Lactarius rufus (1→3),(1→6)-β-D-glucans: Structure, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects

Medicinal health benefits uses of edible as well as non-edible mushrooms have been long recognized. The pharmacological potential of mushrooms, especially antitumor, immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory activities has been documented. Wild ectomycorrhizal mushroom, Lactarius rufus had the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of their polysaccharides evaluated using the formalin model, Two structurally different (1 -> 3),(1 -> 6)-linked beta-D-glucans were isolated from fruiting bodies. Soluble (FSHW) beta-D-glucan 1-30 mg kg(-1) produced potent inhibition of inflammatory pain caused by formalin when compared with the insoluble one (IHW), suggesting that solubility and/or branching degree could alter the activity of beta-glucans. Their structures were determined using mono- and bi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, and controlled Smith degradation. They were beta-D-glucans, with a main chain of (1 -> 3)-linked Glcp residues, substituted at O-6 by single-unit Glcp side chains (IHW), on average to every fourth residue of the backbone, or by mono- and few oligosaccharide side chains for soluble beta-glucan. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.