Group Of Polysaccharides Research Articles

Biological activity of Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides on RAW264.7 macrophages and on tumor cells

Polysaccharides are a type of natural macromolecule widely existing in nature, and its pharmacological activity has attracted wide research attention. In this study, Brassica rapa L. polysaccharides were taken as the research object, and a preliminary study of the immune activity and mechanism of the antitumor activity of these polysaccharides in vitro was carried out. Five polysaccharides, namely, BRP, BRNP-1, BRNP-2, BRAP-1, and BRAP-2, were compared in terms of their ability to inhibit the growth of three types of cancer cells, namely, A549, AGS, and HepG2. The most effective polysaccharides were screened out, and their mechanism was studied. Immunoassay results showed that the five polysaccharides not only promoted the growth of RAW264.7 cells but also stimulated their endocytic/pinocytosis activity and released NO, TNF, IL-6 cytokines, especially BRP. In vitro antitumor experiments showed that BRP has a significant inhibitory effect (*P < 0.05) on the growth of A549 cells, especially at high concentrations (500–2000 μg/mL). BRP can also induce A549 cells to release reactive oxygen species, cause mitochondrial membrane potential, and effect the expression of Bax, caspase-9, caspase-3, p53, and B-cell lymphoma 2. Immunological experiments showed that the five groups of polysaccharides are not cytotoxic to normal cells and have immunostimulatory effects. Mitochondria represent one of the more important endogenous pathways in the apoptotic process. The results suggested that BRP participates in mitochondria mediated apoptosis and induces A549 cell apoptosis. This study lays a theoretical foundation for further research on the mechanisms of BRP immunoregulation and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo.

The Prebiotic‐Like Effects of Coprinus comatus Polysaccharides on Gut Microbiota in Normal Mice and Those with Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury: A Comparative Study

This study aims to investigate the prebiotic-like effects of Coprinus comatus polysaccharides (CCP) on gut microbiota. Mice were divided into four groups: normal group (NG), alcohol group (AG), polysaccharides group (PG), and alcohol + polysaccharides group (APG). The gut microbiota structure of feces was analyzed by determining the V3-V4 region sequence in 16S rDNA. The results showed CCP could increase the diversity of gut microbiota. Compared with NG, PG had a significantly higher relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillaceae and a lower abundance of Rikenellaceae. These changes in gut microbiota result in positive effects on gut due to a series of prebiotic-like effects of CCP. At the same time, CCP could improve some adverse changes in gut microbiota caused by acute alcohol intake, such as the increased proportion of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Muribaculaceae, and Lachnospiraceae and the decreased proportion of Rikenellaceae. In conclusion, the CCP has certain prebiotic effects not only on normal mice but also on mice with acute alcoholic liver injury.

The Histomorphological Study on Testicular Cells of Hypercholesterolemia Rats Treated by Polysaccharides of Sea Cucumber, Holothuria nobilis

Hypercholesterolemia is a condition characterized by the presence of high levels of plasma cholesterol. This study aims to determine the morphological change of testicular cells in hypercholesterolemia rats treated by polysaccharides of sea cucumber, Holothuria nobilis. This study used 15 Sprague Dawley rats which was divided into 4 groups: non-hypercholesterolemia group (K-), hypercholesterolemia group (K+), prevention group that were given 1% cholesterol and 400 mg/kg of body weight polysaccharides (ChP), and curative hypercholesterolemia group that treated by 400 mg/kg of body weight polysaccharides (PCh). The ChP and PCh groups were treated for 28 days. Testicular tissue was processed histologically, stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Cusson's trichrome staining, and observed using a light microscope. The results indicated that the treatment of sea cucumber polysaccharides could improve the healing process of interstitial cells (Leydig cell). However, the 28 days of hypercholesterolemia has not affected adversely on testicular spermatogenic cell development.

β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans in disease prevention and health promotion - a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

AbstractIntroductionβ-Glucans comprise a heterogeneous group of polysaccharides exhibiting a wide range of biological properties. They are categorized as dietary fibers due to their ability to reach the large intestine undigested and undergo fermentation by gut microbiota, with potential beneficial effects for the host. Aim of this systematic review is to assess the effects of consumption of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans, naturally found in the cell walls of fungi, on health outcomes.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science in order to retrieve studies that investigated the impact of exclusively oral administration of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans to healthy individuals and/or patients in any form, at any dosage. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were considered.ResultsTwenty-five RCTs, of the 48 clinical studies retrieved in total, met the eligibility criteria and are included in the present review. The sources of β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans were Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Aureobasidium pullulans, Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinula edodes and the dosage of supplementation ranged from 2.5 to 3000 mg daily for up to 6 months. The main physiological outcome for the majority of the interventions was immunomodulation, which resulted in a) strengthened immune defence that reduces the incidence and symptoms of cold, flu and upper respiratory tract infections in general and b) alleviation of allergic symptoms. However, findings on the induction of immune response alterations were inconsistent at a cellular and molecular level. Another aspect is psychological wellbeing, as the cohorts that received the polysaccharides of interest reported improvement of mood state as well as amelioration of the wellbeing overall, while co-administration with chemotherapeutic drugs enhanced cancer patients’ quality of life and prolonged their survival. Furthermore, supplements containing β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucan induced beneficial changes in body fat mass and abdominal circumference in overweight adults. Notably, no adverse event causally related to the glucans was recorded in any of the trials.ConclusionsSupplementation with β-(1→3,1→6)-D-glucans is well-tolerated and health-promoting properties are manifested primarily through the potentiation of the immune system. More studies are required in order to confirm additional beneficial effects, establish the optimal dose and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Effect of astragalus polysaccharide combined with urine stem cell transplantation on type 2 diabetes in rats

Objective To study the effect of astragalus polysaccharides combined with hUSCs transplantation on type 2 diabetic rats. Methods Twenty-five SD rats were randomly selected into the normal control group, and the remaining 105 SD rats were used to establish type 2 diabetes model. The 100 rats successfully modeled were randomly divided into the diabetes group, astragalus polysaccharide treatment group, hUSCs treatment group, and astragalus polysaccharide + hUSCs treatment group, with 25 rats in each group. After 2 weeks of treatment, the FBG concentration, insulin and C-peptide concentrations, and body weight changes were measured in each group. The distribution and survival of PKH-26-labeled hUSCs in rat pancreatic tissue were observed by fluorescence microscopy. TUNEL method was used to detect the apoptosis of rat islet cells. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the expression of TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related genes in rat pancreatic tissue. Results The FBG concentration of rats in the astragalus polysaccharide treatment group, hUSCs treatment group and astragalus polysaccharide+hUSCs treatment group were significantly decreased, and that in the combination treatment group was significantly lower those in the astragalus polysaccharide group and hUSCs group, and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.05). Compared with the diabetic group, the insulin concentration, C-peptide concentration and body weight in the astragalus polysaccharide treatment group, hUSCs treatment group and combination treatment group rats were significantly increased, and those in the combination treatment group was significantly higher than those in the astragalus polysaccharide treatment group and in the hUSCs treatment group, the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The results of fluorescence microscopy showed that the number of PKH-26 positive hUSCs in the combined treatment group was 74.64±9.75 in each high power field, which was significantly higher than that in the hUSCs treatment group (43.64±5.83), the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the diabetic group, the apoptotic rates of islet cells in the astragalus polysaccharide treatment group and the hUSCs treatment group were reduced, and the relative expressions levels of mRNA and protein of TGF-β1, Smad3, and Smad7 in the pancreatic tissue were also significantly reduced(all P<0.05). The reduction was more significant in the combination treatment group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Conclusions Astragalus polysaccharide combined with hUSCs transplantation can effectively reduce the FBG concentration, increase the concentration of insulin, C-peptide and body weight, reduce the apoptosis of pancreatic islet tissue, which may be related to the reduction of TGF-β/Smad in pancreatic tissue. Signaling pathways are involved in suppressing the inflammatory response. Key words: Astragalus polysaccharide; Human urine-derived stem cells; Transplantation; Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Rat

Characteristic of carrageenan Eucheuma cottonii collected from the coast of Tanjung Medang Village and Jaga Island, Riau

Carrageenan is a group of polysaccharides extracted from red seaweed. Carrageenan extraction can be done by several methods, one of which is alkaline solution (KOH) because KOH produces a stronger gel than other alkalis. Carrageenan was extracted using hot alkali followed by precipitation, drying, and milling. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of dried E. cottonii from North Tanjung Medang Village and Jaga island coastal sea regions and physico-chemical characteristics of carrageenan extracted with KOH solutions 4, 8 and 12%. The results of analysis showed that the chemical composition of dried E.cottonii of both costal sea regions not significant. The chemical characteristics of carrageenan from Tanjung Medang Village and Jaga Island using KOH 4, 8, and 12%, were moisture (11-8%), ash (27-36%), acid-insoluble ash (1.66-2.0%), and sulphate content (24-29%), those not significant all carrageenan except ash content. Whereas the physical characteristics of both carrageenan were significantly different. The results of this study indicated that the carrageenan extracted with KOH (4.8, and 12%) has similar physico-chemical characteristics except for gel strength, viscosity, and ash content.

Isolations, characterizations and bioactivities of polysaccharides from the seeds of three species Glycyrrhiza

In this paper, polysaccharides from the seeds of three species of genus Glycyrrhiza were extracted to investigate the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics and antioxidant activities. The polysaccharides were composed of xylose, mannose, galactose, and glucose with different molar ratio. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of key functional groups of polysaccharides whereas scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the characteristic morphology of different polysaccharides, and thermogravimetric analysis exhibited good thermal stability of all samples. The antioxidant activities of polysaccharides were evaluated in vitro. All the three polysaccharides demonstrated strong reducing power, as well as scavenging activity against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl free radicals. Antioxidant assays indicated that all the polysaccharides have obvious antioxidant activities and possess a potential development and application value in food, cosmetics as well as pharmaceutical industries.

Comparison of ozonation and UV based oxidation as pre-treatment process for ultrafiltration in wastewater reuse: Simultaneous water risks reduction and membrane fouling mitigation.

Wastewater reuse risk and membrane fouling are two concerns in ultrafiltration (UF) of secondary effluent (SE) for wastewater reuse. In this work, several wastewater reuse risk issues, such as dissolved effluent organic matters (dEfOM), organic micro-pollutants (OMPs) and bio-toxicity of SE, as well as membrane fouling were comprehensively investigated when ozonation, UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate (UV/PS) were used as the pre-treatments for UF process. To be specific, individual UF could remove DOC and UV254 by only 7.5% and 19.8%, respectively, however, humics were largely degraded during the pre-oxidation processes revealed by molecular weight and fluorescence analysis. UF and ozonation showed limited removal of OMPs, however, UV/H2O2 and UV/PS dramatically degraded all the OMPs by more than 80%. Genotoxicity were not detected after the oxidation treatment. Membrane fouling may result from the collaborative effect of organic components, such as humic and protein like substances. Fourier transform infrared spectra of the fouled membranes showed that aromatic CC group and polysaccharides group in dEfOM were largely reduced after the oxidation pre-treatments, resulting in the improved membrane flux sustaining. Increased roughness of the membranes in the combined process supported that the less organics content after the oxidation pre-treatment contributed to improve the performance of the UF process. For the excellent organics degradation in UV/PS pre-treatment process, membrane fouling of subsequent UF process showed maximum mitigation.

A Novel Reporter Gene Assay for Pyrogen Detection.

Fever is a systemic inflammatory response of the body to pyrogens. Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is a central signaling molecule that causes the excessive secretion of various pyrogen-induced pro-inflammatory factors. This study explored the feasibility of a novel reporter gene assay (RGA) for pyrogen detection using RAW264.7 cells stably transfected with the NF-κB reporter gene as a pyrogenic marker. The RGA could detect different types of pyrogens, including the lipopolysaccharide of gram-negative bacteria, the lipoteichoic acid of gram-positive bacteria, and the zymosan of fungi, and a good dose-effect relationship was observed in terms of NF-κB activity. The limits of detection of the RGA to those pyrogens were 0.03 EU/ml, 0.001 μg/ml, and 1 μg/ml, respectively. The method had good precision and accuracy and could be applied to many molecules (e.g., nivolumab, rituximab, bevacizumab, etanercept, basiliximab, Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine, 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, group A and group C meningococcal conjugate vaccine, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis [acellular, component], poliomyelitis [inactivated] vaccine, and imject alum adjuvant). The results of this study suggest that the novel RGA has a wide pyrogen detection spectrum and is sufficiently sensitive, stable, and accurate for various applications.

2618. Determination of the Chemical Structure of a Novel Pneumococcal Serotype, 39X

Background Streptococcus pneumoniae produces a diverse group of capsular polysaccharides (serotypes) that are important for the virulence of the organism and for the serotype-specific prevention of pneumococcal disease. As a consequence of widespread PCV usage and pneumococcal genome plasticity, the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes is changing with an increase in non-vaccine serotypes post-vaccine introduction, a phenomenon known as serotype replacement. Recently, a potentially novel serotype was described and was provisionally named as serotype 39X. Genetic studies suggest that this novel serotype may be a hybrid of serotypes 6C and 39/10A.MethodsThree 39X strains with the distinct serological and genetic description of the cps biosynthetic loci were obtained from the Global Pneumococcal Sequencing project (www.pneumogen.net). Capsular polysaccharide from one (Camb.853/MNZ2334) of the 39X strains was purified by sequential ethanol precipitation followed by ion-exchange chromatography. To detect polysaccharide fractions during purification, an inhibition ELISA assay was developed using factor serum 10d. The chemical structure of the 39X repeating unit was determined using one-dimensional (1D) and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).ResultsAll three isolates were confirmed to have the 39X genotype by PCR amplification and sequencing of the 39X specific region (wciN6c-wcrO-wcrC39) of the cps locus. (Figure 1). The 39X capsule PS fractions were detected during purification and pooled for structural studies (Figure 2). 1D-NMR for 39X showed it to be chemically distinct (Figure 3). 2D-NMR studies revealed that five of the sugar residues in 39X PS are identical to those in 39 PS, except the acetylation (Figure 4). The remaining part of the structure is being investigated.ConclusionThe 39X capsular PS has a distinct chemical structure in addition to its distinct serologic and genetic properties. Given that serotype 39X is a new serotype, it becomes the 100th pneumococcal serotype. The chemical structure supports the genetic depiction of serotype evolution as a result of recombination between well-characterized and unrelated serotypes. Structural elucidation of the 39X capsule PS will help facilitate our understanding of serotype replacement and vaccine development. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Sargassum Seaweed as a Source of Anti-Inflammatory Substances and the Potential Insight of the Tropical Species: A Review.

Sargassum is recognized both empirically and scientifically as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation is an important response in the body that helps to overcome various challenges to body homeostasis such as microbial infections, tissue stress, and certain injuries. Excessive and uncontrolled inflammatory conditions can affect the pathogenesis of various diseases. This review aims to explore the potential of Sargassum’s anti-inflammatory activity, not only in crude extracts but also in sulfated polysaccharides and purified compounds. The tropical region has a promising availability of Sargassum biomass because its climate allows for the optimal growth of seaweed throughout the year. This is important for its commercial utilization as functional ingredients for both food and non-food applications. To the best of our knowledge, studies related to Sargassum’s anti-inflammatory activity are still dominated by subtropical species. Studies on tropical Sargassum are mainly focused on the polysaccharides group, though there are some other potentially bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, terpenoids, fucoxanthin, fatty acids and their derivatives, typical polar lipids, and other groups. Information on the modulation mechanism of Sargassum’s bioactive compounds on the inflammatory response is also discussed here, but specific mechanisms related to the interaction between bioactive compounds and targets in cells still need to be further studied.

Glycosaminoglycan-based biomaterials for growth factor and cytokine delivery: Making the right choices

Controlled, localized drug delivery is a long-standing goal of medical research, realization of which could reduce the harmful side-effects of drugs and allow more effective treatment of wounds, cancers, organ damage and other diseases. This is particularly the case for protein “drugs” and other therapeutic biological cargoes, which can be challenging to deliver effectively by conventional systemic administration. However, developing biocompatible materials that can sequester large quantities of protein and release them in a sustained and controlled manner has proven challenging. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) represent a promising class of bio-derived materials that possess these key properties and can additionally potentially enhance the biological effects of the delivered protein. They are a diverse group of linear polysaccharides with varied functionalities and suitabilities for different cargoes. However, most investigations so far have focused on a relatively small subset of GAGs – particularly heparin, a readily available, promiscuously-binding GAG. There is emerging evidence that for many applications other GAGs are in fact more suitable for regulated and sustained delivery. In this review, we aim to illuminate the beneficial properties of various GAGs with reference to specific protein cargoes, and to provide guidelines for informed choice of GAGs for therapeutic applications.

Taxonomic traits in the microstructure of flowers of parasitic Orobanche picridis with particular emphasis on secretory structures

Orobanche picridis is an obligate root parasite devoid of chlorophyll in aboveground organs, which infects various Picris species. Given the high level of phenotypic variability of the species, the considerable limitation of the number of taxonomically relevant traits (mainly in terms of generative elements), and the low morphological variation between species, Orobanche is regarded as one of the taxonomically most problematic genera. This study aimed to analyse the taxonomic traits of O. picridis flowers with the use of stereoscopic and bright-field microscopy as well as fluorescence, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. The micromorphology of sepals, petals, stamens, and pistils was described. For the first time, the anatomy of parasitic Orobanche nectaries and the ultrastructure of nectaries and glandular trichomes were presented. Special attention was paid to the distribution and types of glandular and non-glandular trichomes as well as the types of metabolites contained in these structures. It was demonstrated that the nectary gland was located at the base of the gynoecium and nectar was secreted through modified nectarostomata. The secretory parenchyma cells contained nuclei, large amyloplasts with starch granules, mitochondria, and high content of endoplasmic reticulum profiles. Nectar was transported via symplastic and apoplastic routes. The results of histochemical assays and fluorescence tests revealed the presence of four groups of metabolites, i.e. polyphenols (tannins, flavonoids), lipids (acidic and neutral lipids, essential oil, sesquiterpenes, steroids), polysaccharides (acidic and neutral polysaccharides), and alkaloids, in the trichomes located on perianth elements and stamens.

A Novel Chinese Medicine, Xinfeng Capsule, Modulates Proinflammatory Cytokines via Regulating the Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4)/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK)/Nuclear Kappa B (NF-κB) Signaling Pathway in an Adjuvant Arthritis Rat Model.

BackgroundRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease targeting joints. This research aimed to explore the effects of Xinfeng capsules (XFC) on cardiac injury in adjuvant arthritis (AA) model rats and assessed the associated mechanism.Material/MethodsAn adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat model was established by intracutaneously injection with Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA). Model rats were divided into 4 groups: an AA model group, an astragalus polysaccharides (APS) group, a methotrexate (MTX) group, and an XFC and triptolide (TPT) group. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathologic changes. TUNEL assay was utilized to evaluate the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes. ELISA was utilized to evaluate levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 17 (IL-17), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in myocardial tissues. Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to detect microRNA-21 (miRNA21) levels. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/p38, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and nuclear kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 levels were evaluated using Western blot.ResultsXFC significantly improved proinflammatory response compared to the AA model group (p<0.05). XFC treatment significantly decreased the number of cells staining TUNEL-positive compared with the model group (p<0.05). XFC treatment significantly reduced TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-6 levels in myocardial tissues compared to the model group (p<0.05). Levels of miRNA21 were significantly lower in the XFC group compared to the AA model group (p<0.05). TLR4, MAPK/p38, and NF-κB/p65 expression levels were significantly lower in the XFC group than in the model group (p<0.05).ConclusionsXinfeng capsule, a traditional Chinese medicine preparation, protects against cardiac injury in AA rats by modulating proinflammatory cytokines expression via the TLR4/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITIES OF CHITOSAN IN HARUAN FISH SCALES (Channa striata) TO THE GROWTH OF Staphylococcus aureus

Background : Haruan fish scales (Channa striata) contain chitin which can be used as antibacterial ingredients by processing it into chitosan. Chitosan contains an amino polysaccharide group which can inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, one of the opportunistic bacteria, which becomes a pathogen if there is an imbalance within oral environment and one of the causes of periodontal disease. Besides, these bacteria are also reported to be resistant to conventional antibacterial agents. Objective : The purpose of this study was to find out and elaborate the difference in antibacterial activity of chitosan from haruan fish scales (Channa striata) at the concentration of 0.5%; 1%; 1.5%; 2%; 2.5%; 3%; 3.5%; 4% on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Methods : This study used a randomized pretest-posttest with control group design and One Way ANOVA statistical test was performed and was followed by Post Hoc Dunnet test. The procedure of this study consisted of chitosan fabrication scales from fresh fish by deproteination, demineralization, and deacetylation, followed by an anti-bacterial test with 10 treatment groups namely 0.5%; 1%; 1.5%; 2%; 2.5%; 3%; 3.5%; 4% on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus to obtain Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). Results : The results of this study presented chitosan at 1.5% concentration as the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and 3.5% concentration as the Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Evaluated from the difference in absorbance, 2.5% chitosan concentration showed superior activity in inhibiting Staphylococcus aureus compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. Conclusion : It can be concluded that there are differences in the antibacterial activity of chitosan scales (Channa striata) with a concentration of 0, 5%; 1%; 1.5%; 2%; 2.5%; 3%; 3.5%; 4% on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus.

Effects of Shugan Hewei Decoction and active substance fractions on behavior and neurotransmitter levels in hypothalamus of depression model rats

To investigate the effects of Shugan Hewei Decoction and its active substance fractions on behavior and neurotransmitter levels in hypothalamus of depression model rats,and preliminarily explore its possible mechanism. Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group,model group,fluoxetine( positive control) group,Shugan Hewei Decoction high and low dose groups,high and low dose groups of three different substance fractions. After 3 weeks' CUMS and social isolation to induce models,intragastrical administration lasted for 7 d. Behavioral experiments( sucrose consumption test,open-field test,and forced swimming test) were then performed to evaluate the depression status of rats. Several neurotransmitters in hypothalamus of rats were determined by LC-MS/MS method,including dapamine( DA),norepinephrine( NE),serotonin( 5-HT),5-indoleacetic acid( 5-HIAA),γ-aminobutyric acid( GABA),and glutamic acid( Glu). As compared with the blank control group,the sucrose consumption was reduced( P<0. 01); the total distance and the number of crossing the central area were also significantly reduced( P< 0. 01,P< 0. 01),while the resting time increased significantly( P<0. 01); the forced swimming time was significantly prolonged( P<0. 01); DA,5-HT,NE,5-HIAA and GABA levels in hypothalamus were significantly reduced( P < 0. 01),while Glue level was significantly increased( P < 0. 01) in model group. As compared with the model group,all the above indexes had changes in fluoxetine group,Shugan Hewei Decoction whole recipe groups,volatile oils group,polysaccharides group,and terpenoids group( P<0. 01 or P<0. 05). Shugan Hewei Decoction whole recipe and its active substance fractions can improve the behavior of depression model rats and may exert anti-depression effects by regulating the content of neurotransmitters in the hypothalamus.

Identificação das classes metabólicas secundárias em extratos etanólicos foliares de Byrsonima verbascifolia, Cardiopetalum calophyllum, Curatella americanae Qualea grandiflora

The Cerrado represents a phytochemical bank of great importance for humanity. The objective of this study was to identify, through phytochemical prospecting, the main chemical compounds present in the leaf extracts of B. verbascifolia, C. calophyllum, C. americana and Q. grandiflora. In this study, leaves of the species were collected in a permanent preservation area (APP) in the city of Rio Verde, State of Goias. Ethanolic foliar extracts for the presence or absence of the main phytocomponents: organic acids, reducing sugars, alkaloids, anthraquinones, catechins, coumarins, depsidones, olefinic bonds, phenols, flavonoids, cardiotonic glycosides, polysaccharides, purines, saponins and tannins were evaluated. Except for olefin, polysaccharide and purine groups, positive results were observed for most of the secondary metabolic classes. Preliminary research on the ethanolic foliar extracts of these four species makes possible a preliminary evaluation about their phytochemical characteristics and should be evaluated for their contents and major compounds so that they can be used as herbal medicines or industrial synthesis.

Microbial gums: introducing a novel functional component of edible coatings and packaging.

In recent years, the accumulation of synthetic plastics has led to the development of a serious environmental problem. Nowadays, biodegradable films and coatings have been identified as a new approach to solve this problem by preparing renewable, abundant, low-cost materials. Gums are considered a large group of polysaccharides and polysaccharide derivatives that can easily form viscous solutions at low concentrations. Gums are mainly soluble in water and are composed of sugars like glucose, fructose, and mannose. These compounds are categorized into three groups: plant-origin gums, seaweed-based gums, and microbial gums. Microbial gums are listed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the Food and Drug Administration and have a broad range of physicochemical properties suitable for various pharmacy, medicine, and food applications. In the food industry, they can be used as gelling, viscous, stabilizing, and thickening agents. Among the various materials that can potentially improve the properties of biodegradable packaging films, microbial gums such as gellan, xanthan, pullulan, bacterial cellulose, and curdlan have been the subject of numerous studies. These gums can be extruded into films and coatings with considerable barrier properties against the transport of moisture and oxygen. Microbial gums, due to their microbiological stability, adhesion, cohesion, wettability, solubility, transparency, and mechanical properties, can be used as edible films or coatings. Also, these gums can be applied in combination with bioactive compounds that induce the shelf-life extension of highly perishable products. This review focuses on the properties of films and coatings consisting of xanthan, curdlan, pullulan, gellan, and bacterial cellulose.

Właściwości prozdrowotne i mechanizmy działania beta-glukanów zbożowych

Beta-glukany to polisacharydy zbudowane z jednostek D-glukozy połączonych wiązaniami beta-glikozydowymi. Związki te są obecne w różnych produktach spożywczych, takich jak zboża, grzyby, drożdże czy wodorosty. Pochodzące ze zbóż beta-glukany są liniowymi polimerami dobrze rozpuszczalnymi w wodzie, które wykazują szereg prozdrowotnych właściwości. W niniejszej pracy dokonano przeglądu najnowszej literatury dotyczącej korzystnego wpływu beta-glukanów obecnych w zbożach na organizm ludzi i zwierząt oraz mechanizmów ich działania. Powszechnie wiadomo, że związki te skutecznie obniżają poziom cholesterolu i zmniejszają glikemię poposiłkową, co umożliwiło dopuszczenie stosowania oświadczeń zdrowotnych na produktach spożywczych zawierających odpowiednie ilości beta-glukanów pochodzących z owsa i/lub jęczmienia. Ponadto jest wiele dowodów wskazujących na silne właściwości immunomodulujące i przeciwzapalne tych związków, które wydają się być szczególnie istotne w terapii coraz powszechniej występujących, nieswoistych zapaleń jelit. Nieliczne badania z ostatnich lat wykazały również działanie prebiotyczne i przeciwnowotworowe tych polisacharydów.

Gum of Terminalia argentea Mart. Et. Zucc. (Combretaceae) as a Resource in Biotechnology Processes: Chemistry and Toxicity

Biodegradable polymers are in areas such as pharmaceutical, food and bioremediation processes. Isolation, characterization (SEM, FTIR, TGA, Monosaccharide Composition, Zeta Potential), antimicrobial activity and toxicity to Artemia salina and Allium cepa L. from the in natura gummy exudate of Terminalia argentea (GTa) are presented herein. The data show irregular morphology and depressions, bands in 1770, 2112, 1354 cm-1, indicating groups of polysaccharides, amphiphilic character, thermo-degradation above 300 ° C and low water activity (0.6). The assays were negative for S. aureus and E. coli, nontoxic against the bioindicators tested. GTa presented low cost, extracted and isolated in a sustainable way, with possibility of commercial exploitation by communities, since these biopolymers present possibilities of applications as agents in the support of immobilization of enzymes, as sensors in diagnostics, encapsulating material in processes of microencapsulation of drugs and additives in food industries.