Aim: To study chemical characterization and immunological activities of an acidic polysaccharide, CHC-1, isolated and purified from the seeds of Cuscuta chinensis Lam.
Methods: Both chemical and spectral methods were used to investigate the chemical characterization of CHC-1. Effect of CHC-1 on the proliferation rates of T- and B-lymphocytes both in vivo and in vitro, and antibody production in vivo was measured at various concentrations of CHC-1.
Results: The molecular weight of CHC-1 was estimated to be more than 1.0 x 10(6). The analytical results of sugar components indicated that CHC-1 was composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, and GalA in a molar ratio of 0.8:1.0:1.5:0.3. Methylation analysis and 1H, 13C NMR further identified the linkages of the residues of CHC-1. CHC-1 0.1 g/L promoted remarkably the proliferation of T-cells and B-cells in vitro. CHC-1 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg caused an evident increase in spleen weight, lymphocyte proliferation, antibody production, etc. But its effect on IgG levels was not significant.
Conclusion: CHC-1 is a highly branched heteropolysaccharide and possessed immune enhancement activities.