Structural studies of an immunoenhancing polysaccharide isolated from mature pods (fruits) of Moringa oleifera (Sajina)

An immunoenhancing polysaccharide isolated from the hot aqueous extract of mature pods of Moringa oleifera was found to contain only D-glucose as a monosaccharide constituent. On the basis of total acid hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation and NMR studies (H-1 and C-13) the structure of the repeating unit of the polysaccharide was assigned and indicated only alpha-(1 -> 4) linked Glucan. This polysaccharide showed significant macrophage activity through the release of nitric oxide on MOUSE monocyte cell line (J744.1) and also enhanced the number of albumin/globulin percentage, the phagocyte cells and respiratory burst cells in fish system.