Constituents of the Seed of Malva verticillata. VII. Structural Features and Reticuloendothelial System-Potentiating Activity of MVS-I, the Major Neutral Polysaccharide

Abstract

The structural features of MVS-I, the major neutral polysaccharide isolated from the seeds of Malva verticillata L., were elucidated by controlled Smith degradation, methylation analysis, partial acid hydrolysis and enzymic degradation studies. It has a backbone chain composed of β-1, 3-linked D-glucose and D-galactose residues having branches composed of α-1, 5-linked L-arabinosyl β-1, 4-linked D-galactose and of β-1, 4-linked D-galactosyl β-1, 3-linked D-glucose residues at position 6 of a part of D-halactose units as side chains. MVS-I showed remarkable reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity in a carbon clearance test.