Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
In Vitro Cellular Activity Evaluation of the Nanoemulsion Vaccine Adjuvant Ophiopogonin D
Published on: December 9, 2022
A fructan, from Radix ophiopogonis, stimulates the proliferation of cultured lymphocytes: structural and functional
Xiangmei Wu1, Hui Dai, Lixin Huang
1Modern Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
A fructan, Opaw-2, with molecular mass of about 14 kDa, was isolated from the tuberous roots of Ophiopogon japonicus. Opaw-2 comprises fructose and glucose with a molar ratio of 30:1. Linkage and NMR analyses indicated that Opaw-2 has a backbone structure of beta-(1-->2)-Fruf and beta-(2-->6)-Fruf residues that branches at O-6 of beta-(1-->2)-Fruf residues with alpha-1-linkage to the Glcp residues and terminates with Fruf residues. In cultured lymphocytes, the application of Opaw-2 significantly stimulated the proliferation of lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. By using atomic force microscopy, Opaw-2 showed a morphological change from globular to helical fibrous shape at increasing concentrations.
Insights
A novel fructan, Opaw-2, from Ophiopogon japonicus roots stimulates lymphocyte proliferation. This Ophiopogon japonicus fructan exhibits dose-dependent effects and structural changes at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Immunology
- Plant Biochemistry
Background:
- Ophiopogon japonicus is traditionally used for its health benefits.
- Fructans are known for their diverse biological activities.
- Understanding the structure-function relationship of plant-derived fructans is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel fructan (Opaw-2) from Ophiopogon japonicus roots.
- To investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Opaw-2 on lymphocytes.
- To analyze the structural and morphological properties of Opaw-2.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and purification of fructan Opaw-2.
- Chemical analyses including linkage and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
- In vitro lymphocyte proliferation assays.
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for morphological analysis.
Main Results:
- Opaw-2, a 14 kDa fructan, was isolated from Ophiopogon japonicus.
- The fructan comprises fructose and glucose (30:1 ratio) with a specific linkage structure.
- Opaw-2 significantly stimulated lymphocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.
- Atomic Force Microscopy revealed concentration-dependent morphological changes from globular to helical fibrous structures.
Conclusions:
- Opaw-2 is a novel fructan with a unique structure isolated from Ophiopogon japonicus.
- Opaw-2 possesses significant immunomodulatory properties, stimulating lymphocyte proliferation.
- The structural and morphological characteristics of Opaw-2 are concentration-dependent.
