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Extraction optimization, preliminary characterization and immunological activity of polysaccharides from figs
Ruizhan Chen1, Haiping Li1, Shizhe Li2
1College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun 130032, China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|August 28, 2014
Summary
Fig polysaccharides (FPs) were extracted and purified using complex enzyme extraction (CEE). These FPs demonstrated significant immunomodulatory effects, suggesting their potential as functional food ingredients or medicinal agents.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Polysaccharides from natural sources are increasingly recognized for their health benefits.
- Fig fruits (Ficus carica) are a rich source of bioactive compounds.
- Efficient extraction and characterization of these compounds are crucial for their application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To optimize the complex enzyme extraction (CEE) of polysaccharides from dried figs.
- To purify and characterize the extracted fig polysaccharides (FPs).
- To evaluate the immunomodulatory potential of the purified FPs.
Main Methods:
- Complex enzyme extraction (CEE) using pectinase, papain, and cellulose.
- Orthogonal experiment and response surface methodology (RSM) for extraction optimization.
- DEAE-Sepharose and Sephadex G-200 chromatography for purification.
- Molecular weight determination and monosaccharide composition analysis.
- In vitro bioactivity assays including lymphocyte proliferation, phagocytosis, and nitric oxide production.
Main Results:
- Optimized CEE conditions yielded 7.98% FPs.
- Two homogeneous heteropolysaccharides (FPs-1-1, FPs-2-1) were purified with molecular weights of 1.52 × 10^6 Da and 4.75 × 10^5 Da.
- FPs-1-1 and FPs-2-1 significantly enhanced splenic lymphocyte proliferation, macrophage phagocytosis, and nitric oxide production.
Conclusions:
- The optimized CEE method is effective for extracting FPs from dried figs.
- Purified FPs exhibit potent immunomodulatory activities.
- Fig polysaccharides show promise as natural immunopotentiating agents for functional foods and medicine.
