Chemical characterization and complement fixation of pectins from Cola cordifolia leaves

Carbohydr Polym. 2014 Feb 15:102:472-80. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.11.046. Epub 2013 Dec 4.

Abstract

Defatted leaves from the medicinal tree Cola cordifolia were extracted with 50% EtOH, 50 °C and 100 °C water. The polysaccharide rich extracts were fractionated and the structure of the polysaccharides elucidated. Linkage analysis of the polysaccharides indicates a rhamnogalacturonan type I backbone where both Rha and parts of GalA are substituted in position 3, indicating a highly branched polymer with short side chains. The purified fractions were tested for complement fixation, macrophage stimulating activity and anti-adhesion activity towards Helicobacter pylori. Here we report on complex and polydisperse types of pectins (Mw: 3-1300 kDa) as well as the presence of low Mw (<3 kDa) acidic oligosaccharides. The fractions showed a moderate complement fixing activity and no macrophage activating effects after LPS removal. Anti-adhesion activity towards H. pylori was not found.

Keywords: Cola cordifolia; Complement fixation; Helicobacter pylori; LPS; Pectin; Traditional medicine.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cola / chemistry*
  • Complement System Proteins / chemistry
  • Complement System Proteins / drug effects*
  • Helicobacter pylori / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Pectins / chemistry
  • Pectins / pharmacology*
  • Plant Leaves / chemistry*

Substances

  • rhamnogalacturonan I
  • Pectins
  • Complement System Proteins