Three polysaccharides, glucans with mean M-r's of 1.5 x 10(5), 3.6 x 10(4)
and 2.1 x 10(4), were isolated from dried roots of Periandra mediterranea b
y fractionation on Sephacryl S-300 HR and Sephadex G-25. Chemical and spect
roscopic studies indicated that they have a highly branched glucan type str
ucture composed of alpha-(1 --> 4) linked D-glucopyranose residues with bot
h (3 --> 4) and (4 --> 6) branching points. The polysaccharides enhance pha
gocytosis in vivo, and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. (C) 2000 Elsevie
r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.