Three anti-infl ammatory polysaccharides from Lonicera japonica Thunb.: insights into the structure-function relationships

Abstract

This study demonstrates the feasibility of producing three polysaccharides (neutral LJP-1, acidic LJP-2 and acidic LJP-3) with signifi cant in vitro and in vivo anti-infl ammatory activities from the fl owers of Lonicera japonica. The three polysaccharides differed in chemical composition, molecular weight (Mw) distribution, glycosidic linkage pattern, functional groups and morphology. They exhibited excellent protective effects (in a dose-dependent manner) in lipopolysaccharide-injured RAW264.7 macrophages and CuSO4-damaged zebrafi sh via reducing NO production and inhibiting the overexpressions of infl ammation-related transcription factors, inflammatory proteins and cytokines in the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways. Their antiinflammatory effects varied owing to their different molecular characteristics and chemical compositions. Overall, LJP-2 at 400 μg/mL was the most effective. LJP-2 consisted mainly of →5)-α-L-Araf (1→, →4)-α-LGalpA (1→ and →2)-α-L-Rhap (1→ residues with terminal T-β-D-Glcp. Thus, honeysuckle fl owers are good sources of anti-infl ammatory polysaccharides, and precise fractionation enables the production of potent antiinfl ammatory agents for the development of functional foods and healthcare products.