Structural Features of Ukonan C, a Reticuloendothelial System-Activating Polysaccharide from the Rhizome of Curcuma longa

Abstract

The structural features of ukonan C, the polysaccharide having remarkable reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity obtained from the rhizome of Curcuma longa L., were investigated by methylation analysis, carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonane, periodate oxidation and enzymic degradation studies. It is mainly made up of arabino-3, 6-galactan type and 4, 6-branched glucan type structural units. Degradation with α-amylase followed by the elimination of 1, 4-linked glucan side chains resulted in a marked decrease of its immunological activity.