THE SYSTEM OF SULFATED ALPHA-(1-]3)-LINKED D-MANNANS FROM THE RED SEAWEED NOTHOGENIA-FASTIGIATA - STRUCTURES, ANTIHERPETIC AND ANTICOAGULANT PROPERTIES

Structural analysis of two xylomannans extracted from Nothogenia fasti giata was carried out. The results are consistent with the general pat tern previously reported for other xylo-mannans of the same system, al pha-(1 --> 3)-linked D-mannans 2- and 6-sulfated and having single stu bs of beta-(1 --> 2)-linked D-xylose, but one of the new samples conta ins a significant amount of 2,6-disulfated units. Both xylomannans stu died are obtained as complexes with a beta-D-(1 --> 3)-, alpha-L-(1 -- > 4)-galactan and a beta-D-(1 --> 3)-, beta-D-(1 --> 4)-'mixed linkage ' xylan co-existing in the seaweed, a fact that limits the accuracy of the data determined. The structures of the galactan and the xylan are similar to those previously informed for this seaweed. The antiviral activity against four different herpes simplex viral strains and the a nticoagulant properties of all the xylo-mannans of the system are repo rted. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.