Sodium alginate-sodium hyaluronate-hydrolyzed silk for microencapsulation and sustained release of kidney tea saponin: The regulation of human intestinal flora in vitro.

Kidney tea saponin (KTS) exhibits considerable efficacy in lowering glucose levels; however, it does not have widespread applications owing to its low intestinal utilization. Therefore, in the present study, we prepared sodium alginate (SA)/sodium hyaluronate (HA)/hydrolyzed silk (SF) gel beads for the effective encapsulation and targeted intestinal release of KTS. The gel beads exhibited an encapsulation rate of 90.67 % ± 0.27 % and a loading capacity of 3.11 ± 0.21 mg/mL; furthermore, the release rate of KTS was 95.46 % ± 0.02 % after 8 h of simulated digestion. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the hydroxyl in SA/HA/SF-KTS was shifted toward the strong peak; this was related to KTS encapsulation. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy revealed that the gel bead space network facilitates KTS encapsulation. In addition, the ability of KTS and the gel beads to inhibit α-amylase (IC50 = 0.93 and 1.37 mg/mL, respectively) and α-glucosidase enzymes (IC50 = 1.17 and 0.93 mg/mL, respectively) was investigated. In vitro colonic fermentation experiments revealed that KTS increased the abundance of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and butyric acid-producing bacteria. The study showed that the developed gel-loading system plays a vital role in delivering bioactive substances, achieving slow release, and increasing the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora.

Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties of Chitosan-Coated Alginate Microparticles Loaded with Porcine Interleukin-1ß: A Potential Protein Adjuvant Delivery System.

We previously developed chicken interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) mutants as single-dose adjuvants that induce protective immunity when co-administered with an avian vaccine. However, livestock such as pigs may require a vaccine adjuvant delivery system that provides long-lasting protection to reduce the need for successive booster doses. Therefore, we developed chitosan-coated alginate microparticles as a carrier for bovine serum albumin (BSA) or porcine IL-1ß (pIL-1ß) and assessed their physical, chemical, and biological properties. Electrospraying of the BSA-loaded alginate microparticles (BSA/ALG MPs) resulted in an encapsulation efficiency of 50%, and those MPs were then coated with chitosan (BSA/ALG/CHI MPs). Optical and scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize these MPs. The BSA encapsulation parameters were applied to ALG/CHI MPs loaded with pIL-1ß, which were not cytotoxic to porcine fibroblasts but had enhanced bio-activity over unencapsulated pIL-1ß. The chitosan layer of the BSA/ALG/CHI MPs prevented burst release and facilitated sustained release of pIL-1ß for at least 28 days. In conclusion, BSA/ALG/CHI MPs prepared as a carrier for pIL-1ß may be used as an adjuvant for the formulation of pig vaccines.

Potential Food and Nutraceutical Applications of Alginate: A Review.

Alginate is an acidic polysaccharide mainly extracted from kelp or sargassum, which comprises 40% of the dry weight of algae. It is a linear polymer consisting of ß-D-mannuronic acid (M) and α-L-guluronic acid (G) with 1,4-glycosidic linkages, possessing various applications in the food and nutraceutical industries due to its unique physicochemical properties and health benefits. Additionally, alginate is able to form a gel matrix in the presence of Ca2+ ions. Alginate properties also affect its gelation, including its structure and experimental conditions such as pH, temperature, crosslinker concentration, residence time and ionic strength. These features of this polysaccharide have been widely used in the food industry, including in food gels, controlled-release systems and film packaging. This review comprehensively covers the analysis of alginate and discussed the potential applications of alginate in the food industry and nutraceuticals.

Structural characterization and in vitro anti-inflammatory estimation of an unusual pectin linked by rhamnogalacturonan I and xylogalacturonan from lotus plumule.

A novel homogenous polysaccharide LPWF together with its three acid hydrolysis products LPWF1-3 were isolated and prepared from lotus plumule (germs of Nelumbo nucifera). LPWF was composed of rhamnose (Rha), arabinose (Ara), galactose (Gal), xylose (Xyl), and galacturonic acid (GalA) in the molar ratio of 7.3: 34.0: 7.0: 19.1: 32.6 with a molecular weight of 567.6 kDa. The structure of LPWF was elucidated by methylation and NMR analysis of LPWF1-3 and a follow-up structural assembling aided by high-resolution mass spectrometry mapping of oligosaccharides and ROSEY spectra. LPWF was characterized as an unusual pectin linked by rhamnogalacturonan I (RGI, composed of LPWF1-2) and xylogalacturonan (XGA, LPWF3). LPWF1 was an arabinan peeled from the RGI part with a 1,5-linked backbone branching on the O-2 position, while LPWF2 was the remaining part of RGI composed of Rha (36.1%), Gal (17.8%), and GalA (43.7%). LPWF3 was identified as the XGA part with a backbone of α-1,4-linked GalA and branches of mono-xylose substitutions on the O-3 of GalA. LPWF (25 µg/mL) demonstrated significant inhibitions on the expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated primary murine microglia cultures. LPWF1 and 2 showed selectively and significantly inhibitory activity against the expression of IL-1ß.

Structure and rheology of pectic polysaccharides from baobab fruit and leaves.

Linkage patterns and relaxation dynamics of baobab (Adansonia digitata) polysaccharides have been investigated by means of linkage analysis and rheometry. The fruit polysaccharide was mostly xylogalacturonan, with co-extracted α-glucan. The leaf polysaccharide consists predominantly of two domains, one branched at O-4 of the →2)-Rhap-(1→ residues and another branched at O-3 of the →4)-GalpA-(1→ backbone to single GlcpA-(1→ residues. Master curves of viscoelasticity of fruit polysaccharides manifested strong pH-dependency. At pH below the dissociation constant of galacturonic acid, dispersions showed liquid-like behaviour. In contrast, at neutral pH, a weak gel network formation was observed that destabilised rapidly under the influence of flow fields. The present work identifies xylogalacturonans from baobab fruit as polysaccharides with unique rheological characteristics that may point to new directions in food and pharmaceutical formulation.

Extraction and characterization of cell wall polysaccharides from cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon var. Stevens) pomace.

Cranberries of Stevens variety, mainly used for juice production, were processed into pomace, from which alcohol insoluble solids (AIS) were obtained. The cell wall polysaccharides were sequentially extracted from AIS, and characterized in terms of monosaccharide profile, sugar linkage and molecular weight distribution. Pectic polysaccharides represented more than 90% of the carbohydrates contained in hot buffer (HA), chelating agents (CH) and diluted alkali (DA) extracts. HA extract contained homogalacturonan with 75% being methyl esterified, and pectic arabinan with traces of pectic galactan, type II arabinogalactan and 1,4-ß-glucan. CH extract, recovered with the highest yield (11.0% w/w), was composed mainly of homogalacturonan. DA extract included homogalacturonan with 2% methyl esterification, abundant arabinan and galactans and traces of 1,4-ß-glucan. Glucomannan, xylan and xyloglucan represented 66% of the carbohydrates present in the last concentrated alkali extract (CA), the rest being pectic arabinan and galactan. High molecular weight polysaccharides (>102 kDa) were identified in all extracts.

Optimization of preparation conditions and in vitro sustained-release evaluation of a novel nanoemulsion encapsulating unsaturated guluronate oligosaccharide.

Unsaturated guluronate oligosaccharide (GOS) was prepared from alginate-derived homopolymeric blocks of guluronic acid by alginate lyase-mediated depolymerization. In this study, a GOS-based water-in-oil-in-water (W1/O/W2) nanoemulsion was prepared, and different influencing factors were investigated. First, linseed oil was selected as the optimal carrier oil. Then, other optimal conditions of the GOS nanoemulsion were determined based on response surface methodology (RSM). Under the optimal conditions, the obtained GOS nanoemulsion showed a spherical structure with an average particle size of 273.93 ±â€¯8.91 nm, and its centrifugal stability was 91.37 ±â€¯0.45 %. Moreover, the GOS nanoemulsion could achieve the aim of sustained release in vitro and be stably stored at 4°C for at least 5 days. This work prepared a novel GOS-based W1/O/W2 nanoemulsion that may effectively address the storage difficulties of unsaturated GOS and provides a valuable contribution to the application of GOS in the food and medicine fields.

Study on a novel spherical polysaccharide from Fructus Mori with good antioxidant activity.

A novel polysaccharide (MFP1P) was isolated from Fructus Mori, followed by purification via DEAE-52 cellulose and 27 % ethanol fraction. The MFP1P had the molecular weight of 56.78 kDa and the total sugar content of 93.32±0.54 %. And the MFP1P is mainly composed of glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid and mannose with molar ratio of 66.62 %, 13.94 %, 18.24 % and 1.20 %, respectively. MFP1P was mainly composed of →3)-α-D-Gal (1→, ß-D-Man-(1→ and →6)-α-D-Glc (1→ glycosidic bond and showed a spherical chain conformation with uniform distribution in solution. The MFP1P exhibited great antioxidant activity with oxygen-free radical absorption capacity (ORAC) values of 291.63±6.81 µmol TE/g and MDA IC50 of 0.289±0.022 mg/mL.

Microwave-assisted extraction of arabinan-rich pectic polysaccharides from melon peels: Optimization, purification, bioactivity, and techno-functionality.

The effects of water to solids ratio (WSR, 10-30 mL/g), power (180-540 W), and irradiation time (IT, 5-15 min) in microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were optimized to extract polysaccharides from melon peels (PMP). The maximum extraction yield (32.81 %) was obtained under 20.94 mL/g WSR, 414.4 W power, and 12.75 min IT. The main monosaccharide composition of purified PMP with an average molecular weight of 5.71 × 104 kDa were d-galacturonic acid, arabinose, glucose, and galactose. An ascending dose-dependent antiradical and antioxidant behavior for PMP (0-5.0 mg/mL) was found. The initial foaming capacity (38.6-110.3 %) and foaming stability (5.2-65.2 %) were significantly increased as a function of PMP concentration (1.0-5.0 %), while they reduced by increasing the mixing time (p < 0.05). The highest emulsifying activity index (44.1 m2/g) and emulsifying stability (69.3 %) at 5.0 % PMPs were determined. PMP gels with FTIR-identified functional groups can be formulated in new gluten-free functional products.

Aggregation and weak gel formation by pectic polysaccharide homogalacturonan.

This study presents a novel model of homogalacturonan (HG) based on the dissipative particle dynamics (DPD). The model was applied to investigate the mechanism of self-aggregation of low-methoxylated homogalacturonan in aqueous solutions in the absence of cations. The coarse-grained model provided new insights into the structural features of HG aggregates and networks in aqueous solutions. Depending on the properties and concentration of polysaccharides, two major patterns of self-assembly were observed for HG - ellipsoidal aggregates and a continuous three-dimensional network. Simulations showed that a decrease in the degree of dissociation of HG results in a higher rate of self-aggregation, as well as facilitating the formation of larger assemblies or thicker nanofilaments depending on the type of final self-assembly. Simulations of polysaccharides of different chain lengths suggested the existence of a structural threshold for the formation of a spatial network for HG consisting of less than 35 GalA units.

The impact of the level and distribution of methyl-esters of pectins on TLR2-1 dependent anti-inflammatory responses.

Pectins have anti-inflammatory effects via Toll-like receptor (TLR) inhibition in a degree of methyl-esterification-(DM)-dependent manner. However, pectins also vary in distribution of methyl-esters over the galacturonic-acid (GalA) backbone (Degree of Blockiness - DB) and impact of this on anti-inflammatory capacity is unknown. Pectins mainly inhibit TLR2-1 but magnitude depends on both DM and DB. Low DM pectins (DM18/19) with both low (DB86) and high DB (DB94) strongly inhibit TLR2-1. However, pectins with intermediate DM (DM43/DM49) and high DB (DB60), but not with low DB (DB33), inhibit TLR2-1 as strongly as low DM. High DM pectins (DM84/88) with DB71 and DB91 do not inhibit TLR2-1 strongly. Pectin-binding to TLR2 was confirmed by capture-ELISA. In human macrophages, low DM and intermediate DM pectins with high DB inhibited TLR2-1 induced IL-6 secretion. Both high number and blockwise distribution of non-esterified GalA in pectins are responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of TLR2-1.

Multidirectional insights on polysaccharides from Schinus terebinthifolius and Schinus molle fruits: Physicochemical and functional profiles, in vitro antioxidant, anti-genotoxicity, antidiabetic, and antihemolytic capacities, and in vivo anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties.

The aim of the current study was to compare crude polysaccharides extracted from Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (PSTF) and S. molle L. (PSMF) fruits based on their structures, physicochemical characteristics, monosaccharide composition, as well as in vitro and in vivo assays. The extraction yield of PSTF (4.26%) was higher than that of PSMF (3.56%). Remarkable variability was detected in the content of carbohydrates (80.64 ± 0.98%), protein (1.80 ± 0.28%), fat (0.04 ± 0.005%) and ash (6.32 ± 0.26%). FT-IR assay and 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy revealed that fruits extract showed similar structural characteristics. Thin layer chromatography together with HPLC-RID analysis showed that the monosaccharide composition varied significantly between species. Both contained arabinose (40.55-42.03%) galacturonic acid (31.21-41.15%), and fucose (10.90-17.63%), but PSTF had glucose (9.13%) whereas PSMF had galactose (7.40%). Functional analyses demonstrated that samples exhibited favorable water- and oil-retention capacity, emulsifying properties, and foaming qualities. PSTF exhibited the highest antioxidant effects. Both of them showed a remarkable in vitro antidiabetic effect. PSMF highly mitigated H2O2-induced hemolysis and exhibited ~80% antihemolytic activity. The extracted polysaccharides showed potent inhibitory activity against AAPH-induced plasmid DNA damage. PSTF and PSMF revealed interesting in vivo antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capacities.

Composition, physicochemical properties, and anti-fatigue activity of water-soluble okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) stem pectins.

Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench, an annual herbaceous plant, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. Water-soluble pectic hydrocolloids from okra stems (HOS) were extracted and purified using polydivinylbenzene HP-20 resins. The sugar composition of the purified HOS with an weight-average molecular weight of 178.4 ± 2.1 kDa and a polydispersity index of 1.02 ± 0.02 contained galacturonic acid (34%), galactose (31%), rhamnose (21%), arabinose (4.2%), glucuronic acid (2.5%), xylose (1.2%), and other monosaccharides (6.1%) by weight. Its favorable rheological behaviors were evident on relatively higher concentrations (20, 25, and 30 mg/mL) and moderately lower pH levels (3 and 5) of HOS. The anti-fatigue experiments in vivo demonstrated that a high dose of HOS (450 mg/kg feed) prolonged the exhaustive swimming time of mice, significantly induced an increase in blood glucose and glycogen, and decreased lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen levels. HOS digestion in vivo was fairly conducive to the improvement of energy storage capacity and renal function for physically induced fatigue, compared with the conventional herbal supplement Panax quinquefolium. Accordingly, HOS exhibits potential for reutilization of okra stem waste.

Catechol-Functionalized Alginate Nanoparticles as Mucoadhesive Carriers for Intravesical Chemotherapy.

This research aimed to synthesize and evaluate mucoadhesive catechol-functionalized alginate (Cat-Alg) nanoparticles (NPs) for bladder cancer. Cat-Alg was synthesized using coupling chemistry, and the structure was verified using NMR and FT-IR. Cat-Alg NPs were generated by ionic gelation between the synthesized Cat-Alg and calcium chloride. Garcinia mangostana L. extract (GM extract) was entrapped into the NPs during particle formation. The physical characteristics, mucoadhesive properties, drug loading and release, cellular uptake, and anticancer activity of the GM extract-loaded NPs were investigated. The Cat-Alg NPs were spherical with sizes in the range of 155-186 nm. The slightly negative surface charge of the NPs provided them with excellent stability. The Cat-Alg NPs could be retained on a porcine bladder mucosa to a greater extent compared with unmodified Alg NPs. High loading efficiency (71.6%) and loading capacity (292 µg/mg) of GM extract in the NPs were achieved, and a constant release of GM extract was obtained for up to 8 h with zero-order kinetics. Moreover, the GM extract-loaded NPs were deposited in bladder tissue and accumulated in MB49 cells at a higher rate compared with GM extract suspension. In addition, the NPs could kill a mouse urothelial carcinoma cell line with low IC50. Therefore, these NPs have the potential to be a mucoadhesive drug delivery system for bladder cancer treatment. However, additional in vivo investigations are needed for clinical application in cancer treatment. Graphical abstract.

Co-optimization of pectin and polyphenols extraction from black mulberry pomace using an eco-friendly technique: Simultaneous recovery and characterization of products.

The current work investigated a simultaneous recovery of pectin and polyphenols from black mulberry pomace (BMP) using an eco-friendly extraction process. The microwave-assisted extraction variables were successfully co-optimized using Box-Behnken design considering pectin and polyphenols yields as responses. The optimized condition yielded about 10.95% pectin and 12.11% phenolics. The physicochemical analysis indicated a highly-esterified pectin (DE of 62.21%) with an average molecular weight of 620.489 kDa and galacturonic acid (GalA) content of 70.15%. FTIR and NMR spectroscopies confirmed the predominant presence of highly esterified GalA-rich structure for BMP pectin. XRD analysis suggested an amorphous structure for the main part of BMP pectin. Also, DSC results showed higher thermal stability for BMP pectin in comparison to commercial pectin. Moreover, the antiradical activity of BMP phenolic extract was very close to that of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and ascorbic acid. The results showed that the suggested procedure can be a promising solution for the management of BMP waste generated in juice, syrup, or liquor processing plants. Also, the quality of the obtained products (BMP pectin and BMP phenolic extract) indicated that the products have the potential to be used as natural ingredients in various food and pharmaceutical products.

Immunomodulatory activity-guided isolation and characterization of a novel polysaccharide from Atractylodis macrocephalae Koidz.

The Rhizoma of Atractylodis macrocephala Koidz. is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been widely and empirically used for unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion. In this study, a polysaccharide from the Rhizoma of Atractylodis macrocephala Koidz., designated as RAMP2, with an absolute molecular weight of 4.354 × 103 Da was isolated and found to be composed of mannose, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. The NMR results displayed that →3-ß-glcp-(1→, →3,6-ß-glcp-(1→, →6-ß-glcp-(1→, T-ß-glcp-(1→, →4-α-galpA-(1→, →4-α-galpA-6-OMe-(1→, →5-α-araf-(1→, →4,6-ß-manp-(1→ and →4-ß-galp-(1→ were the main linkages in RAMP2. TEM and SEM results indicated that RAMP2 was globular in structure. Furthermore, in vitro experiments on murine CD4+ T cells revealed that RAMP2 could increase the percentage of Treg cells, up-regulate Foxp3, IL-10 and IL-2 mRNA expressions and the secretion of IL-10 and IL-2. RAMP2 was further shown to increase STAT5 phosphorylation levels in Treg cells, suggesting that RAMP2 increased the number of Treg cells through IL-2/STAT5 pathway.

Determination of chemical structure of pea pectin by using pectinolytic enzymes.

The chemical structure of pea pectin was delineated using pectin-degrading enzymes and biochemical methods. The molecular weight of the pea pectin preparation was 488,000, with 50 % arabinose content, and neutral sugar side chains attached to approximately 60 % of the rhamnose residues in rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I). Arabinan, an RG-I side chain, was highly branched, and the main chain was comprised of α-1,5-l-arabinan. Galactose and galactooligosaccharides were attached to approximately 35 % of the rhamnose residues in RG-I. Long chain ß-1,4-galactan was also present. The xylose substitution rate in xylogalacturonan (XGA) was 63 %. The molar ratio of RG-I/homogalacturonan (HG)/XGA in the backbone of the pea pectin was approximately 3:3:4. When considering neutral sugar side chain content (arabinose, galactose, and xylose), the molar ratio of RG-I/HG/XGA regions in the pea pectin was 7:1:2. These data will help understand the properties of pea pectin.

Array-induced voltages assisted extraction of pectin from grapefruit (Citrus paradisi Macf.) peel and its characterization.

Array-induced voltage was used to enhance the extraction of pectin from grapefruit peel. The voltages induced by synchronous alternating magnetic fluxes as stimulus, provided an efficient extraction approach. The dynamics of pectin extraction is described by a pseudo-first-order model. The pectin yield and extraction rate of pectin depended on the vector of the in-phase and reverse-phase voltages. The transposed arrangement of the voltages had no significant influence on the pectin extraction rate. The maximum yield of 10.34%, obtained at 1000 V, a 0° phase difference and a 3 × 3 in-phase voltage array, was 5.74- and 1.3-fold higher than that of the control (0 V) and conventional heating method, respectively. This approach led to a rapid release of pectin with lower neutral sugar content, average molecular weight, Galacturonic acid content, esterification degree, and dynamic viscosity as a result of local heating by the voltage sources (potential hotspots) in the sample solution. Morphological analysis demonstrated the increased extraction of pectin from grapefruit peel by array-induced voltages.

High-methylated pectin from walnut processing wastes as a potential resource: Ultrasound assisted extraction and physicochemical, structural and functional analysis.

The ultrasound-assisted extraction of pectin from walnut processing waste was optimized by Box-Behnken design. The highest extraction yield (12.78 ± 0.83%) was obtained at ultrasound power of 200 W, sonication time of 10 min, pH of 1.5 and LS ratio of 15 v/w. The resulting pectin in these conditions was rich in galacturonic acid (69.44%) and was high in degree of esterification (59.21%) which was confirmed by NMR and FTIR spectra. In addition, the molecular weight distribution analysis showed that the obtained pectin had a heterogeneous natural with low molecular weight (6.30-158.48 kDa). The XRD spectrum of the walnut pectin showed an amorphous structure with few crystalline portions. Furthermore, walnut green husk pectin had good emulsifying properties, water and oil holding capacities, and radical-scavenging activity. Given that the obtained result, the extraction of pectin from this by-product in addition to being able to reduce environmental problems, it can also provide financial benefits for the walnut production sector.

Structural characterization and anticomplement activities of three acidic homogeneous polysaccharides from Artemisia annua.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Artemisia annua L. is a heat-clearing Chinese medicine and well-known for its antimalarial constituent, artemisinin. It has gained increasing attention for its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. Interestingly, the crude polysaccahrides of A. annua exhibited potent anticomplement activity. This study was to isolate and characterize its anticomplement homogeneous polysaccharides from A. annua, and reveal the relationship between structures and anticomplement activities of the isolated polysaccharides. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water-soluble crude polysaccharides from the aerial parts of A. annua were extracted and fractionated by DEAE-cellulose and Sephacryl S-300 gel permeation chromatography. Homogeneity, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, methylation and NMR analysis were performed to characterize the structures of homogeneous polysaccharides. Their anticomplement activities and targeting components in the complement activation cascade were evaluated by hemolytic assays. RESULTS: Three homogeneous polysaccharides (AAP01-1, AAP01-2 and AAP01-3) were obtained from A. annua. AAP01-1 was composed of seven monosaccharides, including mannose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid, glucose, galactose and arabinose. AAP01-2 and AAP01-3 had similar monosaccharides with AAP01-1, except the absence of glucuronic acid. They were all branched acidic heteropolysaccharides with different contents of galacturonic acid (8%, 28% and 15% for AAP01-1, AAP01-2 and AAP01-3, respectively). AAP01-2 showed potent anticomplement activity with CH50 value of 0.360 ±â€¯0.020 mg/mL through the classical pathway and AP50 value of 0.547 ±â€¯0.033 mg/mL through the alternative pathway. AAP01-3 exhibited slightly weaker activity (CH50: 1.120 ±â€¯0.052 mg/mL, AP50: 1.283 ±â€¯0.061 mg/mL), while AAP01-1 was inactive. Moreover, AAP01-2 acted on C1q, C3, C4, C5 and C9 components and AAP01-3 interacted with C3, C4 and C5 components in the activation cascade of complement system. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the relatively high contents of galacturonic acid were important for anticomplement activities of the polysaccharides from A. annua. The anticomplement polysaccharides are another kind of bioactive constituents conferring heat-clearing effects of A. annua.