[Polysaccharides of flower plants: structure and physiological activity]

The results of studies on the chemical structure and physiological activity of phanerogam polysaccharides, accumulated within the last two decades, are reviewed. Three types of polysaccharides are considered: rhamnogalacturonans (pectins and related gums and mucilages, type A), acidic arabinogalactans (mainly plant mucilages, gums, and some hemicelluloses, type B), and neutral glucans and heteroglycans (reserve polysaccharides, type C). Various physiological activities of these plant polysaccharides are discussed, with particular emphasis being placed on their immunomodulatory action. The data available on the relationship between chemical structure and physiological activity of plant polysaccharides are considered. Information on the medicinal use of some plants containing physiologically active polysaccharides is presented.