Pectic polysaccharides from edible halophytes: Insight on extraction processes, structural characterizations and...

Area of Science:

• Marine Botany
• Phytochemistry
• Immunology

Background:

• Halophytes, plants adapted to saline environments, are increasingly recognized for their bioactive compounds.
• Carbohydrates, particularly polysaccharides, from halophytes exhibit diverse biological activities, often linked to immune system modulation.
• Existing literature highlights the need for a comprehensive review of halophyte-derived polysaccharides.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and compare the extraction, structural characteristics, and biological potentials of polysaccharides from various halophyte species.
• To focus on the immunomodulatory effects of these polysaccharides.
• To explore the structure-activity relationships governing their bioactivities.

Main Methods:

• Literature appraisal of comparative studies on halophyte-derived carbohydrates.
• Analysis of extraction yields, focusing on methods like microwave irradiation.
• Characterization of polysaccharide structures, including monosaccharide composition, uronic acid content, and molecular mass.

Main Results:

• Microwave irradiation achieved the highest polysaccharide yield (approx. 35%).
• Extracted polysaccharides were predominantly pectic, rich in arabinose, uronic acids, and other monosaccharides, with molecular masses ranging from 10 to 2650 kDa.
• Key structural features like uronic acid content, molecular weight, and specific functional groups (sulfate, unmethylated acidic groups) correlate with biological activity.

Conclusions:

• Halophyte-derived polysaccharides represent a promising source of novel therapeutic agents, particularly for immunomodulation.
• Understanding the structure-activity relationships is crucial for optimizing the therapeutic potential of these compounds.
• Further research into halophyte polysaccharides can lead to the development of new immunomodulatory drugs.