Pectin-like polysaccharide extracted from the leaves of Conocarpus erectus Linnaeus promotes antioxidant, immunomodulatory and prebiotic effects

• Published in: Bioactive carbohydrates and dietary fibre Vol. 26; p. 100263
• Main Authors: Santos, Dayane Kelly Dias do Nascimento, Barros, Bárbara Rafaela da Silva, Filho, Iranildo José da Cruz, Júnior, Natanael da Silva Bezerra, da Silva, Paula Roberta, Nascimento, Pedro Henrique do Bomfim, Lima, Maria do Carmo Alves de, Napoleão, Thiago Henrique, de Melo, Cristiane Moutinho Lagos
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Conocarpus erectus; Immunological effect; Polysaccharides; Conocarpus erectus; Polysaccharides; Immunological effect
• ISSN: 2212-6198; 2212-6198
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bcdf.2021.100263

Pectins are complex heteropolysaccharides made up of a linear main chain of repeated units of galacturonic acid that can promote different biological activities. This work aimed to isolate and elucidate the chemical structure of a polysaccharide similar to pectin, obtained from C. erectus leaves. Furthermore, we evaluate the antioxidant and immunomodulatory potential promoted by this macromolecule. The physical-chemical analyzes showed that the pectin obtained showed low degree of esterification and low molecular weight. In addition, it presented in its structure galacturonic acid, glucose, xylose, rhamnose and arabinose. In antioxidant assays in vitro the pectin expressed high activity for the DPPH and ABTS methods. In addition, the pectin obtained was able to promote the growth of probiotic microorganisms in vitro. Immunological tests have shown that pectin was able to stimulate immune cells through the oxidative stress mechanism, promoting lymphocyte proliferation and activation TCD4+ and inhibit lymphocyte activation TCD8+ and stimulate its effector mechanisms through the production of cytokines and nitric oxide, mainly producing a pro-inflammatory immune response, without causing damage to cells. These results highlight the potential use of pectin extracted from C. erectus leaves as an antioxidant, prebiotic and immunomodulatory agent. [Display omitted] •Pectic polysaccharide isolated from Conocarpus erectus leaves.•C. erectus pectin presents an important antioxidant potential in vitro.•C. erectus pectin is not toxic to human peripheral blood mononuclear cells.•Pectin stimulates the activation, proliferation of PBMCs and cytokine production.•Pectin stimulates a mostly pro-inflammatory response.