Structural characterization and biological activity of galactoglucan from Castanea mollissima Blume.

A galactoglucan (HCPA) was extracted from C. mollissima Blume fruits using hot water, which was composed of glucose and galactose, with a molecular weight of 5.5 kDa. Methylation and 1 D, 2 D NMR spectroscopy analysis showed that HCPA contained [→4)-α-D-Glcp(1→], [→4,6)-α-D-Glcp(1→], [→4)-β-D-Galp(1→] and [α-D-Glcp(1→] motifs in a molar ratio of approximately 6.11:1.08:1.00:1.03. HCPA showed a spherical-like structure as detected by scanning electron microscope (SEM). HCPA biological activity was investigated in vitro. The results showed that HCPA inhibited the proliferation of HeLa, MCF-7 and MGC-803 cells, induced HeLa cells apoptosis and arrested cell cycle in G2/M phase of HeLa cells. HCPA also enhanced the viability and phagocytic ability of RAW 264.7 cells and stimulated the production of NO, TNF-α and IL-6. The results demonstrated that HCPA had a potent antitumor and immunomodulating effects in vitro, suggesting its potential use as functional food and drug products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]