with 60% of Rha branched at C-4. The Rha located in the rhamnogalacturonan core was branched randomly by Gal units. Vk2a-HR was rich in neutral sugars such as Araf 5- (12.2%) and 3,5-substituted (12.8%) and terminally- (14.1%) linked and Gal 4- (13.0%), 3- (0.9%), 6- (2.2%) and 3,6- (1.1%) substituted. Arabinans with chain lengths up to 11 units were identified. Araf residues were attached to C-3 of α-l-(1→5)-Araf chains and to C-4 of Gal residues. Single Gal units and chains of β-d-(1→6)-linked galacto di- to penta-saccharides were attached to a β-d-(1→3)-galactan core. All the enzyme resistant fractions expressed potent complement fixation and induction of B-cell mitogenic activity, and the present study indicates that there may be several and possibly structurally different active sites involved in the bioactivity of Vk2a. The bioactive sites may be located both in the more peripheral parts of the molecule but also in the inner core of the ‘hairy region’ or in larger enzyme-resistant chains. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The roots from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Baccharoides adoensis var. kotschyana (Sch. Bip. ex Walp.) M.A. Isawumi, G.El-Ghazaly & B. Nordenstam) (Asteraceae) are used in Malian folk medicine for the treatment of gastritis, gastro duodenal ulcers, as an aid to ameliorate digestion and as a wound healing remedy. Since a common feature among these conditions is related to immune responses, immunomodulating activities of fractions isolated from both the 50 °C and the 100 °C water extracts from Vernonia kotschyana were investigated in this study. The active principles were identified as acidic polysaccharide fractions, containing pectic arabinogalactan type II structures, which showed both complement fixing ability and T-cell independent induction of B-cell proliferation in vitro. Some activity was also observed on macrophages. The present study may provide additional support for the popular use of this plant to improve intestinal health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The average degree of polymerisation (DP) and distribution of oligosaccharides in partially acid hydrolysed mannuronans were quantitatively evaluated by 1H NMR, electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography with UV detection (MEKC-UV), and high-pressure anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD). Our investigation shows that 1H NMR, MEKC-UV and, in particular, HPAEC-PAD can be used as quantitative tools to aid the investigation of polysaccharide structure, function and synthesis. For the latter two techniques, especially, this represents a significant new development as it enables calculation of the quantity of individual oligomers of nominal DP by direct analysis of a defined oligomer mixture. Appropriate statistical averages of number and weight distributions were also calculated and found to fit very well to predicted Kuhn distributions that assume random depolymerisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study explores the traditional knowledge of plants used by traditional health practitioners (THPs) in the treatment of symptoms or syndromes related to mental illnesses in the district of Bamako in Mali, along with the identification of affiliated traditional treating methods. An exploratory and cross-sectional ethnopharmacological survey was conducted in the district of Bamako. The Malian Federation of Associations of Therapists and Herbalists (FEMATH) assisted in the identification and inclusion of the THPs. Data sampling included semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were evaluated by analysing reports of the use of different medicinal plants and the number of participants. Fifteen THPs belonging to the district of Bamako participated. In total, 43 medicinal plants belonging to 22 plant families were used by the THPs. The most cited plant species was Securidaca longepedunculata (violet tree), followed by Khaya senegalensis (African mahogany) and Boscia integrifolia (rough-leaved shepherds tree). A great number of herbal combinations, preparation methods, and administration routes were used, often with honey as an adjuvant. To our knowledge, this is the first ethnobotanical survey on the use of medicinal plants in the treatment of all types of mental disorders in Bamako.

Background: Aconitum carmichaelii is an industrially cultivated medicinal plant in China and its lateral and mother roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine due to the presence of alkaloids. However, the rootlets and aerial parts are discarded after collection of the roots, and the non-toxic polysaccharides in this plant have attracted less attention than the alkaloids and poisonous features. In this study, five neutral and 14 acidic polysaccharide fractions were isolated systematically from different plant parts of A. carmichaelii, and their structural features and bioactivity were studied and compared., Results: The neutral fraction isolated from the rootlets differed from those isolated from the lateral and mother roots. It consisted of less starch and more possible mannans, galactans, and/or xyloglucans, being similar to those of the aerial parts. Pectic polysaccharides containing homogalacturonan and branched type-I rhamnogalacturonan (RG-I) were present in all plant parts of A. carmichaelii. However, more arabinogalactan (AG)-II side chains in the RG-I backbone were present in the aerial parts of the plants, while more amounts of arabinans were found in the roots. Various immunomodulatory effects were observed, determined by complement fixation activity and anti-inflammatory effects on the intestinal epithelial cells of all polysaccharide fractions., Conclusion: This study highlighted the diversity of polysaccharides present in A. carmichaelii, especially in the unutilized plant parts, and showed their potential medicinal value. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.)

The roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years. However, tons of aerial parts of this plant are usually discarded in the production of roots preparation. To make better use of these plant resources, the polysaccharide isolated from the aerial part of S. miltiorrhiza was investigated for its potential protection against intestinal diseases. A pectic polysaccharide (SMAP-1) was isolated and characterized being composed of homogalacturonan as the main chain and rhamnogalacturonan type I as ramified region, with side chains including arabinans and possible arabinogalactan type I and II. SMAP-1 exhibited robust protective effects against dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis and restored colitis symptoms, colonic inflammation, and barrier functions. Anti-oxidative effects were also observed by up-regulating Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. Additionally, the level of serum 5-methoxyindole-3-carboxaldehyde (5-MC) was restored by SMAP-1 identified in metabolomic analysis, being correlated with the aforementioned effects. Protection against oxidative stress on intestinal porcine enterocyte cells (IPEC-J2) by 5-MC was observed through the activation of Nrf2/Keap1 system, as also shown by SMAP-1. In conclusion, SMAP-1 could be a promising candidate for colitis prevention, and 5-MC could be the signal metabolite of SMAP-1 in protecting against oxidative stress in the intestine., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Context: Global studies on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) traditionally used against malaria in Mali are limited to its low-mass compounds activities, and little information on its bioactive polysaccharides is available., Objective: This study determines the structure and the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from aerial parts of A. mexicana ., Materials and Methods: Acidic polysaccharides from this plant material named HMAmA1 and HMAmA2 were isolated from water extracts. Their monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography. Glycosidic linkages were determined using GC-MS. NMR was also applied. The polymers were tested for effects on the human complement system in vitro at different doses., Results: The monosaccharide composition showed that the two polysaccharides contained in different amounts the following monomers: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. Overall structural analysis showed the presence of a low ratio of 1,2-linked rhamnose compared to 1,4-linked galacturonic acid with arabinogalactans substituted on position 4 of rhamnose. NMR data showed the presence of galacturonans alternated by rhamnogalacturonans bearing arabinose and galactose units. α-Linkages were found for l-arabinose, l-rhamnose and d-galacturonic acid, while β-linkages were found for d-galactose. The two polysaccharides exhibited strong complement fixation activities, with HMAmA1 being the highest potent fraction. ICH 50 value of HMAmA1 was 5 µg/mL, compared to the control BPII being 15.9 µg/mL., Discussion and Conclusions: Polysaccharides form A. mexicana presented a complement fixation effect. The complement system is an important part of the immune defense, and compounds acting on the cascade are of interest. Therefore, these polymers may be useful as immunodulatory agents.

One purified neutral polysaccharide fraction was obtained from the rhizome of Polygonatum sibiricum by DEAE ion exchange and gel chromatography. Structure elucidation was performed by methanolysis, methylation, FT-IR, and NMR. The results indicated that PSP-NP was composed of 1,4-β-D-Gal,1, 4, 6-β-D-Gal, T-α-D-Man,1, 4-α-D-Glc, and T-α-D-Glc with a molecular weight of 43.0 kDa. We supplied this polysaccharide to aged mice and found it is of benefits to intestinal functions, as indicated by better tissue integrity and motility, improved oxidative stress and inflammation, reduced intestinal permeability and serum LPS level, as well as balanced gut microbial composition and short-chain fatty acids production. These results display a novel Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide to improve the intestinal function of aged mice, which provides pieces of evidence for its further development and utilization., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Li, Feng, Tao, Paulsen, Huang, Feng, Liu, Yin, Song, Zhao, Liang, Yin, Tang and Zou.)

Roots of Aconitum carmichaelii are used in Asian countries due to its content of bioactive alkaloids. In the production of root preparations, tons of leaves are usually discarded, leading to a huge waste of herbal material. The aim of this study is to investigate the polysaccharides in these unutilized leaves. A neutral polysaccharide (AL-N) appeared to be a mixture of heteromannans, and two purified acidic polysaccharides (AL-I-I and AL-I-II) were shown to be pectins containing a homogalacturonan backbone substituted with terminal β-Xylp-units. AL-I-I consisted of a type-I rhamnogalacturonan core, with arabinan and type-II arabinogalactan domains while AL-I-II was less branched. AL-N and AL-I-I were able to modulate the complement system, while AL-I-II was inactive. Interestingly, AL-N, AL-I-I and AL-I-II were shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects on porcine enterocyte IPEC-J2 cells. AL-I-I and AL-I-II were able to down-regulate the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1)., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

In this study, three acidic polysaccharides from different plant parts of Codonopsis pilosula var. Modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen were obtained by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration chromatography, and the yields of these three polysaccharides were different. According to the preliminary experimental results, the antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides from rhizomes and fibrous roots (CLFP-1) were poor, and was thus not studied further. Due to this the structural features of polysaccharides from roots (CLRP-1) and aerial parts (CLSP-1) were the object for this study and were structurally characterized, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated. As revealed by the results, the molecular weight of CLRP-1and CLSP-1 were 15.9 kDa and 26.4 kDa, respectively. The monosaccharide composition of CLRP-1 was Ara , Rha, Fuc, Xyl, Man, Gal, GlcA, GalA in a ratio of 3.8: 8.4: 1.0: 0.8: 2.4: 7.4: 7.5: 2.0: 66.7, and Ara , Rha, Gal, GalA in a ratio of 5.8: 8.9: 8.0: 77.0 in for CLSP-1. The results of structural elucidation indicated that both CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 were pectic polysaccharides, mainly composed of 1, 4-linked galacturonic acid with long homogalacturonan regions. Arabinogalactan type I and arabinogalactan type II were presented as side chains. The antioxidant assay in IPEC-J2 cells showed that both CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 promoted cell viability and antioxidant activity, which significantly increase the level of total antioxidant capacity and the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and decrease the content of malondialdehyde. Moreover, CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 also showed powerful antioxidant abilities in Caenorhabditis elegans and might regulate the nuclear localization of DAF-16 transcription factor, induced antioxidant enzymes activities, and further reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents to increase the antioxidant ability of Caenorhabditis elegans . Thus, these finding suggest that CLRP-1 and CLSP-1 could be used as potential antioxidants., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Li, Chen, Zhang, Paulsen, Rise, Huang, Feng, Chen, Jia, Ding, Feng, Li, Chen, Huang, Zhao, Yin and Zou.)

Macrolepiota procera (MP) is an edible mushroom used in the treatment of diabetes, hypertension and inflammation. However, the structure and biological effects of its polysaccharides (PSs) are unclear. This study investigates the structural features of a PS complex from MP (MP-PSC), its immunomodulatory activities and effects on probiotic and pathogenic bacteria. MP-PSC was obtained by boiling water, and PSs were characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The immunomodulatory effects on blood and derived neutrophils, other leukocytes, and murine macrophages were studied by flow cytometry, chemiluminescence, spectrophotometry, and ELISA. The total carbohydrate content of MP-PSC was 74.2%, with glycogen occupying 36.7%, followed by β -D-glucan, α -L-fuco-2-(1,6)-D-galactan, and β -D-glucomannan. MP-PSC (200 μg/mL) increased the number of CD14+ monocyte cells in the blood, after ex vivo incubation for 24 h. It dose-dependently (50-200 μg/mL) activated the spontaneous oxidative burst of whole blood phagocytes, NO, and interleukin 6 productions in RAW264.7 cells. MP-PSC exhibited a low antioxidant activity and failed to suppress the oxidative burst and NO generation, induced by inflammatory agents. It (2.0%, w / v ) stimulated probiotic co-cultures and hindered the growth and biofilm development of Escherichia coli , Streptococcus mutans and Salmonella enterica . MP PSs can be included in synbiotics to test their immunostimulating effects on compromised immune systems and gut health.

In this study, the Nelumbo nucifera leaf polysaccharide (NNLP) was isolated by hot water extraction and ethanol precipitation. DEAE anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration were further performed to obtained the purified fraction NNLP-I-I, the molecular weight of which was 16.4 kDa. The monosaccharide composition analysis and linkage units determination showed that the fraction NNLP-I-I was a pectic polysaccharide. In addition, the NMR spectra analysis revealed that NNLP-I-I mainly consisted of a homogalacturonan backbone and rhamnogalacturonan I, containing a long HG region and short RG-I region, with AG-II and 1-3 linked rhamnose as side chains. The biological studies demonstrated that NNLP-I-I displayed antioxidant properties through mediating the Nrf2-regulated intestinal cellular antioxidant defense, which could protect cultured intestinal cells from oxidative stress and improve the intestinal function of aged mice.

Protease ( PPL ) was isolated from Pseuderanthemum latifolium B. Hansen and had a molecular mass of 70 kDa. The N-terminal sequence of PPL showed 70-80% similarity with of subtilisin-like serine proteases from plants, but it did not show any sequence homology with known plant proteases. Serine protease inhibitors (PMSF, DFP) effectively blocked about 90% of PPL activity. PPL was highly activity at the pH range from 6 to 9 and temperatures from 50 °C to 80 °C, with an optimum at pH 7.0 and temperatures 70 °C. PPL had stability in a variety of pH, temperature, surfactant and oxidizing agents. PPL with concentration of 2.5 µg completely hydrolyzed the Aα-chain of fibrinogen within 5 min and hydrolyzed the Bβ and the γ-chain after 10 h. Fibrin also was strong hydrolyzed by PPL with concentration of 0.3 µg. Thus, PPL is a unique serine protease, which it had strong fibrino(geno)lytic activities.

Platycodonis Radix is widely used as homology of medicine and food in China; polysaccharides are thought to be one of its functional constituents. In this study, a pectic polysaccharide, PGP-I-I, was obtained from the root of the traditional medicine plant Platycodon grandiflorus through ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. This was characterized being mainly composed of 1,5-α-L-arabinan and both arabinogalactan type I (AG-I) and II chains linked to rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) backbone linked to longer galacturonan chains. In vitro bioactivity study showed that PGP-I-I could restore the intestinal cellular antioxidant defense under the condition of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) treatment through promoting the expressions of cellular antioxidant genes and protect against oxidative damages., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

In this study, two pectic polysaccharides from stems of Codonopsis pilosula (CPSP-1) and C. tangshen (CTSP-1) were obtained by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The molecular weight of CPSP-1 and CTSP-1 were 13.1 and 23.0 kDa, respectively. The results of structure elucidation indicated that both CPSP-1 and CTSP-1 are pectic polysaccharides with long homogalacturonan regions (HG) (some of galacturonic acid units were methyl esterified) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) regions. Side chains for CTSP-1 are both arabinogalactan type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II), while CPSP-1 only has AG-II. The biological test demonstrated that CPSP-1 and CTSP-1 displayed an antioxidant property through mediating the intestinal cellular antioxidant defense system, which could protect cultured intestinal cells from oxidative stress induced oxidative damages and cell viability suppression. CPSP-1 and CTSP-I showed different bioactivities and mechanisms, which may be due to the difference in their structures., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The inulin-type fructan was obtained by DEAE anion exchange chromatography from C. pilosula Nannf. var. modesta (Nannf.) L. T. Shen, after optimized extract condition, which was established by response surface methodology, designed using Box-Behnken factorial design and the optimum condition were: extracting 2.5 h with ratio of solvent to material 40 mL/g at 100 °C, twice. The maximum extraction yield was 20.6 ± 0.2%. It was confirmed as β-(2-1) linkage fructan, with terminal glucose, and with a degree of polymerization of 2-17 (DP av  = 6), shown by the results of methanolysis, methylation, nuclear magnetic resonance and molecular weight determination. The prebiotic activity was proven on account of stimulation effect on Lactobacillus and pH reduction of medium in vitro. The results indicated that the inulin from C. pilosula could be used as a potential natural source of prebiotics., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong is an effective medical plant, which has been extensively applied for centuries in migraine and cardiovascular diseases treatment in China. Polysaccharides from this plant have been shown to have interesting bioactivities, but previous studies have only been performed on the neutral polysaccharides. In this study, LCP-I-I, a pectic polysaccharide fraction, was obtained from the 100 °C water extracts of L. chuangxiong rhizomes and purified by diethylaminethyl (DEAE) sepharose anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. Monosaccharide analysis and linkage determination in addition to Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometer and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrum, indicated that LCP-I-I is a typical pectic polysaccharide, with homo-galacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan type I regions and arabinogalactan type I and type II (AG-I/AG-II) side chains. LCP-I-I exhibited potent complement fixation activity, ICH 50 of 26.3 ± 2.2 µg/mL, and thus has potential as a natural immunomodulator.

The root bark, stem bark, and leaves of Terminalia macroptera were sequentially extracted with ethanol, 50% ethanol-water, and 50°C water using an accelerated solvent extractor (ASE). Six bioactive purified pectic polysaccharide fractions were obtained from the 50°C crude water extracts after anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The root bark, stem bark, and leaves of T. macroptera were all good sources for fractions containing bioactive polysaccharides. The high molecular weight fraction 50WTRBH-I-I, being the most active fraction in the complement fixation test, has a highly ramified rhamnogalacturonan type I (RG-I) region with arabinogalactan type II (AG-II) side chains. The most abundant fractions from each plant part, 50WTRBH-II-I, 50WTSBH-II-I, and 50WTLH-II-I, were chosen for pectinase degradation. The degradation with pectinase revealed that the main features of these fractions are that of pectic polysaccharides, with hairy regions (RG-I regions) and homogalacturonan regions. The activity of the fractions obtained after pectinase degradation and separation by gel filtration showed that the highest molecular weight fractions, 50WTRBH-II-Ia, 50WTSBH-II-Ia, and 50WTLH-II-Ia, had higher complement fixation activity than their respective native fractions. These results suggest that the complement fixation activities of these pectins are expressed mainly by their ramified regions., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report the repeating unit structures of the native capsular polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 41A and 41F. Structural determinations yielded six carbohydrate units in the doubly branched repeating unit to give the following structure for serotype 41A: The structure determinations were motivated (1) by an ambition to help close the remaining gaps in S. pneumoniae capsular polysaccharide structures, and (2) by the attempt to derive functional annotations of carbohydrate active enzymes in the biosynthesis of bacterial polysaccharides from the determined structures. An activity present in 41F but not 41A is identified as an acetyltransferase acting on the rhamnopyranosyl sidechain E. The genes encoding the formation of the six glycosidic bonds in serogroup 41 were determined from the capsular polysaccharide structures of serotype 41A, 41F, and genetically related serotypes, in conjunction with corresponding genomic information and computational homology searches. In combination with complementary information, NMR spectroscopy considerably simplifies the functional annotation of carbohydrate active enzymes in the biosynthesis of bacterial polysaccharides., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Two pectic polysaccharides, 50 WCP-II-I and 100 WCP-II-I, were obtained from 50 and 100 °C water extracts of Codonopsis pilosula roots by ion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The study of the sub-fractions obtained after pectinase degradation showed that the complement fixation activities of these pectins are expressed mainly by their ramified regions. The structure studies of native and sub-fractions showed the 50 WCP-II-I is a pectic polysaccharide, with long homogalacturonan regions (some of the galacturonic acid units were methyl esterified), interrupted by one short rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) region. The side chains of the RG-I region are arabinogalactan type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II) attached on position 4 of rhamnose. The 100 WCP-II-I has two main ramified regions, one is galacturonan region with AG-I side chain on position 2 of GalA, and the other one is RG-I region with AG-II side chain on position 4 of Rha., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fallopia sachalinensis, regarded as an invasive plant in Europe and designated for disposal, is traditionally used in Japan and China as herbal medicine. Attempted for valorization of the leaves, this paper reports on two protein-free polysaccharide fractions, a neutral (FS-5A) and an acidic (FS-5B) one, obtained via alkali extraction and consecutive purification. Both fractions were characterized by chemical, molecular, structural and bioactive properties. FTIR and 1D/2D NMR analyses revealed that FS-5A consisted of a fucogalactoxyloglucan, whereas, glucuronoxylan was the major hemicellulose in FS-5B accompanied with low proportions of fucosylated xyloglucan and pectic RG-I. Both hemicellulose fractions exhibited significant immunostimulating activity in the complement-fixation test and the latter had noticeable DPPH radical-scavenging ability. The results completed information about neutral and acidic bioactive polysaccharide components present in the leaves of F. sachalinensis., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The diversity of capsular polysaccharides of the bacterial pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae leads to at least 91 different serotypes. While the genetic loci for capsular biosynthesis have been characterized for all serotypes, the determination of resultant polysaccharide structures remains incomplete. Here, we report the chemical structures of the capsular polysaccharides of serotypes 39, 42, and 47F from the genetic cluster 4, and discuss the structures in the context of structures from serologically and genetically related serotypes. Antigenic determinants can be approximated in this manner. The structure of the serotype 39 capsular polysaccharide is [formula: see text] and has identical composition to the capsular polysaccharide 10A, but two different linkages. The serotype 42 structure [formula: see text] closely resembles the genetically related serotype 35A, which does not contain residue A. The structure of the serotype 47F capsular polysaccharide [formula: see text] is somewhat different from a recently determined structure from the same serogroup, while containing a structural motif that is reflected in serotype 35A and 42 capsular polysaccharide structures, thus explaining the cross-reactivity of serotype 47F with the typing serum 35a., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera were sequentially extracted with ethanol, 50% ethanol-water, and 50 °C and 100 °C water using an accelerated solvent extractor. Ten bioactive purified polysaccharide fractions were obtained from those crude extracts after anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The polysaccharides and their native extracts were characterized with respect to molecular weight, chemical compositions and effects in the complement assay. The chemical compositions showed that the polysaccharides are of pectic nature. The results indicated that there was no great difference of the complement fixation activities in the crude extracts from the different plant parts when extracting with the accelerated solvent extraction system. The purified polysaccharide fractions 100WTSBH-I-I and 100WTRBH-I-I isolated from the 100 °C water extracts of stem and root bark respectively, showed the highest complement fixation activities. These two fractions have rhamnogalacturonan type I backbone, but only 100WTSBH-I-I contains side chains of both arabinogalactan type I and II. Based on the yield and activities of the fractions studied those from the root bark gave highest results, followed by those from leaves and stem bark. But in total, all plant materials are good sources for fractions containing bioactive polysaccharides.

In Malian traditional medicine infusions of the roots of Vernonia kotschyana or Cochlospermum tinctorium in water are used for treating gastric ulcer. Helicobacter pylori is known to play a major role in gastric ulcer development, and it was of interest to evaluate a potential anti-adhesive activity towards H. pylori by crude water extracts and isolated polysaccharide fractions from the roots of V. kotschyana and C. tinctorium. The inhibitory effects were examined by an in vitro flow cytometric assay using human gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cells, where fluorescent-labeled H. pylori were pre-treated with the test fractions. The crude extract Ctw50 from C. tinctorium, containing a mixture of inulin, pectic polysaccharides, phenols and protein, led to a 43% reduction of bacterial attachment. The isolated pectic type fractions CtwA1 and CtwA2 from C. tinctorium, and Vko-I from V. kotschyana resulted in approximately 30% inhibition of H. pylori adhesion. These fractions consist of rhamnogalacturonan backbones with side chains of arabinogalactans and/or arabinans. The low degree of uronic acids in the fractions compared to anti-adhesive polysaccharides reported previously, suggests that the neutral side chains might play a role in the binding of bacterial adhesins. The fraction Vko-III.1 from V. kotschyana consisting mainly of galacturonic acid resulted only in a 19% inhibition of H. pylori adhesion. The anti-adhesive properties shown by the crude water extracts and isolated polysaccharide fractions in the present study might partly explain the anti-ulcer activities by the roots of V. kotschyana and C. tinctorium., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: In Malian traditional medicine, aerial parts of Glinus oppositifolius are used in the treatment of many disorders, particularly inflammations and joint pains., Aim: The present study was initiated to investigate the antioxidant potential of Glinus oppositifolius., Material and Methods: Aqueous and ethanol extracts were prepared from the dried aerial parts. Both extracts were examined for the phenolic content and antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content was quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was studied in vitro by evaluating the ability to scavenge different free radicals (ABTS, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide) and to chelate ferrous ions., Results: Aqueous extract was found to contain a higher level of total phenols than ethanol extract (1.27 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.94 +/- 0.05 g GAE/100 g extract). Both extracts lacked the ability to scavenge superoxide anion radical but scavenged ABTS and hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide and chelated ferrous ions in a concentration-dependent manner. According to the EC50 values, aqueous extract showed stronger antioxidant effects than ethanol extract (174.32 +/- 1.49 vs. 276.76 +/- 1.52 microg/mL in ABTS radical cation scavenging assay, 119.91 +/- 1.70 vs. 240.57 +/- 0.97 microg/mL in nitric oxide scavenging assay, 1.99 +/- 0.01 vs. 6.54 +/- 0.08 mg/mL in ferrous ion chelating assay). In hydroxyl radical scavenging assay, aqueous extract had an EC50 value of 0.86 +/- 0.00 mg/mL while the EC50 value of ethanol extract was higher than the highest concentration that was tested (3.75 mg/mL)., Conclusions: Our results clearly indicate the antioxidant potential of Glinus oppositifolius aerial parts and suggest that the antiinflammatory activity might be partly related to the antioxidant potential.

The inner bark of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was sequentially extracted with hot water at 100°C, 140°C and 160°C. The hot-water extracts (IB 100°C, IB 140°C and IB 160°C) contained pectic polysaccharides and showed immunostimulating activities. Structural analyses of their carbohydrate content, including glycosidic linkage analyses, revealed the presence of pectins with a large rhamnogalacturonan RG-I domain ramified with highly-branched arabinans. IB 100°C also contained a large amount of terminal glucosyl residues, indicating the presence of highly substituted polymers. IB 160°C was mainly composed of starch. The hot-water extracts were tested for two biological activities, namely complement fixation and macrophage stimulation. IB 100°C exhibited the highest complement fixation activity, with a 1.7-times higher ICH50 than the control pectin, while IB 140°C and IB 160°C gave similar ICH50 values as the control. Macrophages were stimulated by IB 100°C and IB 140°C in a dose-dependent manner, but not by IB 160°C. IB 100°C presented the highest activity toward macrophages, comparable to the control pectin., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The bark of Parkia biglobosa is used in traditional medicine to cure a wide range of illnesses. Polysaccharides were extracted from the bark with 50% ethanol-water, 50°C and 100°C water, and seven active fractions obtained by anion exchange chromatography and gel filtration. The complement fixation and macrophage stimulating activities of the different fractions were determined. The acidic fractions PBEII-I and PBEII-IV were the most active in the complement fixation assay, but the other fractions were also potent compared to the positive control BPII from Biophytum petersianum. Fractions PBEII-I and PBEII-IV were also the most potent fractions in stimulating macrophages to release nitric oxide. Structural studies showed that PBEII-I and PBEII-IV were pectic type polysaccharides, containing arabinogalactan type II structures. The observed differences in biological activities among the seven purified polysaccharide sub-fractions are probably due to differences in monosaccharide compositions, linkage types and molecular sizes., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In Malian traditional medicine the roots of Cochlospermum tinctorium are used in the treatment of gastric ulcer, but extending harvesting is causing a growing concern of a dramatic reduction in the wild plant population. In the present study cultivation of C. tinctorium is evaluated, and structural components and bioactive properties of crude water extracts and isolated polysaccharide fractions from roots of wild and cultivated C. tinctorium are compared. The crude water extracts were shown to contain starch, pectin- and inulin-type polysaccharides, in addition to phenolic substances and protein, while the isolated acidic polysaccharide fractions contained mainly monosaccharides typical for pectins. The monosaccharide compositions of the polysaccharide fractions from roots of wild versus cultivated plants were comparable, albeit the yields in the cultivated roots were lower. Furthermore, the crude extracts and isolated polysaccharide fractions from wild and cultivated roots exhibited similar complement fixating activities, but were not able to activate macrophages. The crude extracts from cultivated roots were also shown to be moderate radical scavengers. The present study has shown that roots of cultivated C. tinctorium contain the same types of bioactive polysaccharides as the wild roots. However, in order to utilize roots of cultivated C. tinctorium in traditional medicine the cultivation method should be improved., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Wheat bran is a rich source of bioactive substances ascribed to its arabinoxylan component. Two water-soluble arabinoxylans were sequentially extracted from wheat bran. WB1, released during enzymatic digestion of starch and protein, contained medium-branched arabinoxylan (A/X=0.88) consisting of 3-O-substituted (22%), di-substituted (19.8%) and 58% unsubstituted Xylp residues. It was slightly contaminated with (1→3,1→4)-β-glucan and arabinogalactan, and free of protein. WB2 extracted with 0.5% NaOH contained ∼95% arabinoxylan (A/X=1.09). WB2 and two 5% NaOH-extracted arabinoxylans were rich in protein and phenolic compounds. All radical-scavenging assays indicated a relation with the protein and total phenolics contents. The protein-free WB1 displayed the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging effect indicating the distinct role of phenolic acids. The immunomodulatory activity of WB1 was somewhat lower, whereas, that of WB2 higher in comparison to the immunogenic polysaccharide PMII. The arabinoxylans have the potential as immuno-enhancing and antioxidant additives in functional foods., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of herbal drugs by pregnant women in relation to concurrent use of conventional drugs, delivery, and pregnancy outcome., Method: 600 women at Stavanger University Hospital Norway were interviewed using a structured questionnaire within five days after delivery. Medical birth charts were reviewed with respect to pregnancy outcome., Results: In all, 39.7% of the women reported having used herbal drugs during pregnancy, most commonly ginger, iron-rich herbs, echinacea and cranberry. Although 86.3% of the women reported having used conventional drugs during pregnancy there were few potential interactions between herbal drugs and conventional drugs. There was a significant association between the use of iron-rich herbs during pregnancy and high birthweight, and use of raspberry leaves and caesarean delivery., Conclusion: Use of herbal drugs is common during pregnancy and indicates a need for documentation about their safety in pregnancy., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Structures of three pectic arabinogalactans, one from Vernonia kotschyana (Vk2a) and two from Cochlospermum tinctorium (Ct50A1 and Ct50A2), and their complement fixation and induction of B cell proliferation in vitro were compared. The polysaccharide Vk2a expressed potent biological activity in both assays compared with Ct50A1 and Ct50A2. Vk2a possessed a very high molecular weight (1150 +/- 20 kDa) compared with Ct50A1 and Ct50A2 which both showed a polydisperse nature with the highest molecular weight polymers in each fraction estimated at approximately 105 kDa (Ct1a) and 640 +/- 100 kDa (Ct2a), respectively. The HMW polymers showed complement fixation in the same range as the native fractions. The arabinogalactan II content was low in Vk2a (2%) compared with that in Ct50A1 (23%) and Ct50A2 (12%). The high molecular weight polymers were subjected to digestion with a beta-d-(1, 3)-galactanase-rich fraction from Driselase, oligomers were isolated by HPAEC, and their finer structures were determined by MALDI- and ES-qoToF-MS, linkage, and monosaccharide composition analyses. Vk2a consists of both a galacturonan core and a rhamnogalacturonan core rich in neutral side chains. The backbones of both Ct-polysaccharides consist mainly of RG-I regions with numerous neutral side chains dominated by galactosyl residues, whereas the homogalacturonan regions seem to be small. Differences in the chain lengths of the 6-linked galacto-oligosaccharides attached to the 3-linked galactan core could not be related to the differences in the potencies of the biological activities observed.

Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch (syn. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC) is a medicinal plant having a traditional use, among others, as a wound healing remedy in Mali and other countries. As a water extract of the aerial parts of the plant is a frequently used preparation, we decided to look for a bioactive polysaccharide in this extract. One of the obtained polysaccharide fractions, BP100 III, isolated from a 100 degrees C water extract from the aerial parts of B. petersianum and having a monosaccharide composition typical for pectic substances, was shown to exhibit potent dose-dependent complement fixating activity. The BP100 III fraction was subjected to degradation by endo-alpha-d-(1-->4)-polygalacturonase, and three fractions were obtained by gel filtration. The highest molecular weight fraction, BP100 III.1, had a more potent activity in the complement test system than the native polymer, while the two lower molecular weight fractions were less active than the native polymer. The major part of BP100 III.1 consists of galacturonic acid and rhamnose, with branches being present on both the rhamnose and galacturonic acid residues. Arabinogalactan type II is also present in the polymer, indicating that BP100 III.1 has a structure typical of the hairy region of pectins. The major part of the two other fractions is a galacturonan, containing a strikingly high number of branch points, some to which xylose is attached. These results indicate that the pectic substance in B. petersianum contains both rhamnogalacturonan and xylogalacturonan regions.