Characterization of a Novel Heteroglucan from the Rhizome of Cnidium officinale Exhibiting High Reticuloendothelial System-Potentiating and Anti-complementary Activities

A novel β-heteroglucan, called cnidirhan SIIA, was isolated from the rhizome of Cnidium officinale Makino. It was homogeneous on electrophoresis and gel chromatography, and its molecular mass was more than 1 x 10⁷. It was composed of D-glucose, D-galactose and L-arabinose in the molar ratio of 85:5:8, in addition to small numbers of 0-acetyl groups. Methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance studies indicated its main structural features composed of β-l,6-linked D-glucopyranosyl residues with both 3,6- and 4,6-branching points. In addition, it has both β-1,4-linked L-arabinopyranosyl and β-1,6-linked D-galactopyranosyl residues. The polysaccharide showed very pronounced reticuloendothelial system-potentiating activity in a carbon clearance test, as well as a marked anti-complementary activity.