Structural aspects of water-soluble galactomannans isolated from the seeds of Retama raetam

Abstract

Two homogeneous galactomannans were isolated from the seeds of Retama raetam, and investigated by using methylation analysis, periodate and CrO 3 oxidation, NMR spectroscopy, and reaction with Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin and α- d-galactosidase. The polysaccharide had backbones of (1→3)- and occasional (1→4)-linked β- d-mannopyranosyl residues, and side chains, at positions 6, of single α- d-galactopyranosyl groups. One of the polysaccharides also had a few non-reducing terminal d-mannosyl groups.