Structure of a galactomannan from the seeds of Cassia angustifolia Vahl

Cassia angustifolia Vahl (family: Caesalpiniaceae) is a fast growing and spreading Indian shrub of which seeds, pods and leaves are extensively used for pharmaceutical applications. The seeds have been found to be an alternative source of commercial gums. The structural aspects of the galactomannans have been determined for a better understanding of its properties. The purified seed galactomannan contains mannose:galactose in a ratio of 2.90. The average molecular weight ((M) over bar (w)) is 9.66 x 10(4) and the intrinsic viscosity (eta) is 209 mL/g. Methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, Smith degradation and C-13 NMR studies confirm that the gum has the basic structure of legume galactomannans with a main chain of (1 -->4)-linked beta -D-mannopyranosyl units to which single alpha-(1 -->6)-D-linked galactopyranosyl units are attached through block pattern. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.