Structural characterization of an inulin neoseries-type fructan from Ophiopogonis Radix and the therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo.

Ophiopogonis Radix is a well-known Traditional Chinese Medicine and functional food that is rich in polysaccharides and has fructan as a characteristic component. In this study, an inulin neoseries-type fructan designated as OJP-W2 was obtained and characterized from Ophiopogonis Radix, and its potential therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis in vivo were investigated. Structural studies revealed that OJP-W2 had a molecular weight of 5.76 kDa and was composed of glucose and fructose with a molar ratio of 1.00:30.87. Further analysis revealed OJP-W2 has a predominantly lineal (1-2)-linked ß-D-fructosyl units linked to the glucose moiety of the sucrose molecule with (2-6)-linked ß-D-fructosyl side chains. Pharmacological studies revealed that OJP-W2 exerted a marked hepatoprotective effect against liver fibrosis, the mechanism of action was involved in regulating collagen deposition (α-SMA, COL1A1 and liver Hyp contents) and TGF-ß/Smads signaling pathway, alleviating liver inflammation (IL-1ß, IL-6, CCL5 and F4/80) and MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibiting hepatic apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, ATF4 and Caspase 3). These data provide evidence for expanding Ophiopogonis Radix-acquired fructan types and advancing our understanding of the specific role of inulin neoseries-type fructan in liver fibrosis therapy.

Characterization and comparison of polysaccharides from Achyranthes bidentata, Cyathula officinalis and Achyranthes aspera by saccharides mapping.

Although the roots of Achyranthes bidentata (AB), Cyathula officinalis (CO) and Achyranthes aspera (AA) are different drugs, they are always confused in clinical practice due to their similar chemical components and functions. As polysaccharides are abundant in these drugs, a systematic comparison of polysaccharides from AB, CO and AA is not only necessary to understand their similar but not identical functions, but also helpful for the quality control of them. In this study, polysaccharides from 22 batches of AB, CO and AA were compared with monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution and saccharide mapping. Polysaccharides of AB, CO and AA had similar monosaccharide compositions but their relative contents of fructose, glucuronic acid, galacturonic acid and glucose were significant different, and could be used as key markers to distinguish them. Results from molecular weight distribution and saccharide mapping showed polysaccharides from AB, CO and AA were mainly composed of fructans with ß-2,1 and ß-2, 6-D-fructosidic linkages, but their degree of polymerization were different. Meanwhile, pectins were also contained in these three drugs. AB is partial to immunomodulation while CO is partial to removing blood stasis. Fructans and pectins are the similar bioactive substance basis of AB, CO and AA whereas their structural difference might be contributed to the efficacy differentia of these three drugs. This study provides a better understanding on the profiles of polysaccharides from AB, CO and AA, further guiding their clinical usage and facilitating their quality control.

Antimutagenic and Antiproliferative Activity of the Coccoloba uvifera L. Extract Loaded in Nanofibers of Gelatin/Agave Fructans Elaborated by Electrospinning.

BACKGROUND: The Coccoloba uvifera L. species is currently considered an important source of compounds of high biological value such as lupeol. This is related to different and important biological activities to human health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to encapsulate the C. uvifera extract in nanofibers made with the biopolymers gelatin (G)/high-grade polymerization agave fructans (HDPAF) in the proportions 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 0:1, through the electrospinning process, in addition to evaluating the antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties of the encapsulated extract. METHODS: The physicochemical characteristics of the nanofibers were evaluated, as well as the antiproliferative and antimutagenic activities of the encapsulated and unencapsulated extract. SEM evaluation shows nanofibers of smooth, continuous morphology and nanometric size (50-250 nm). The TGA, FTIR-ATR, HPLC-MS analyses reveal the presence of the extract in the nanofibers. RESULTS: The extract did not show a mutagenic effect during the development of the Ames test, on the other hand, the MTT test showed the antiproliferative effect at the concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL of extract. CONCLUSION: The extract of C. uvifera loaded in nanofibers elaborated by electrospinning with the G/HDPAF biopolymers conserves its antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties.

Levan enhanced the NF-κB suppression activity of an oral nano PLGA-curcumin formulation in breast cancer treatment.

Chemoresistance (CR) is one of the reasons why chemotherapy agents like Gemcitabine (GMC) remain insufficient in healing breast cancer. Activation of Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF-κB) during chemotherapy is known as an important factor in the development of CR. The hydrophobic polyphenol curcumin is shown to inhibit NF-κB and hence CR. The aim of this work was to increase the poor bioavailability of curcumin by loading it into the nano-micelles made of Poly (Lactide-co-Glycolide) (PLGA) and levan, where levan as a natural fructose homopolymer makes the nano-micelle more stable and increases its uptake using the fructose moieties. In this study, a PLGA-levan-curcumin formulation (PLC) was designed and characterized. The size was measured as 154.16 ± 1.45 nm with a 67.68% encapsulation efficiency (EE%). The incorporation between the components was approved. Levan made the nano-micelles stable for at least three months, increased their uptake, and led to a 10,000-fold increase in the solubility of curcumin. The enhanced bioavailability of curcumin reduced the NF-κB levels elevated by GMC, both in vitro and in vivo. The PLC showed a complete tumor treatment, while GMC only showed a rate of 52%. These point to the great potential of the PLC to be used simultaneously with chemotherapy.

A dandelion polysaccharide and its selenium nanoparticles: Structure features and evaluation of anti-tumor activity in zebrafish models.

In this study, an inulin fructan (TMP50-2) with moderate anti-tumor activity was obtained from dandelion. To further improve the anti-tumor activity of TMP50-2, a monodisperse and stable spherical nanoparticle (Tw-TMP-SeNP, 50 nm) was fabricated. Physico-chemical analysis revealed that TMP50-2 and Tween 80 were tightly wrapped on the surface of SeNPs by forming CO⋯Se bonds or through hydrogen bonding interaction (OH⋯Se). In vitro anti-tumor assay showed that Tw-TMP-SeNP treatment could significantly inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells (HepG2, A549, and HeLa) in a dose-dependent manner, while HepG2 cells were more susceptible to Tw-TMP-SeNP with an IC50 value of 46.8 µg/mL. The apoptosis induction of HepG2 cells by Tw-TMP-SeNP was evidenced by increasing the proportion of apoptotic cells ranging from 12.5% to 27.4%. Furthermore, in vivo zebrafish model confirmed the anti-tumor activity of Tw-TMP-SeNP by inhibiting the proliferation and migration of tumor cells as well as the angiogenesis of zebrafish embryos.

Structures of fructan and galactan from Polygonatum cyrtonema and their utilization by probiotic bacteria.

Polygonatum cyrtonema is a known tonic herb in Chinese Materia Medica, extensively consumed in China, but the structure and activity of its polysaccharide components remain to be clarified. Herein, two new polysaccharides (a fructan and a galactan) were purified from the dried and the processed P. cyrtonema rhizome, respectively. Structural analysis suggested that the fructan consisted of a (2 â†’ 6) linked ß-d-Fruf residues backbone with an internal α-d-Glcp residue and two (2 â†’ 1) linked ß-d-Fruf residues branches, and that the galactan was a (1 â†’ 4)-ß-d-galactan branched with a single ß-d-galactose at C-6 at about every nine residues in its main chain. The bioactive assay showed that the fructan and the galactan remarkably promoted growth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus strains, indicating that they possess prebiotic activity. These findings may help expand the application of the polysaccharides from the tonic herb P. cyrtonema as functional ingredients in food products.

Characterization of inulin-type fructans from two species of Radix Codonopsis and their oxidative defense activation and prebiotic activities.

BACKGROUND: Codonopsis pilosula and C. tangshen are both plants widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Polysaccharides, which are their primary active components, are thought to be important in their extensive use. In this study, two neutral polysaccharide fractions of C. pilosula (CPPN) and C. tangshen (CTPN) were obtained by fractionation on a DEAE-Sepharose column and characterized. RESULTS: It was confirmed that the neutral polymers CPPN and CTPN were ß-(2,1)-linked inulin-type fructans with non-reducing terminal glucose, and degree of polymerization (DP) of 19.6 and 25.2, respectively. The antioxidant and prebiotic activities in vitro were assayed based on IPEC-J2 cell lines and five strains of Lactobacillus. Results indicated that the effects of CPPN and CTPN were increased antioxidant defense in intestinal epithelial cells through enhanced cell viability, improved expression of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and reduced levels of malondialdehyde and lactic dehydrogenase. The prebiotic activity of CPPN and CTPN was demonstrated by the promoting effect on Lactobacillus proliferation in vitro. The different biological activities obtained between the two fractions are probably due to the different DP and thus molecular weights of CPPN and CTPN. CONCLUSION: The inulin fractions from C. pilosula and C. tangshen were natural sources of potential intestinal antioxidants as well as prebiotics, which will be valuable in further studies and new applications of inulin-containing health products. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterisation and saccharide mapping of polysaccharides from four common Polygonatum spp.

Polysaccharides from 14 batches of Polygonatum sibiricum (PS), P. cyrtonema (PC), P. kingianum (PK) and P. odoratum (PO) were compared based on high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) saccharide mapping, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight distribution and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Results showed that polysaccharides from PS, PC and PK exhibited two different molecular weight fractions and that one was more than 4.1 × 105 Da (P1) and the other was 2.8-5.4 × 103 Da (P2); while the polysaccharides from PO displayed only one main peak (P2). The analysis of monosaccharide composition and HPGPC saccharide mapping proved that P1 and P2 were composed of pectins and fructans, respectively. The FTIR spectra indicated that these polysaccharides had different degrees of esterification. This study provided a systematic profiling of polysaccharides of Polygonatum spp. and was helpful in understanding the varied functions of different Polygonatum spp., based on chemical composition.

Fructans as Immunomodulatory and Antiviral Agents: The Case of Echinacea.

Throughout history, medicinal purposes of plants have been studied, documented, and acknowledged as an integral part of human healthcare systems. The development of modern medicine still relies largely on this historical knowledge of the use and preparation of plants and their extracts. Further research into the human microbiome highlights the interaction between immunomodulatory responses and plant-derived, prebiotic compounds. One such group of compounds includes the inulin-type fructans (ITFs), which may also act as signaling molecules and antioxidants. These multifunctional compounds occur in a small proportion of plants, many of which have recognized medicinal properties. Echinacea is a well-known medicinal plant and products derived from it are sold globally for its cold- and flu-preventative and general health-promoting properties. Despite the well-documented phytochemical profile of Echinacea plants and products, little research has looked into the possible role of ITFs in these products. This review aims to highlight the occurrence of ITFs in Echinacea derived formulations and the potential role they play in immunomodulation.

Proteome changes in renal cortex and medulla induced by dietary supplementation with inulin-type fructans in growing pigs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of dietary supplementation with inulin extract from chicory root and dried chicory root on the protein profile of the renal cortex and medulla of growing pigs. The experiment was carried out on renal cortex and medulla tissue collected from 24 50-day-old PIC x Penarlan P76 crossbred piglets (males). Animals were divided into three dietary groups (n = 8) and fed with a control diet, diet supplemented with 2% inulin extract from chicory root and a diet supplemented with 4% dried chicory root. Kidney samples were collected after 40 days of feeding, and renal cortex and medulla proteins were separated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein identification was performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The diet supplemented with 2% chicory inulin induced significant expression changes of 20 and 26 protein spots in the renal cortex and medulla respectively. Supplementation with 4% dried chicory root triggered changes in the expression of 44 and 24 proteins in the renal cortex and medulla respectively. Both forms of chicory inulin-type fructans effectively affected the expression of proteins involved in energy metabolism, heat shock proteins and other chaperones, cytoskeletal and cytoskeleton-related proteins, as well as other proteins. Additionally, changes in transferrin abundance in both experimental groups suggested the significance of chicory fructan supplementation for iron absorption and bioavailability. In conclusion, 2% inulin extract from chicory root and 4% dried chicory root exerted a similar effect on changes in renal protein expression; however, more pronounced alterations were induced by dried chicory root. Nevertheless, further studies are needed for better understanding the mechanism underlying the effect of chicory inulin-type fructans and their fermentation end products on the kidneys of growing pigs.

Characterization of Inulin-Type Fructan from Platycodon grandiflorus and Study on Its Prebiotic and Immunomodulating Activity.

Platycodon grandiflorus is a plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, of which polysaccharides are reported to be the main components responsible for its bio-functions. In this work, the inulin-type fructan (PGF) was obtained by DEAE anion exchange chromatography from the water extracted from P. grandifloras. Characterization was performed with methanolysis, methylation, and NMR and the results showed that PGF is a ß-(2-1) linked fructan, with terminal glucose and with a degree of polymerization of 2⁻10. In order to study its biofunctions, the prebiotic and immunomodulation properties were assayed. We found that PGF exhibited good prebiotic activity, as shown by a promotion on six strains of lactobacillus proliferation. Additionally, the PGF also displayed direct immunomodulation on intestinal epithelial cells and stimulated the expressions of anti-inflammatory factors. These results indicated that the inulin from P. grandiflorus is a potential natural source of prebiotics as well as a potential intestinal immunomodulator, which will be valuable for further studies and new applications.

Survival and Goat Milk Acidifying Activity of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Encapsulated with Agave Fructans in a Buttermilk Protein Matrix.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (L. rhamnosus GG) cells were encapsulated in buttermilk proteins by spray drying, alone (E), or with Agave tequilana fructans (CEF). Buttermilk proteins acted as a thermo-protector for the probiotic cells undergoing the spray-dried process. The addition of Agave fructans in CEF microcapsules significantly enhanced storage stability and survival to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal conditions, compared to E capsules. After 14 days storage at - 20 °C, the number of living cells in CEF microcapsules was in the order of 7.7 log CFU • mL-1 and the survivability in simulated gastrointestinal environment was 73.23%. Spray-dried microparticles were cultured in goat milk to study biomass production. Agave fructans offered a favorable microenvironment and better growth substrate. The population of CEF viable cells reached 1.08 ± 0.02 × 1010 CFU • mL-1 after 18 h of fermentation. In contrast, the population of E viable cells were 3.0 ± 0.01 × 109 CFU • mL-1. The generation time of CEF, L. rhamnosus GG was 15% faster than E, L. rhamnosus GG. Encapsulation with buttermilk proteins in the presence of Agave fructans by spray drying could be suitable for preservation of probiotic powders and may be for a more effective application of probiotics in goat dairy products.

Production of levan by Bacillus licheniformis NS032 in sugar beet molasses-based medium.

The production of levan by Bacillus licheniformis NS032 in a medium based on sugar beet molasses was studied. High polysaccharide yields were produced by using diluted molasses (100-140 g/L of total sugars) with the addition of commercial sucrose up to 200 g/L of total sugars, as well as K2HPO4. A levan yield of 53.2 g/L was obtained on a medium optimized by response surface methodology, containing 62.6% of sugar originating from molasses, and 4.66 g/L of phosphate, with initial pH value of 7.2. In comparison to the media with 200 and 400 g/L sucrose, in the molasses optimized medium, the observed bacterial growth was faster, while the maximum production of polysaccharide was achieved over a shorter time interval (48 h). The polysaccharide produced in molasses medium had a weight average molecular weight of 5.82 × 106 Da, degree of branching 12.68%, viscosity of 0.24 dL/g, and based on methylation analysis and NMR data, it did not significantly differ from levan obtained in the medium with 200 g/L sucrose.

Quantification of free sugars, fructan, pungency and sweetness indices in onion populations by FT-MIR spectroscopy.

BACKGROUND: To facilitate faster phenotyping of onions (Allium cepa L.), Fourier-transform mid infrared (FT-MIR) spectroscopy with partial least squares (PLS) regression modelling was evaluated for the determination of pungency (pyruvate), sweetness (free sugars) and fructan in juice samples (n = 605) expressed from bulbs from breeding populations. RESULTS: Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra (range 1700-900 cm-1 ) were obtained from droplets (30 µL) of unprocessed juice. Goodness-of-fit (r2 ) and prediction errors (standard error of cross validation) for optimal PLS models were: soluble solids (0.997, 0.1 °Brix), pyruvate [0.825, 0.8 µmol g-1 fresh weight (FW)], fructan (0.98, 1.9 mg g-1 FW), glucose (0.941, 1.1 mg g-1 FW), fructose (0.967, 1.0 mg g-1 FW) and sucrose (0.919, 1.7 mg g-1 FW). FTIR models for industry sweetness indices based on glucose or sucrose equivalents were also developed. Because of its very low concentration (0.8-12 µmol g-1 FW) relative to other compounds, pyruvate was the weakest model developed. Fructan could be determined spectroscopically without the need for enzymatic digestion. CONCLUSIONS: All of the chemometric models developed are acceptable for screening purposes. Those for soluble solids, fructan and fructose are also suitable for routine analysis. FT-MIR can therefore be utilised for the simultaneous determination of pungency, sweetness and fructan in this crop. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Structure Features and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effects of Inulin-Type Fructan CP-A from the Roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.

Radix Codonopsis has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for strengthening the immune system, improving poor gastrointestinal function, treating gastric ulcers and chronic gastritis and so on. In the present study, an inulin-type fructan CP-A was obtained from the roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf. and its structure was confirmed by MS and NMR as (2 → 1) linked-ß-d-fructofuranose. The protective effects of CP-A against ethanol-induced acute gastric ulcer in rats were intensively investigated. A Lacy assay demonstrated that CP-A-treated group (50 mg/kg) showed the gastric damage level 1, which was similar to the positive control group, while the model group exhibited the gastric damage level 3. The Guth assay demonstrated that the mucosa ulcer index for CP-A groups at the doses of 50 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg significantly decreased compared with that in the model group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, CP-A significantly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px, and decreased the contents of MDA and NO, and the activity of MPO in gastric tissue in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The present research reported for the first time that inulin-type fructan CP-A were likely the potential component in Radix Codonopsis for treatment of acute gastric ulcers.

Functional Effects of Prebiotic Fructans in Colon Cancer and Calcium Metabolism in Animal Models.

Inulin-type fructans are polymers of fructose molecules and are known for their capacity to enhance absorption of calcium and magnesium, to modulate gut microbiota and energy metabolism, and to improve glycemia. We evaluated and compared the effects of Chicory inulin "Synergy 1®" and inulin from Mexican agave "Metlin®" in two experimental models of colon cancer and bone calcium metabolism in mice and rats. Inulins inhibited the development of dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis and colon cancer in mice; these fructans reduced the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha and prevented the formation of intestinal polyps, villous atrophy, and lymphoid hyperplasia. On the other hand, inulin treatments significantly increased bone densitometry (femur and vertebra) in ovariectomized rats without altering the concentration of many serum biochemical parameters and urinary parameters. Histopathology results were compared between different experimental groups. There were no apparent histological changes in rats treated with inulins and a mixture of inulins-isoflavones. Our results showed that inulin-type fructans have health-promoting properties related to enhanced calcium absorption, potential anticancer properties, and anti-inflammatory effects. The use of inulin as a prebiotic can improve health and prevent development of chronic diseases such as cancer and osteoporosis.

The use of inulin-type fructans improves stool consistency in constipated children. A randomised clinical trial: pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Constipation is a common disorder in children. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the beneficial effects of a daily supplementation with Orafti® inulin-type fructans in 2-5 year old constipated children. METHODS: Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled parallel group trial where constipated children received two doses of 2 g Orafti® inulin-type fructans (OF:IN) or placebo (maltodextrin) for 6 weeks. Primary outcome was stool consistency. Secondary outcomes were stool frequency and gastrointestinal symptoms. RESULTS: Twenty-two children were included, 17 completed the study protocol (nine and eight for the control and the OF:IN group, respectively). Results showed that Orafti® inulin-type fructans supplemented children had softer stools (p = .003). The longitudinal analysis showed no significant changes in controls, whereas supplemented children increased their stool consistency from 2.2 to 2.6 on the modified Bristol scale for children (five items instead of seven) (p = .040). CONCLUSIONS: Prebiotic inulin-type fructans supplementation improves stool consistency in constipated 2-5-year old children. Clinicaltrials.gov, with number NCT02863848.

Structural Modifications of Fructans in Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe Vera) Grown under Water Stress.

Aloe barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) has a Crassulaceae acid metabolism which grants the plant great tolerance to water restrictions. Carbohydrates such as acemannans and fructans are among the molecules responsible for tolerating water deficit in other plant species. Nevertheless, fructans, which are prebiotic compounds, have not been described nor studied in Aloe vera, whose leaf gel is known to possess beneficial pharmaceutical, nutritional and cosmetic properties. As Aloe vera is frequently cultivated in semi-arid conditions, like those found in northern Chile, we investigated the effect of water deficit on fructan composition and structure. For this, plants were subjected to different irrigation regimes of 100%, 75%, 50% and 25% field capacity (FC). There was a significant increase in the total sugars, soluble sugars and oligo and polyfructans in plants subjected to water deficit, compared to the control condition (100% FC) in both leaf tips and bases. The amounts of fructans were also greater in the bases compared to the leaf tips in all water treatments. Fructans also increase in degree of polymerization with increasing water deficit. Glycosidic linkage analyses by GC-MS, led to the conclusion that there are structural differences between the fructans present in the leaves of control plants with respect to plants irrigated with 50% and 25% FC. Therefore, in non-stressed plants, the inulin, neo-inulin and neo-levan type of fructans predominate, while in the most stressful conditions for the plant, Aloe vera also synthesizes fructans with a more branched structure, the neofructans. To our knowledge, the synthesis and the protective role of neo-fructans under extreme water deficit has not been previously reported.

Bacterial polysaccharide levan as stabilizing, non-toxic and functional coating material for microelement-nanoparticles.

Levan, fructose-composed biopolymer of bacterial origin, has potential in biotechnology due to its prebiotic and immunostimulatory properties. In this study levan synthesized by levansucrase from Pseudomonas syringae was thoroughly characterized and used as multifunctional biocompatible coating material for microelement-nanoparticles (NPs) of selenium, iron and cobalt. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), hydrodynamic size measurements (DLS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed the interaction of levan with NPs. Levan stabilized the dispersions of NPs, decreased their toxicity and had protective effect on human intestinal cells Caco-2. In addition, levan attached to cobalt NPs remained accessible as a substrate for the colon bacteria Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. We suggest that the combination of levan and nutritionally important microelements in the form of NPs serves as a first step towards a novel "2 in 1" approach for food supplements to provide safe and efficient delivery of microelements for humans and support beneficial gut microbiota with nutritional oligosaccharides.

Structural characterization and anti-tumor effects of an inulin-type fructan from Atractylodes chinensis.

A fructan (ACPS-1) with a molecular weight of 11.2 kDa was isolated from Atractylodes chinensis rhizome and characterized by chemical derivatization, HPLC, GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR. Structural analyses revealed that ACPS-1 is predominately composed of fructose and a small amount of glucose and a polymerization degree of about 53. The fructan was deduced to be an inulin-type fructan containing a linear backbone composed of (2→1)-linked ß-d-Fruf residues. The in vitro antitumor activity of ACPS-1 was evaluated on four human cancer cell lines, including a cervical cancer cell line (Hela), two liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (HepG2 and 7721), and an ovarian carcinoma cell line (Skov3). Results showed that ACPS-1 could significantly inhibit Hela, HepG2, and 7721 cell proliferation, especially HepG2, for which the fructan showed a proliferative inhibition rate as high as 87.40%. This result suggests that ACPS-1 may have anticancer potentiality against hepatocellular carcinoma and warrants further investigation.