Immunostimulatory properties of coffee mannans

Area of Science:

• Food Chemistry
• Immunology
• Polysaccharide Research

Background:

• Coffee infusion mannans share structural similarities with bioactive acetylated mannans from Aloe vera (AV).
• Acetylated mannans are known for their potential immunostimulatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the immunostimulatory activity of acetylated mannans extracted from coffee infusions.
• To compare the activity of coffee mannans with Aloe vera mannan and locust bean gum (LBG) galactomannans.
• To explore the potential of coffee residues as a source of bioactive polysaccharides.

Main Methods:

• Extraction of acetylated mannans from light and dark roasted coffee beans.
• Sequential extraction using 4 M NaOH to isolate mannan-rich fractions from coffee residues.
• Partial acetylation of insoluble polysaccharides.
• In vitro assessment of immunostimulatory activity by measuring CD69 expression on murine B- and T-lymphocytes.

Main Results:

• Coffee mannan extracts and Aloe vera (AV) extract stimulated murine B- and T-lymphocytes, indicated by CD69 expression.
• B-lymphocytes showed a more pronounced response to coffee and AV extracts compared to T-lymphocytes.
• No proliferative effect was observed in lymphocytes treated with coffee mannan samples.
• Locust bean gum (LBG) galactomannans did not exhibit immunostimulatory activity.
• Mannan fractions recovered from coffee residues, including partially acetylated ones, also demonstrated immunostimulatory activity.

Conclusions:

• Coffee infusion and residue mannans possess immunostimulatory properties, comparable in some aspects to Aloe vera mannans.
• These findings highlight the potential for utilizing coffee byproducts as a source of valuable bioactive polysaccharides for health applications.
• Further research may focus on optimizing extraction and modification methods for enhanced bioactivity.