The Core Structure and Immunological Activities of Glycyrrhizan UA, the Main Polysaccharide from the Root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Abstract

The controlled Smith degradation and limited hydrolysis of glycyrrhizan UA, the main phagocytosis-activating polysaccharide isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis fischer, was performed. The reticuloendothelial system-potentiating, anti-complementary and alkaline phosphatase-inducing activities of glycyrrhizan UA and its degradation products were investigated. Methylation analyses of primary, secondary and tertiary Smith degradation products and of the limited hydrolysis product indicated that the core structural features of glycyrrhizan UA include a backbone chain composed of/M,3-linked D-galactose. All of the galactose units in the backbone carry side chains composed of mainly a-l,5-linked L-arabino-/M,6- or 1,3-linked D-galactose residues at position 6. Removal of the arabinosyl side chains caused a pronounced decrease in immunological activity. immunological activity; reticuloendothelial system; anti-complementary activity; alkaline phosphatase-inducing activity Glycyrrhiza uralensis; root; glycyrrhizan UA; polysaccharide structure; Smith degradation; limited hydrolysis. © 1992, The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan. All rights reserved.