Structural Characterization and Immunomodulatory Activity of a Polysaccharide from Eurycoma longifolia

J Nat Prod. 2019 Feb 22;82(2):169-176. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.8b00238. Epub 2019 Feb 4.

Abstract

A polysaccharide, Ali-1, was isolated from the roots of Eurycoma longifolia, a popular traditional medicinal herb in Malaysia. The structure of Ali-1 was characterized by monosaccharide, methylation, and NMR data analyses. The average molecular weight of Ali-1 is 14.3 ku, and it is composed of arabinose (14.31%), xylose (57.69%), galacturonic acid (13.03%), and glucuronic acid (14.86%). The main chain comprises (1→4)-linked xylose residues. It has branch points in the main chain; (1→2,4)-linked xylose residues, 1,2-linked glucuronic acid residues, and 1,2-linked arabinose residues form the branches, and the branches are terminated with T-linked galacturonic acid residues and T-linked arabinose residues. Ali-1 significantly improves the pinocytic and phagocytic abilities of RAW264.7 cells and facilitates cytokine secretion according to an immunostimulation assay. These results demonstrate that Ali-1 has potential as a functional supplement for people with compromised immune systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eurycoma / chemistry*
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Mice
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Phagocytosis / drug effects
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / isolation & purification*
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology
  • RAW 264.7 Cells

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Polysaccharides