Chemico-physical and pharmacodynamic properties of extracellular Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides biopolymer.

Microalgae occupy all territories and their products represent a rich source of phytochemicals for human being. Green microalga Dictyosphaerium chlorelloides was found to be a significant producer of the extracellular biopolymer. Dominant components of the biopolymer were found to be Gal (39 wt%) with its methyl derivatives (15 wt%), Rha (19 wt%) and Man (14 wt%). 2-OMe-Gal was found to be the major derivative while other sugars, namely 3-OMe-, 6-OMe- and 2,3-di-OMe-Gal, 3-OMe-Glc and 4-OMe-Xyl were in smaller amounts. NMR spectroscopy revealed complex structure with galactan backbone branched by sugars in furano and pyrano forms in alpha and beta configurations. NMR data of 2-OMe, 3-OMe, 2,3-OMe and 6-OMe galactoses afforded characteristic values for O-methyls in each position. Biopolymer antitussive effect was similar to that of centrally acting antitussive drugs, indicating its relatively good antitussive potential.