Structure of water-soluble polysaccharides in spore of Ganoderma lucidum and their anti-inflammatory activity

Ganoderma lucidum spore is widely accepted as functional food. Polysaccharides are the predominant bioactive components in G. lucidum spore and contribute much to its health benefits. However, their structural characteristics remain unclear. In this work, water-soluble polysaccharides (GLSP) were obtained by hot water extraction. Three monosaccharides, including arabinose (Ara), glucose (Glc) and galactose (Gal), were presented in GLSP. 1D and 2D NMR data revealed that GLSP were composed mainly by two polysaccharides, beta-glucan and arabinogalactan. The arabinogalactan had a backbone of galactan with Araf in the side chain. beta-Glucan was the dominant polysaccharide in G. lucidum spore. The molecular weight was measured. GLSP could induce IEC-6 cells proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, GLSP possessed a strong antiinflammatory activity through inhibiting the overproduction of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) induced by LPS. These results implied the potential of GLSP on gut barrier protection.

Automated summary

This study obtained water-soluble polysaccharides (GLSP) from Ganoderma lucidum spore through hot water extraction, revealing that GLSP is mainly composed of β-glucan and arabinogalactan. GLSP has the potential to induce cell proliferation and possess strong anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the overproduction of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines induced by LPS.