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Planta Med 1992; 58(1): 60-67
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-961391
Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Chemical Structure and Biological Activity of Polysaccharides from Hibiscus sabdariffa

Bernd M. Müller1 , 2 , Gerhard Franz1
  • 1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, D(W)-8400 Regensburg, Federal Republic of Germany
  • 2Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, The University of Georgia, 220 Riverbend Road, Athens, GA 30602, U.S.A.
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Publikationsverlauf

1991

Publikationsdatum:
04. Januar 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Three water-soluble polysaccharides have been isolated from flower buds of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HIB 1,2,3). The neutral polysaccharides (HIB 1 and 2) are composed of arabinans and arabinogalactans of low relative molecular mass. The major fraction was investigated by methylation analysis, pectinase-treatment, mild acid hydrolysis, and NMR studies, and it was shown to be a pectin-like molecule (Mr = 105 d). The main chain is composed of α-l,4-linked GalA (24% methyl-esterified) and α-l,2-linked Rha. Side chains are built of Gal and Ara and are connected to the main chain via C-4 of every third Rha. Its structure seems to be different from polysaccharide structures described in other species of the Hibiscus genus and the Malvaceae family. All fractions were assayed for possible immune-modulating effects. All fractions showed some activity, but the main acidic fraction was contaminated with lipopolysaccharide, and therefore its shown activity has to be discussed carefully.

Key words

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Malvaceae - polysaccharides - pectin - immunological activity

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