Hot Water Extraction Research Articles

Comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and structural changes of Gastrodiae Rhizoma polysaccharides between sulfur-fumigation and nonsulfur-fumigation.

Gastrodiae Rhizoma (referred to Tianma in Chinese), the dried tuber of Gastrodia elata Bl. (Orchidaceae), is utilized as a medicine-food homology product. Sulfur fumigation is commonly employed in the processing of Gastrodiae Rhizoma (GR). Polysaccharides are a crucial active substance produced in GR, yet the impacts of sulfur fumigation on them remain unelucidated. This study aimed to optimize the hot water extraction conditions of polysaccharides from sulfur-fumigated GR (SGCPs) and nonsulfur-fumigated GR (NGCPs). The research explored the effects of sulfur fumigation on the structure and antioxidant activity of GR polysaccharides. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions for SGCPs and NGCPs were 67°C for 31 min with a liquid-to-material ratio of 15 mL/g and 64°C for 32 min with a liquid-to-material ratio of 17 mL/g, respectively. Compared with NGCPs, SGCPs exhibited significantly reduced DPPH radical, hydroxyl radical, ABTS+ radical scavenging activity, and Fe2+ chelating ability. Moreover, both NGCPs and SGCPs offered significant protective effects against H2O2 -induced oxidative damage in RAW264.7 cells, but the protective effect of SGCPs was significantly lower than that of NGCPs. NMR analyses revealed that the main chain connections of SGCP3 and NGCP3 were both →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, and sulfur fumigation increased the number of repeating unit structures →4)-D-Glcp-(1 → in GR polysaccharides. SGCP3 and NGCP3 had the same monosaccharides composition but different molar ratios, with molecular weights of 727,650 and 39,991 Da, respectively. In general, sulfur fumigation reduced the antioxidant activities of GR polysaccharides by altering their structure and composition.

Role of extractive compounds in emulsion stabilisation capacity of wood hemicelluloses

Abstract Hemicellulose-rich extracts obtained by pressurised hot water extraction of wood residues show promise as emulsion stabilisers. However, pressurised hot water extracts (PHWEs) from wood also contain lower molecular weight extractive components that may influence emulsion performance. This study investigated the effect of extractives on emulsion stability using PHWEs obtained from spruce and birch sawdust with or without solvent pre-extraction. The results indicated that extractives negatively affect the physical stability of emulsions in both spruce and birch and influence oxidative stability in spruce after prolonged storage. However, the roles of different extractives in emulsion performance require further investigation.

Ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction of jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) polysaccharides: Extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and structure features

This study investigated the effect of ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction (UAEE) on the extraction efficiency, antioxidant activity, and structural properties of jujube polysaccharide (JPS), with hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) serving as controls. Optimal extraction conditions were determined through a multi-index weighted scoring method that comprehensively accounted for yield, duration, and antioxidant activity. Results demonstrated that the JPS yield obtained by UAEE at 22/33 kHz was 10.5 % to 16.3 % higher than those achieved by the other methods, significantly enhancing antioxidant activity. Monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that UAEE increased the content of key mono-sugars in JPS. Additionally, assessments of molecular weight distribution, zeta potential, and rheological properties showed that UAEE reduced the molecular weight and apparent viscosity of JPS, resulting in a looser structural configuration. These structural modifications were observed in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, which revealed a filamentous branched morphology in JPS obtained through UAEE. Further observations using the atomic force microscope (AFM) indicated that the polysaccharide chains extracted by UAEE were shorter in length, lower in height, and free from aggregation

New insights into adlay seed bran polysaccharides: Effects of enzyme-assisted Aspergillus niger solid-state fermentation on its structural features, simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and prebiotic activity

Adlay seed bran, typically discarded or used as animal feed, represents a significant resource waste. This study investigates the structural and physicochemical properties, in vitro digestive behavior, and fecal fermentation profiles of adlay seed bran polysaccharides (ASBPs) prepared using different methods. These methods include hot water extraction, Aspergillus niger solid-state fermentation (SSF), and enzyme-assisted SSF with β-glucosidase, cellulase, and xylanase, referred to as ASBP, ASBP-F, ASBP-GF, ASBP-CF, and ASBP-XF, respectively. Results showed that enzyme-assisted SSF with A. niger improved extraction efficiency and uniformity of ASBPs, increasing total neutral sugars, uronic acids, mannose, and galactose while reducing glucose content, molecular weight, and particle size. ASBP-CF had the best extraction rate, sugar content, lowest molecular weight, finest uniformity, and smallest particle size. In simulated digestion tests, all ASBP variants were stable in stomach and small intestine conditions but degradable by human fecal microbiota, showing varying fermentability levels. ASBPs increased Bacteroidetes populations, inhibited Proteobacteria growth, and enhanced short-chain fatty acid (SCFAs) production, with ASBP-CF showing the highest fermentability and prebiotic efficacy. ASBP-CF was particularly effective in promoting beneficial bacteria like Bacteroides and restraining harmful bacteria such as Escherichia_Shigella, producing more SCFAs during fermentation. These findings suggest that ASBP-CF has potential as a dietary supplement to improve gut health, presenting a high-value utilization strategy for adlay seed bran.

Characteristics and Biological Activities of a Novel Polysaccharide R1 Isolated from Rubus chingii Hu

Raspberry (Rubus chingii Hu) is a Chinese herb that is rich in nutrients and has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-allergic, hypoglycemic, and other effects. A water-soluble polysaccharide was extracted from raspberry by using hot water extraction then purified by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column chromatography. The structural characteristics of the polysaccharide (R1) are as follows: the molar ratio of the monosaccharide composition is Ara:Gal:Xyl:Glc:Man = 31.15:27.64:13.61:13.48:10.60; the molecular weight is 32,580 Da; the methylation results show that 5-Araf is the main chain and there is a presence of 3,6-Galp, 4-Xylp, and 2,3,5-Araf branches, and that terminal Araf (T-Araf) is the major telomeric sugar. It contains α and β glycosidic bonds and is highly branched, with the presence of a helical structure. In the in vitro antioxidant assay, R1 showed the highest scavenging of superoxide anion radicals at 70.38%, followed by the scavenging of DPPH radicals at 52.9% and the scavenging of hydroxyl radicals at 29.28%. In immunomodulation and anti-cancer experiments, R1 did not significantly inhibit or promote RAW264.7 cells but was able to increase the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. It also significantly inhibited cancer cell survival. R1 enhances immunity by limiting the proliferation of cancer cells primarily through direct inhibition while promoting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings reveal the potential benefits of raspberry polysaccharides and provide evidence for developing immunologically functional products from raspberry polysaccharides.

Additional sources of salinity and heavy metals from plant residues of peaty horizons in the Po River lowland (Italy)

The Po River lowland (Italy) is suffering of soil and surface water salinization due to seepage of saline groundwater into drainage canals of agricultural lands. The main drivers are paleo-saline porewaters trapped in peaty and silty clay lenses, deposited in back barrier and lagoonal environments. To study this phenomenon, a 2-ha tile drained agricultural field, experiencing dramatic crop yield decrease in the last years, was selected. The field is located in a reclaimed area at approximately 3 m below sea level in the Ferrara province, 24 km from the Adriatic Sea. To delineate the salinity gradients, 10 high resolution vertical profiles of soil cores were collected with a manual auger corer and analysed in laboratory for EC, pH, grain size, organic matter content, major ions and trace elements. The composition of porewater's leaching fraction (LF) was gained via deionized water batch extraction with solid liquid ratio 1:5, while the plant available water (PAW) was obtained via microwave hot water extraction in three selected profiles. Linear correlation matrix, principal components analysis (PCA), LF and PAW depth profiles were employed to gain insights on the salinity sources. Stratigraphical cores were almost homogeneous with the most permeable layers constituted by peats. An average porewater salinity of 8.2 g/L with a downward increasing trend was found, with slight acidic pH and very high content of organic matter. PCA highlighted the strong connection among some trace elements (like As, Cd, Cr, Li, Pb, Se), NH4+ and the saline peaty horizons. The PAW salinity was up to two times the LF, highlighting that peaty aquitards are the major saline source in these reclaimed lands. A new salinizing mechanism was then postulated, since plant tissue fragments can store much more salts than the mineral fraction and can act as a long-term source of diffusion driven salinization, so far neglected.

Exploration of Polysaccharides and Oligosaccharides from Jali (Coix Lacryma-jobi) and Its Potential as Prebiotic

Jali (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a cereal plant widely used as a functional food because it contains carbohydrate compounds, such as polysaccharides and oligosaccharides with a positive impact on the digestive system. This study was divided into two stages, namely extraction Jali and prebiotic analysis. The extraction method used was hot water extraction and alkali extraction according to their solubility in solvents. The prebiotic activity of oligosaccharide and polysaccharide extracts from jali was evaluated using in-vitro analysis. Therefore, this study aimed to explore polysaccharides and oligosaccharides in jali and their potential to act as prebiotic. The results showed that the extraction process affected the types of oligosaccharides, namely Fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as well as polysaccharides, including α-glucan and arabinoxylan. In this study, FOS and α-glucan were obtained by heating at 80 °C for 60 minutes, while arabinoxylan was extracted by heating at 80 °C for 120 minutes. The results of crude extracts of FOS and arabinoxylan were tested for HPLC analysis, while α-glucan was explored using FTIR. The jali seeds exhibited a remarkable FOS content of 40.78%, while their arabinoxylan composition included 22.4% arabinose and 4.8% xylose. In addition, the FTIR analysis revealed the presence of (14) (16) -α-D-glucan bond in jali seeds. The results showed that the extraction from the polysaccharide group, namely α-Glucan and Arabinoxylan, as well as from the oligosaccharides (FOS) had potential as prebiotic for the growth of Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus casei. However, the highest results were based on OD and SCFA from the FOS extract. The addition of FOS affected the growth of Bifidobacterium longum more significantly (OD 0,871) compared to Lactobacillus casei (OD 0,725). Bifidobacterium longum exhibited SCFA levels of 243,827 mmol/L, while Lactobacillus casei showed levels of 140,942 mmol/L.

Preservation of strawberries using jellyfish gelatin-based biodegradable films and coatings under refrigerated storage.

This study investigated the applicability of the biodegradable films and coatings prepared from gelatin extracted from jellyfish Acromitus flagellatus using two extraction methods; conventional hot water extraction and microwave-assisted extraction, for the preservation of strawberries under refrigerated storage (4 °C), compared to biodegradable films and coatings prepared from analytical grade cold water fish skin gelatin and porcine skin gelatin. After 21 days of storage, uncoated strawberries (control group) exhibited visual decay and fungal attacks while coated or film-wrapped strawberries exhibited a better appearance. Coating or wrapping with gelatin films significantly reduced the weight loss of strawberries and the changes in color, hardness, moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids of coated/film-wrapped fruits during storage were minimal compared to the uncoated fruits. Of the treated groups, the weight loss of gelatin-coated strawberries was significantly lower compared to the fruits wrapped with corresponding gelatin films, in all gelatin types. Furthermore, strawberries coated or wrapped with jellyfish gelatin-based films exhibited comparable properties to the fruits that were coated or wrapped with other two types of gelatin films, indicating the potential use of gelatin extracted from jellyfish in biodegradable films or coating applications in the food industry.

Stachys italica Mill.: synecology, functional compounds and potential use of an Italian endemic taxon.

The metabolomic of the Italian endemic species Stachys italica was investigated and potential positive metabolites for human's health were detected, quantified and discussed in relation to its synecology. Stachys italica is a species endemic to central-southern Italy, traditionally used for human consumption. The present research reports the results of a phytosociological study of this species in two southern regions of Italy (Apulia and Calabria). The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The extracts obtained by the hot water infusion had a values of total polyphenols and antioxidant capacity similar to values found in black tea. The analysis of non-volatiles compounds revealed the presence of biologically active substances like lavandulifolioside, verbascoside, and methoxyflavones. The analysis of volatiles fraction of metabolites demonstrated fifty-three volatiles compounds in the plant aerial part, 19 of which belonging to monoterpenoids, and 17 to the class of sesquiterpenoids. Among them, α-pinene, β-pinene, cis-ocimene, limonene and t-caryophyllene, were the most abundant compounds. The results were compared with already published results and referred to other similar species (such as Sideritis syriaca) which represent herbal mixtures usually collected and used as "mountain tea" in the Balkans and Eastern European countries.

Protein-Bound Polysaccharide K (PSK)-Rich Extract of Lentinus Polychrous Exhibits Anticancer Activity by Apoptosis Induction and Cell Cycle Arrest in Cholangiocarcinoma Cells

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an uncommon adenocarcinoma of the bile duct epithelial. There is no standard regimen yet for patients with adequate performance status. Therefore, effective agents are necessary. Recently, protein-bound polysaccharide K (PSK) has shown a great anticancer potential. L. polychrous is a Thai local edible mushroom that traditionally used as a folk medicine for treatments of fever and inflammation. This study aimed to identify the PSK from hot water extract of L. polychrous and examine the anticancer activity against a CCA cell line KKU-213A. The PSK were quantified by ELISA and characterized using SDS-PAGE, glycoprotein staining kit, and western blot analysis. The antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH assay. Cytotoxic effect against KKU-213A was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow cytometry. The highest PSK levels were found in L. polychrous extract compared with the other 14 mushroom species which purified PSK is approximately 70 kDa of glycoprotein. The hot water extract of L. polychrous showed strong antioxidant activity. The cell viability of KKU-213A cells was significantly inhibited with L. polychrous extract at an IC50 value of 3.31 ± 0.09 mg/mL. In addition, the induction of cell cycle arrest at S and G2/M phases was observed together with induction of apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane dysfunction in concentration-dependent manner. Hence the L. polychrous extract is the great source of PSK with strong antioxidant activity and exhibits anti-CCA effects through cell cycle arrest and apoptotic induction. HIGHLIGHTS Lentinus polychrous, a Thai local edible mushroom, is the good source of PSK and powerful antioxidant activity. The hot water extract of L. polychrous suppresses cell viability, induces apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondrial dysfunction in CCA cell line. The anticancer effects of L. polychrous extract against CCA cells makes it a potential agent for CCA treatment. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Megastigmane and hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives from aqueous leaves extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus lam

The hot water extract of senescent leaves from Artocarpus heterophyllus is used in traditional Sri Lankan medicine for treating diabetes mellitus. This study aimed to isolate phytochemicals in the ethyl acetate soluble fraction of the hot water extract. Bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of three megastigmane derivatives and two hydroxybenzoic acid derivatives from fractions, demonstrating both hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activities. The elucidated compounds were identified as 3,4-dihydroxy-7-ene-megastigman-9-one, 3,4,6-trihydroxy-7-ene-megastigman-9-one, 9,13-dihydroxy-4,7-dien-megastigman-3-one, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid. Structural confirmation was carried out by 1H NMR, 2D NMR, 13 C NMR, IR, UV-Vis and mass spectrometry. Notably, while these compounds have been well-documented for their antidiabetic activity, their presence in the A. heterophyllus species is novel, expanding our understanding. Furthermore, their well-established antidiabetic activity profiles highlight their essential role in the observed effects of the hot water extract for diabetes management, reinforcing its traditional remedy status.

Physicochemical Properties and Biological Activities of Polysaccharides from Panax Notoginseng Separated by Fractional Precipitation.

The dried root of Panax notoginseng is a medicinal and food ingredient. P. notoginseng polysaccharides (PNPs) have physicochemical properties, which have not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to identify a method to separate the PNP fractions and investigate their activities. PNPs were prepared from roots by hot water extraction, deproteinization, and decolorization. PNP20, PNP40, and PNP60 fractions were isolated through stepwise ethanol precipitation at 20 %, 40 %, and 60 % concentrations, respectively. The three polysaccharide fractions were characterized using chromatography, spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, and their moisture retention, antioxidant, and tyrosinase-inhibition properties were evaluated. Monosaccharide composition analysis showed that the three PNPs contained mannose (Man), galacturonic acid (GalA), glucose (Glc), galactose (Gal), and arabinose (Ara) in different molar ratios. HPGPC analysis demonstrated that the polysaccharides precipitated with higher ethanol concentrations had lower molecular weights (Mw). Furthermore, all PNPs had distinct moisturizing and hygroscopic properties and antioxidant activities, with PNP60 showing better antioxidant properties and a competitive mixture of hygroscopic properties and tyrosinase inhibition. The chemical composition and structural characteristics of PNPs could affect their functional attributes. PNP60 has the potential to be a moisturizer and antioxidant and could be used in the development of cosmetic ingredients.

Relationship Between Age and Condensed Tannin Content in the Bark of Two Forest Species Grown in Northeast Brazil

Objective: This research aimed to evaluate the influence of tree age on the condensed tannins content in the bark of two forest species. Theoretical Framework: Tannins are phenolic compounds present in various parts of plants and have consolidated applications in the market. This way, silvicultural studies of different species with the potential to produce are relevant. Method: Barks of Azadirachta indica at 5, 6, and 7 years and Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia at 6, 7, and 9 years were collected from an experimental plantation located in a forest area in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The barks were then air-dried and ground to obtain a material subjected to extraction. Total solids content, Stiasny index, and condensed tannin content were determined from the hot-water extracts. Results and Discussion: The condensed tannins content in A. indica bark did not vary as tree age increased, while for M. caesalpiniaefolia, the most productive age was determined to be six years old. Research Implications: The experimental approach showed that A. indica presented stable tannin content in the bark regardless of age, allowing continuous and flexible management to produce these extractives. In contrast, M. caesalpiniifolia presented condensed tannins, with their reactivity decreasing with age, indicating that younger trees are more suitable for high-quality extractions and commercial production. Originality/Value: Tannins content in Azadirachta indica bark remains stable over time, facilitating continuous management and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia bark, the concentration of tannins is higher in younger trees.

Extraction of Bioactive Phenolics from Various Anthocyanin-Rich Plant Materials and Comparison of Their Heat Stability.

Butterfly pea flower (BPF), roselle calyx (RC), and grape skin (GS) are rich in bioactive phenolics with health benefits. Due to its simplicity, safety, and environmental friendliness, this study used water as a solvent to explore different extraction conditions in these plant materials and compared the heat stability of anthocyanins in the aqueous extracts. To maximize the total anthocyanins and polyphenols in the aqueous extracts, the powders of BPF, GS, and RC should be extracted for 30 min at 90 °C; 30 min and 120 min at 90 °C; and 30 min and 60 min at 60 °C, respectively. Among the tested plant materials, the content of total anthocyanins was RC > GS > BPF, while the total phenolic content was GS > BPF > RC. Anthocyanins of the aqueous extracts underwent rapid thermal degradation at high temperatures and high pH values. The thermal stability of anthocyanins in the materials was in the order: BPF > GS > RC. This is likely related to the types and structures of the anthocyanins such as the degree of acylation and glycosylation. The study demonstrates that hot water extraction is efficient and practical for these materials, yielding extracts suitable for food and nutraceutical applications.

Geoscience spillover: Gunnar Böðvarsson and the adoption of petroleum technologies in Iceland’s geothermal industry, 1940s–1970s

ABSTRACT During the twentieth century, Iceland became a leader in geothermal energy use, with hot water and steam providing for the heating of 9 out of 10 houses and almost one-third of the electricity supply. A crucial factor in the expansion of geothermal energy between the 1940s and 1970s were indirect ‘spillovers’ from the oil industry via the applied geosciences. While fundamentally different in end use, geothermal and hydrocarbon industries employ similar geoscientific methods for exploring and extracting fluids and gases. This article traces the spillovers from oil to geothermal by examining Iceland’s Geothermal Division and its founding director, Gunnar Böðvarsson. He saw the oil industry as a model and embraced its geoscientific exploration methods, oilwell rotary drilling and petroleum reservoir engineering. Adapted to the requirements of geothermal energy, petroleum technologies greatly improved the knowledge of geothermal reservoirs and the efficiency of well drilling and hot water and steam extraction. The geoscience spillover between oil and geothermal reveals an understudied dimension of geothermal history and the crucial role of the geosciences at the intersection of academia and energy industries, which also resulted in reverse spillovers from geothermal to oil and complicates the common dichotomization of fossil fuels vs. renewable alternatives.

Ultrasonic-assisted DES extraction optimization, characterization, antioxidant and in silico study of polysaccharides from Angelica dahurica Radix

In this study, polysaccharides from Angelica dahurica Radix (ADR) were extracted by using ultrasonic-assisted deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction method. The DES consist of choline chloride (HBA, hydrogen bonding acceptor) and 1, 4-butanediol (HBD, hydrogen bonding donor) with the molar ratio of 1:3 was proved as the best system for polysaccharides extraction. A Box-Behnken design with three factors and three levels was utilized to optimize ultrasonic power, extraction time and temperature for increased polysaccharides yield. The optimal extraction parameters were determined as follows: DES water content of 20 %, liquid–solid ratio of 10:1 mL/g, ultrasonic time of 21 min, temperature at 60 °C, and ultrasonic power of 435 W. These conditions yielded an extraction rate nearly matching the theoretical predicted value of the response surface model, surpassing the traditional hot water extraction method by 1.33 times and requiring less time. The antioxidant polysaccharides was assessed using DPPH,ABTS and Hydroxyl methods, which indicated that ADRP extracted by ultrasound assisted DES had excellent antioxidant capacity and showed a dose–response relationship with drug concentration. Structural analysis identified ADR polysaccharides as a heteropolysaccharide rich in sugar aldonic acids—namely, fucose, rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and glucose—with molar ratios of 0.47:1.99:17.61:64.76:15.17. The polysaccharides’ number-average molecular weight was determined to be 97.422 kDa, with a weight-average molecular weight of 245.678 kDa. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis suggest that the monosaccharides Rha and Ara could potentially interact with the proteins GSR and GSTA1, respectively, indicating that ADRP had good antioxidant potential and could be applied in multiple fields with promising development prospects in the future.

Structural Characteristics and Immunological Function of a New Non-Starch Polysaccharide from Red Sprout Taro.

Taro is a tuber crop that is used for nutritional and medicinal purposes due to its abundance of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Red Sprout taro is a local variety in Southern China, but the characteristics and bioactivities of its NSPs are currently unknown. In this study, NSPs were isolated from the corms of Red Sprout taro using hot-water extraction, ion-exchange chromatography, and ethanol precipitation; their molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, structural formulae, and immunomodulatory effects were examined. A novel NSP named Colocasia esculenta polysaccharide 1 (CEP1) was purified and characterized and was shown to mainly consist of glucose (60.49%) and galactose (25.92%) and have a molecular weight of 4556.272 kDa. The backbone of CEP1 consisted primarily of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→ residues, with a branch consisting of the β-D-Glcp-(1→ residue. In addition, 25-400 µg/mL CEP1 was shown to have immunomodulatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophages. CEP1 not only increased cell viability, phagocytic capacity, inducible nitric oxide synthase secretion, and nitric oxide generation in RAW264.7 cells, but it also activated M1 and M2 macrophages to generate tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, transforming growth factor β, and interleukin 10. These findings could lead to the use of CEP1 from Red Sprout taro as a possible immunomodulatory polysaccharide in functional foods.

Multiple fingerprinting and chromatography-immunoreactivity relationship of polysaccharides from Dioscorea opposite Thunb

The quality evaluation of Dioscorea opposite Thunb. mainly focuses on determining water-soluble contents. Polysaccharides are now recognized as the significant constituents of yam with activities such as immune enhancement, and it is necessary to use polysaccharides as an indicator for quality control of yam in this study. Sixty batches of yam polysaccharides were obtained by conventional hot water extraction and analysis for their physicochemical properties and structure. The results showed the functional groups (four shared peaks including 3500–3300 cm−1) and molecular weights (2.06 × 103 Da-2.28 × 103 Da). The PMP-HPLC fingerprints calibrated 5 familiar peaks, and the relative retention times of each characteristic peak to the Glc peak (S peak) were 0.47 (Man), 0.86 (GalA), 1.00 (Glc), 1.13 (Gal), 1.24 (Ara), Glc and Gal, which were the main differentiated monosaccharide components in the HPLC fingerprinting of YPs. This study provided a preliminary data reference for quality control of YPs.

Effects of Centella asiatica-isolated pectic polysaccharide on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis

Dietary supplementation of polysaccharides demonstrates strong therapeutic actions on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Centella asiatica (CA) has traditionally been used in Ayurveda and Chinese medicine. However, the effects of CA-isolated pectic polysaccharides on IBD remain unknown. This study determined the effect of a CA-isolated pectic polysaccharide on IBD. The crude polysaccharide (CA-CP), isolated from a hot-water extract of CA, is a typical pectic polysaccharide composed mainly of galacturonic acid (40.6 %), galactose (27.6 %), arabinose (13.5 %), and rhamnose (8.5 %). CA-CP improved clinical symptoms in a DSS-induced colitis murine model, including weight change (9.9–12.0 %), disease activity index (31.6–51.9 %), colon length (13.2–21.5 %), and spleen weight (21.8–26.3 %). CA-CP effectively regulated the levels of inflammatory and junctional factors by mediating the MAPK and NF-κB pathways. CA-CP partially alleviated DSS-induced crypt destruction, submucosal edema, inflammatory infiltration, and mucin secretion. The content of total short-chain fatty acids increased substantially (cecum 29.8–53.7 %, feces 75.4–109.3 %) with oral CA-CP administration compared to the DSS group. Cecal microbial community analysis revealed that CA-CP administration regulated DSS-induced colitis by reducing the abundance of Escherichia (5.0–10.9 %) and Clostridium (0.3–0.4 %), while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes (6.8–8.5 %), Ligilactobacillus (2.7–6.0 %), and Bilophilia (0.3–0.6 %). The findings provide fundamental data for developing novel functional therapeutic agents for the prevention and treatment of colitis, using CA-isolated pectic polysaccharides. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate the effects of pectic polysaccharides isolated from CA on IBD.

The effects of different extraction methods on the structure and antioxidant properties of Bletilla striata polysaccharide

Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) is one of the main active ingredients of the traditional Chinese medicine Bletilla striata (Thunb) Richb.f and the extraction method of BSP has a significant impact on its properties. This study investigated the effects of four extraction methods, namely hot water extraction, ultrasonic extraction, enzyme extraction, and microwave extraction, on the structure and antioxidant properties of BSP. Characterization results from FTIR and NMR showed that all four BSP consisted mainly of glucose and mannose, forming α-glycosidic and β-glycosidic linkages to form glucomannan. Hot water extraction had the lowest extraction rate of BSP at 21.78% ± 0.73%. The polysaccharide BSP-H obtained from hot water extraction had the smallest absolute Zeta potential and Grain size, but the largest molecular weight at 204 kDa. It exhibited the best thermal stability and superior antioxidant activity compared to polysaccharides extracted using the other three methods, as evaluated by three different antioxidant assays. Although the antioxidant activity of BSP-V was slightly weaker, it showed a significant improvement compared to the remaining two polysaccharides. These results suggest that hot water extraction is the most suitable method for large-scale application of BSP, preserving its activity effectively, thus facilitating practical production and product development.