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Immunologically active polysaccharide from Cetraria islandica
K Ingolfsdottir1, K Jurcic, B Fischer
1Department of Pharmacy, University of Iceland, Reykjavik.
Planta Medica
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Researchers isolated a novel galactomannan polysaccharide from Iceland moss. This compound demonstrated significant immunostimulating properties in laboratory and animal studies, highlighting its potential therapeutic applications.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Immunology
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
Background:
- Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica) is a lichen with a history of traditional medicinal use.
- Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates with diverse biological activities, including immunomodulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel polysaccharide from Iceland moss.
- To evaluate the immunostimulating activity of the isolated polysaccharide.
Main Methods:
- Extraction and purification using ethanol fractionation, ion-exchange chromatography, and gel filtration.
- Structural elucidation via sugar analysis, methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis, and 13C-NMR spectroscopy.
- Immunostimulating activity assessed using in vitro phagocytosis and in vivo carbon clearance assays.
Main Results:
- A branched galactomannan polysaccharide with a mean molecular weight of 18,000 was isolated.
- The polysaccharide backbone consists of (1-->6)-linked alpha-D-mannopyranosyl and alpha-D-(1-->6)-galactopyranosyl units.
- The isolated galactomannan exhibited significant immunostimulating activity in both in vitro and in vivo models.
Conclusions:
- A novel, structurally defined galactomannan from Iceland moss possesses potent immunostimulating properties.
- This polysaccharide represents a promising candidate for further investigation as an immunomodulatory agent.