New pectic polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula and Codonopsis tangshen: structural characterization and cellular...

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Biochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Codonopsis pilosula and Codonopsis tangshen are utilized in traditional Chinese medicine.
• Pectic polysaccharides, CPP-1 and CTP-1, were isolated from the roots of these plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the structure and antioxidant activity of pectic polysaccharides CPP-1 and CTP-1.
• To evaluate the protective effects of CPP-1 and CTP-1 against oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells.

Main Methods:

• Boiling water extraction and column chromatography were used to obtain the polysaccharides.
• Structural analysis of homogalacturonan (HG) and rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) regions.
• Cellular assays using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to induce oxidative stress in IPEC-J2 cells.
• Analysis of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway gene expression.

Main Results:

• Both CPP-1 and CTP-1 possess a backbone of HG and side chains of RG-I.
• CPP-1 exhibited methyl esterified galacturonic acid units and a slightly lower molecular weight than CTP-1.
• CPP-1 and CTP-1 protected IPEC-J2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative stress by up-regulating Nrf2 and related genes.
• Structural variations correlate with differences in antioxidative activities.

Conclusions:

• Pectic polysaccharides CPP-1 and CTP-1 from C. pilosula roots are potential natural antioxidant sources.
• These findings support further research and applications of pectin-containing health products.
• The study highlights the value of traditional medicinal plants for novel bioactive compounds.