Polysaccharides from peach pulp: structure and effects on mouse peritoneal macrophages.

Pulp from peaches contained polygalacturonic acid and arabinogalactan as main polysaccharides, which were isolated and characterised. The polygalacturonic acid (AE-CWI) contained 95% GalA and its (13)C NMR spectrum showed signals at δ 98.9, 78.0, 71.4, 69.1, 68.4, and 175.1 from C-1, C-4, C-5, C-3, C-2, and C-6 respectively, from (1→4)-linked α-GalpA units. Methylation-MS analysis of carboxy-reduced material (AE-CWI-CR) gave 90% of 2,3,6-Me(3)-galactitol acetate. The arabinogalactan (AE-AG) was composed mainly of Ara (41%) and Gal (50%) and was characterised (methylation analysis and (13)C NMR) as a type II-arabinogalactan. It induced peritoneal macrophage activation in mice, ~70% of cells treated with this fraction (1-50 µg/mL) having morphology of activated cells. However, NO production in macrophages treated with AE-AG was not affected. This suggests a new biological activity for peach polysaccharides.

Exopolysaccharides, proteins and lipids in Pleurotus pulmonarius submerged culture using different carbon sources.

For many years mushrooms have been consumed and appreciated by their nutritional value, and medicinal properties. The traditional mushroom cultivation takes too long and the macrofungi biotechnology has not been explored in its full potential yet. The goal of this work was to observe if different carbon sources could improve the yield and diversify fungi nutrient composition in submerged culture. Pleurotus pulmonarius mycelia and exopolysacharide productions were evaluated using glucose, galactose, xylose and arabinose. The mycelia yield varied depending on the culture medium, and galactose showed to be the best carbon source to produce EPS. Samples that showed the highest protein contents were grown with xylose (19.44%) and arabinose (26.05%). Furthermore, the biomass cultivated with these carbohydrates and with galactose showed five essential amino acids. All cultured biomass showed low lipid contents (∼1%), being composed mainly of unsaturated fatty acids. All EPS fractions showed as main structures glucans and mannogalactans.

Some biomolecules and a partially O-acetylated exo-galactomannan containing ß-Galf units from pathogenic Exophiala jeanselmei, having a pronounced immunogenic response.

The pathogenic fungus Exophiala jeanselmei (Ej4) was grown in submerged MM medium, glucose being consumed after six days with maximum biomass and EPS production. Cells were extracted with CHCl3-MeOH (2:1, v/v) yielding a product containing 10% lipid, with high levels of unsaturated C(18:1) (43.6%) and C(18:2) (21.0%), 2D-TLC showed the presence of PE (17.7%), PS (11.6%), PC (35.8%), PI (1.2%) and lyso-phospholipids, LPE (10.7%), LPC (2.0%), PA (10.4%), cardiolipin (10.5%) and glucosyl-ceramide. Analysis of EPS-1 (120 kDa) showed a galactomanan, containing a main chain of Manp-(1→2) (24.2%), substituted by side chains containing terminal Galf (16.8%) and Manp (3.5%) and acetyl groups attached at O-6 of terminal Galf. An immune response against antigens was obtained using Balb/C mice. Anti-EPS-1 antibodies recognized purified fraction containing cellular walls very titer and higher than 1:20,000 for EPS. The studied biomolecules showed biotechnological potential and point to important perspectives in diagnosis of fungi and immunomodulatory products.

A 3-O-methylated mannogalactan from Pleurotus pulmonarius: structure and antinociceptive effect.

A polysaccharide (Mw 2.39x10(4)g/mol) was extracted with cold water from the basidiomycete Pleurotus pulmonarius, and its antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated. It was a mannogalactan (MG), whose structure was characterized using mono- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and a controlled Smith degradation. It had a main chain of (1-->6)-linked alpha-D-galactopyranosyl and 3-O-methyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl units, both of which are partially substituted at O-2 by beta-D-mannopyranosyl non-reducing ends. The MG was tested for its effects on the acetic acid-induced writhing reaction in mice, a typical model for inflammatory pain, causing a marked and dose-dependent inhibition of the nociceptive response, with ID50 of 16.2 (14.7-17.7)mg/kg and inhibition of 93+/-3% at a dose of 30mg/kg. An inflammatory response was not inhibited.

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Scedosporium prolificans: carbohydrate epitopes of its glycoproteins.

Isolated from the mycelium of Scedosporium prolificans were complex glycoproteins (RMP-Sp), with three structurally related components (HPSEC). RMP-Sp contained 35% protein and 62% carbohydrate with Rha, Ara, Man, Gal, Glc, and GlcNH(2) in a 18:1:24:8:6:5 molar ratio. Methylation analysis showed mainly nonreducing end- of Galp (13%), nonreducing end- (9%), 2-O- (13%), and 3-O-subst. Rhap (7%), nonreducing end- (11%), 2-O- (10%), 3-O- (14%), and 2,6-di-O-subst. Manp units (13%). Mild reductive beta-elimination of RMP-Sp gave alpha-l-Rhap-(1-->2)-alpha-l-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-l-Rhap-(1-->3)-alpha-d-Manp-(1-->2)-d-Man-ol, with Man-ol substituted at O-6 with beta-d-Galp units, a related pentasaccharide lacking beta-d-Galp units, and beta-d-Galp-(1-->6)-[alpha-d-Manp-(1-->2)]-d-Man-ol in a 16:3:1w/w ratio. Traces of Man-ol and Rha-ol were detected. ESI-MS showed HexHex-ol and Hex(3-6)Hex-ol components. Three rhamnosyl units were peeled off successively from the penta- and hexasaccharide by ESI-MS-MS. The carbohydrate epitopes of RMP-Sp differ from those of the glycoprotein of Pseudallescheria boydii, a related opportunistic pathogen.

Role of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis amastigote glycosphingolipids in macrophage infectivity.

The role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) present in amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis during infection of macrophages was analyzed, with particular emphasis on GSLs presenting the terminal Galpss1-3Galpa disaccharide. Macrophage invasion by L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes was reduced by 37% when the disaccharide Galpss1-3Galp (1 mM) was added to the culture medium. The putative macrophage receptor/lectin for ss-Gal-globotriaosylceramide (Galpss1-3Galpa1-4Galpss1-4Glc pss1-1Cer) and other structurally related GSLs from L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes were analyzed by micelles and parasite binding assay to peritoneal macrophage proteins fractionated by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. Micelles containing purified amastigote GSLs or a suspention of L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes fixed with 2% formaldehyde were incubated with nitrocellulose membrane containing the macrophage proteins transferred by Western blotting. Binding of micelles containing purified GSLs from amastigote forms or fixed L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes to nitrocellulose membrane was probed using monoclonal antibody ST-3, which recognizes the glycoepitope Galpss1-3Galpa1-R present either in the micelle preparation or on the amastigote surface. Macrophage protein with molecular mass ~30 kDa bound the amastigote GSL and appeared to be a doublet on electrophoresis. The specificity of this interaction was confirmed using fixed L. (L.) chagasi amastigotes, which do not express GSLs such as ss-Galp-globotriaosylceramides, and which do not bind to 30-kDa protein.

Role of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis amastigote glycosphingolipids in macrophage infectivity

The role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) present in amastigote forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis during infection of macrophages was analyzed, with particular emphasis on GSLs presenting the terminal Galpß1-3Galpa disaccharide. Macrophage invasion by L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes was reduced by 37 percent when the disaccharide Galpß1-3Galp (1 mM) was added to the culture medium. The putative macrophage receptor/lectin for ß-Gal-globotriaosylceramide (Galpß1-3Galpa1-4Galpß1-4Glc pß1-1Cer) and other structurally related GSLs from L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes were analyzed by micelles and parasite binding assay to peritoneal macrophage proteins fractionated by SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. Micelles containing purified amastigote GSLs or a suspention of L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes fixed with 2 percent formaldehyde were incubated with nitrocellulose membrane containing the macrophage proteins transferred by Western blotting. Binding of micelles containing purified GSLs from amastigote forms or fixed L. (L.) amazonensis amastigotes to nitrocellulose membrane was probed using monoclonal antibody ST-3, which recognizes the glycoepitope Galpß1-3Galpa1-R present either in the micelle preparation or on the amastigote surface. Macrophage protein with molecular mass ~30 kDa bound the amastigote GSL and appeared to be a doublet on electrophoresis. The specificity of this interaction was confirmed using fixed L. (L.) chagasi amastigotes, which do not express GSLs such as ß-Galp-globotriaosylceramides, and which do not bind to 30-kDa protein.

New 4-O-substituted xylosyl units in the xyloglucan from leaves of Hymenaea courbaril.

A homogeneous fucogalactoxyloglucan, isolated from the leaves of Hymenaea courbaril, was analysed by methylation-GC-MS. These procedures involved derived partially O-methylated alditol acetates and acetylated aldononitriles, which demonstrated the presence of both 2-O- and 4-O-substituted Xylp units in the side-chains. The presence of the unusual, latter structure was confirmed by 2D NMR spectroscopy with a correlated HMQC C-4/H-4 signal at delta 77.8/3.73. A similar 4-O-substituted xylosyl structure was present in a decasaccharide Glc4Xyl3Gal2Fuc obtained via endo-glucanase treatment of the polysaccharide, which gave rise to a molecular ion with m/z 1555 (ESI-MS, Na+ form).

Anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities of a chemically sulfated galactoglucomannan obtained from the lichen Cladonia ibitipocae.

A galactoglucomannan (GGM), isolated from the lichen Cladonia ibitipocae, consisted of a (1-->6)-linked main chain of alpha-mannopyranose units, substituted by alpha- and beta-D-galacto (alpha- and beta-D-Galp)-, beta-D-gluco (beta-D-Glcp)- and alpha-D-mannopyranosyl (alpha-D-Manp) groups, and was sulfated giving a sulfated polysaccharide (GGM-SO4) with 42.2% sulfate corresponding to a degree of substitution of 1.29. NMR studies indicated that after sulfation, the OH-6 groups of galactopyranosyl and mannopyranosyl units were preferentially substituted. GGM-SO4 was investigated in terms of its in vitro anticoagulant and in vivo antithrombotic properties. Those of the former were evaluated by its activated partial thromboplastin (APTT) and thrombin time (TT), using pooled normal human plasma, and compared with that of 140 USP units mg(-1) for a porcine intestinal mucosa heparin. Anticoagulant activity was detected in GGM-SO4, but not in GGM. The in vivo antithrombotic properties of GGM-SO4 were evaluated using a stasis thrombosis model in Wistar rats, intravenous administration of 2 mg kg(-1) body weight totally inhibiting thrombus formation. It caused dose-dependent increases in tail transection bleeding time. The results obtained showed that this sulfated polysaccharides is a promising anticoagulant and antithrombotic agent.

Sulfonoglycolipids from the lichenized basidiomycete Dictyonema glabratum: isolation, NMR, and ESI-MS approaches.

Two distinct sulfonoglycolipid fractions were isolated from the basidiolichen Dictyonema glabratum by chromatography on Diethylaminoethyl (DEAE)-Sepharose, which resulted in rapid elution, followed by partition between aqueous sulfuric acid and an ethyl acetate-methanol-chloroform mixture and the content of the organic layer chromatographed of a column of silicic acid. The products were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in their native rather than their acetylated forms, as in previous investigations. Each was methanolyzed to give the same methyl glycoside, Me-G. On electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), it provided a pseudomolecular ion at m/z 303 in the positive-ion mode and a molecular ion at m/z 257 with a daughter ion at m/z 146 in the negative-ion mode, showing the presence of a sulfonate group S-linked to a hexosyl ring. An exclusively alpha-glucopyranosyl configuration was indicated by (1)H, (1)H correlation spectroscopy (COSY) and (1)H, (1)H total correlation spectroscopy (TOCSY). S-substitution occurred at CH(2)-6, because a high-field (13)C signal at delta 52.6 gave an inverted distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) signal and (1)H, (3)C heteronuclear multiple quantum coherence (HMQC) showed correlation with two H-6 signals. This 6-sulfono-alpha-quinovopyranoside group was present in the glycolipid fractions, O-alpha-D-Quip-6-sulfono-(1'<-->1)-2,3-diacyl-D-glycerol (polar fraction 1a; PF1a) and O-alpha-D-Quip-6-sulfono-(1'<-->1)-2- or -3-monoacyl-D-glycerol (polar fraction 1b; PF1b), the monoacyl derivatives not having been previously completely characterized in other systems. All components are typical of plant glycolipids. The most abundant fatty acid ester in PF1a and PF1b was C(16:0). Other esters present in PF1a were C(14:0), C(17:0), C(18:0), C(18:1) (oleic), C(20:0), C(21:0), and C(24:0), in contrast with C(14:0), C(17:0), C(18:0), and C(20:0) in PF1b. HMQC and TOCSY data can be used as fingerprints for detection of glycosylacylglycerides and sulfonoglycolipids and the positive ESI-MS ions at m/z 329 and 271 for identification of the latter.

Fatty acid composition of lipids present in selected lichenized fungi: a chemotyping study.

The total-lipid composition of 21 lichens of the ascomycetous genera Cladonia (11) and Cladina (1) of the family Cladoniacea, Cladia (1), Parmotrema (3), Ramalina (2), Leptogium (1), Cetraria (1), and the basidiomycetous genus Dictyonema (1) was determined. Analyses of those of Dictyonema glabratum were carried out with a total extract and those obtained after successive extractions with various solvents. Each extract was partitioned between n-heptane/isopropanol and 1 M sulfuric acid, giving triglycerides (TG) in the upper phase. Extracts were methanolyzed and the resulting methyl esters were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Methanolyzates of TG unexpectedly contained esters of 9-oxodecanoic, 9-methyl-tetradecanoic, 6-methyl-tetradecanoic, 3-hydroxy-decanoic, nonanedioic, and decanedioic acids, as well as common fatty acids. Fatty acid methyl ester profiles from the lichens were submitted to cluster analysis, and the resulting dendogram showed a cluster consistent with Cladonia spp., suggesting an efficient aid to lichen taxonomy. The total carbohydrate content of each lipid extract was determined by a modified phenol-sulfuric acid method, which compensated for the presence of pigments.

Characterization of lyso-galactolipids, C-2 and C-3 O-acyl trigalactosylglycerol isomers, obtained from the lichenized fungus Dictyonema glabratum.

A mixture of two lyso isomers of a galactolipid was obtained from Dictyonema glabratum. Aqueous hydrolysis gave rise to galactose and glycerol in a 3:1 molar ratio. ESI-MS spectroscopy gave, in the positive-ion mode, a pseudomolecular ion at m/z 839 and daughter ions with m/z 677, 600, 515 and 353, suggesting three galactosyl units linked to a glycerol moiety, substituted by one O-acyl group. 1D and 2D NMR experiments were used to characterize the glycolipid, and HMQC examination showed three anomeric signals, corresponding to two alpha-Galp and one beta-Galp residue liked to glycerol. The glycolipid structure was shown to be O-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->6)-O-alpha-D-Galp-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-Galp-(1<-->1)-2- and -3-monoacyl-D-glycerol, the latter structures not having been previously found in nature. The fatty acid composition was determined by GC-MS of derived methyl esters: that of palmitic acid C(16:0) was the most abundant, although the presence of C(12:0), C(14:0), C(16:1) and C(18:0) esters was observed.

Comparative studies of the polysaccharides isolated from lichenized fungi of the genus Cladonia: significance as chemotypes.

Beta-D-glucans of the laminaran type were prepared from 15 Cladonia spp., Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia boryi, Cladonia clathrata, Cladonia connexa, Cladonia crispatula, Cladonia furcata, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia ibitipocae, Cladonia imperialis, Cladonia miniata, Cladonia penicillata, Cladonia salmonea, Cladonia signata, Cladonia substellata and Cladonia uncialis. They were extracted with 10% aqueous KOH at 100 degrees C, giving polysaccharides with varying yields and proportions of mannose, galactose and glucose. Their aqueous solutions were freeze-thawed giving precipitates of mixed alpha-glucan (nigeran) and beta-glucans, which were isolated and suspended in aqueous 0.5% KOH at 50 degrees C, which preferentially dissolved the beta-glucan. In the case of the C. uncialis product, it was subjected to methylation analysis, which gave rise to 2,4,6-tri-O-methylglucitol acetate only, corresponding to (1-->3)-linkages. Its specific rotation (+4 degrees ) and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra were consistent with beta-linkages. 13C and (1)H-1 signals were observed, respectively, at delta 102.8 (C-1), 86.0 (C-3), 76.2 (C-5), 72.6 (C-2), 68.3 (C-4) and 60.7 (C-6), and 4.55 (H-1), 3.31 (H-2), 3.49 (H-3), 3.27 (H-4), 3.27 (H-5), 3.48 (H-6) and 3.72 (H-6'). Similar (13)C-NMR spectra were obtained from the glucans from the other 14 Cladonia spp. The beta-D-glucans of the laminaran type seems to be present in all Cladonia spp. being significant for chemotyping since it was observed in every species studied.

Galactomannoglucans of lichenized fungi of Cladonia spp.: significance as chemotypes.

The chemical structures of the glucans, galactoglucomannans and galactomannoglucans of two species of the Cladonia, section Cocciferae, Cladonia miniata and Cladonia salmonea, were determined and compared. alpha-D-Glucans of the nigeran type were isolated from both species, in common with all Cladonia spp., along with galactoglucomannans containing (1-->6)-linked main-chains of alpha-D-Manp units substituted by structurally different and typical side-chains. Isolated were previously unreported galactomannoglucans, with (1-->3)-linked main-chains of beta-D-Glcp units, substituted at O-2,6 by side-chains. These consisted of beta-D-Galf, 6-O-substituted beta-D-Galf and 2-O-, 4-O-, 6-O- and 2, 3-di-O-substituted alpha-D-Manp units. According to (13)C NMR spectroscopy, a similar galactomannoglucan was isolated from the Cladonia spp. Cladonia signata, Cladonia crispatula, Cladonia penicillata, Cladonia imperialis, Cladonia clathrata, Cladonia connexa, Cladonia substellata and Cladonia ibitipocae. Its presence could also contribute to the classic taxonomy of lichenized fungi.

The free reducing oligosaccharides of angico branco (Anadenanthera colubrina) gum exudate: an aid for structural assignments in the heteropolysaccharide.

A novel method is described for the determination of sequential side-chain structures in the complex, high-arabinose polysaccharide of the gum exudate of angico branco (Anadenanthera colubrina), using as basis the structurally similar reducing oligosaccharides present in small quantities. Of the ten detected, eight were characterized as disaccharides (2, 3, and 9), linear trisaccharides (1 and 4), branched pentasaccharides (5 and 6), and a doubly branched heptasaccharide (8). The oligosaccharides are substituents of the polysaccharide, which has a (1-->3)-linked beta-D-galactopyranosyl main chain, and with two exceptions they had 6-O-substituted galactopyranosyl reducing ends, probably corresponding to its main-chain units. Characterization was effected through their 1D and 2D NMR correlation spectra, which were better resolved and more readily interpretable than those of the polysaccharide. These spectral data were supported by monosaccharide composition and rotation values. Controlled Smith degradations and methylation analyses were carried out when it was necessary. These data were confirmed by field-desorption MS.

Structural features and anticoagulant activities of a novel natural low molecular weight heparin from the shrimp Penaeus brasiliensis.

A natural low molecular weight heparin (8.5 kDa), with an anticoagulant activity of 95 IU/mg by the USP assay, was isolated from the shrimp Penaeus brasiliensis. The crustacean heparin was susceptible to both heparinase and heparitinase II from Flavobacterium heparinum forming tri- and di-sulfated disaccharides as the mammalian heparins. (13)C and (1)H NMR spectroscopy revealed that the shrimp heparin was enriched in both glucuronic and non-sulfated iduronic acid residues. The in vitro anticlotting activities in different steps of the coagulation cascade have shown that its anticoagulant action is mainly exerted through the inhibition of factor Xa and heparin cofactor II-mediated inhibition of thrombin. The shrimp heparin has also a potent in vivo antithrombotic activity comparable to the mammalian low molecular weight heparins.

Glycosyldiacylglycerolipids from the lichen Dictyonema glabratum.

Three glycolipids (1-3) were isolated from the basidiolichen Dictyonema glabratum. Their carbohydrate and lipid components were structurally characterized using 1D 1H and 13C and 2D NMR spectroscopy, complemented by mass spectrometry, as were the carbohydrate moieties formed on saponification. These were O-alpha-D-Galp-(1''-->6')-O-beta-D-Galp-(1'<-->1)-2, 3-diacyl-D-glycerol (2) and two others not previously found in lichens, O-beta-D-Galp-(1'<-->1)-2,3-diacyl-D-glycerol (1) and O-alpha-D-Galp-(1'''-->6'')-O-alpha-D-Galp-(1' '-->6')-O-beta-D-Galp-(1'<-->1)-2,3-diacyl-D-glycerol (3). Each was saponified to give the free carbohydrates and its fatty acid methyl esters. The most abundant fatty acid esters in 1-3 was palmitic C16:0, but there was a wide variation of ester composition. Others present were C8:0 and C14:0 in 1, C14:0, C15:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1 (oleic), C18:2 (linoleic), C22:0, and C24:0 in 2, and C8:0, C14:0, C18:0, C18:1 (oleic), C18:2 (linoleic), and C18:3 (linolenic) in 3. As in ascolichens, the glycolipids appear to arise from the phycobiont.

Novel structures in galactoglucomannans of the lichens Cladonia substellata and Cladonia ibitipocae: significance as chemotypes.

The galactoglucomannans of two species of the lichen genus Cladonia, C. substellata and C. ibitipocae, were compared. They were homogeneous on gel-filtration chromatography and structurally related, having (1-->6)-linked alpha-D-mannopyranosyl main-chains, but were substituted in different patterns by alpha- and beta-D-galacto-, beta-D-gluco- and alpha-D-mannopyranosyl groups. The C-1 portions of their 13C-NMR spectra are typical of the lichen species and indicate differences between the two polysaccharides. Partial acetolysis of the galactoglucomannan from C. substellata gave rise to oligosaccharides and three were identified, namely alpha-D-Manp-(1-->3)-alpha beta-D-Galp, alpha-D-Manp-(1-->2)-alpha beta-D-Manp and alpha-D-Manp-(1-->2)-[beta-D-Glcp-(1-->4)]-alpha beta-D-Manp, whereas only the latter two were obtained from that of C ibitipocae. Methylation and Smith degradation data confirmed these results. Whereas the mannobiose represents a common structure in lichen heteropolysaccharides, it is the first time that the other oligosaccharides have been isolated from those of lichens.

Gum heteropolysaccharide and free reducing mono- and oligosaccharides of Anadenanthera colubrina.

The gum from Anadenanthera colubrina consists mainly of a complex high-arabinose heteropolysaccharide with a (1-->3)-linked beta-D-Galp main-chain and many different side-chains. These contain beta-D-Galp-[(1-->6)-beta-D-Galp]m-(1-->6)-, substituted in turn at O-3 by alpha-L-Araf-[(1-->3)-alpha-L-Araf-]0-2. Also present are (1) main-chain units substituted at O-4 and O-6 by alpha-L-Araf units, (2) side-chains of Rhap-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->6)-beta-Galp-groups, (3) alpha-L-Arap non-reducing end-units linked (1-->6) to D-Galp, and (4) beta-Araf and beta-Arap structures. For the first time, a plant gum exudate was found to contain in the natural state, reducing low M(r) carbohydrates. These were rhamnose (0.6%), arabinose (4.7%), mannose (0.1%), galactose (0.8%) and many oligosaccharides (0.6%; 11 with different RFs, with the majority containing arabinose). They were all mixtures with the exception of alpha-Rhap-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->6)-alpha beta-Gal and an incompletely identified hexasaccharide, probably having alpha-L-Araf-(1-->4)-beta-D-Galp- and -alpha-L-Araf-(1-->3)-beta-D-Galp- structures. The mono- and oligosaccharides do not appear to arise via in situ autohydrolysis of the gum.

Similarity of monosaccharide, oligosaccharide and polysaccharide structures in gum exudate of Anacardium occidentale.

The gum exudate from the Brazilian cashew-nut tree (Anacardium occidentale) contained traces of the reducing sugars, rhamnose (0.005%), arabinose (0.03%), mannose (0.007%), galactose (0.03%), glucose (0.02%), beta-D-Galp-(1-->6)-alpha beta-D-Gal (0.05%), alpha-L-Rhap-(1-->4)-alpha beta-D-GlcA (0.008%) and alpha-L-Rhap-(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcpA-(1-->6)-beta-D-Galp-(1-->6 )-alpha beta-D-Gal (0.008%). Rhamnose, arabinose, glucose and the three oligosaccharides are components of the side-chains of the gum polysaccharide, which has a main chain of (1-->3)-linked beta-D-Galp units. The structure of this polysaccharide was determined and found to differ from that previously reported for the gum of a tree growing in India, lacking units of 4-O-methylglucuronic acid. Other new side-chain structures were characterized, particularly -alpha-D-Galp-(1-->6)-D-Galp- and alpha-L-Araf-(1-->6)-D-Galp-).