POLYSACCHARIDES OF PHANEROGAMS - THEIR STRUCTURE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL-ACTIVITY

The results of studies on the chemical structure and physiological act ivity of phanerogam polysaccharides, accumulated within the last two d ecades, are reviewed. Three types of polysaccharides are considered: r hamnogalacturonans (pectins and related gums and mucilages, type A), a cidic arabinogalactans (mainly plant mucilages, gums, and some hemicel luloses, type B), and neutral glucans and heteroglycans (reserve polys accharides, type C). Various physiological activities of these plant p olysaccharides are discussed, with particular emphasis being placed on their immunomodulatory action. The data available on the relationship between chemical structure and physiological activity of plant polysa ccharides are considered. Information on the medicinal use of some pla nts containing physiologically active polysaccharides is presented.