A Pectic Polysaccharide From Stems and Leaves of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix: Preparation, Structural Characteristic, and Inhibition of Cardiac Hypertrophy.

INTRODUCTION: Panacis Quinquefolii Radix, a valued herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is frequently prescribed for its immunomodulatory effects and its potential to improve cardiovascular function. Recently, there is an increasing amount of research on ginseng polysaccharides, due to their variety of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardiovascular protective, and the improvement of intestinal function.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the efficacy of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix polysaccharides in alleviating cardiovascular diseases and to achieve the high-value utilization of ginseng by-products.

METHODOLOGY: A pectic polysaccharide named XYSJY2-2 was extracted with hot water from stems and leaves of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix and further isolated by a DEAE Sepharose Fast Flow column and a Sephacry S-100 column. The structural characteristics of XYSJY2-2 was determined by monosaccharide composition, IR, NMR, and methylation analysis. The cardioprotective activity of this polysaccharide was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. With a relative molecular weight of 5.1 kDa, XYSJY2-2 is a type I rhamnogalacturonan featuring a core backbone made up of alternately linked rhamnose and galacturonic acid.

RESULTS: XYSJY2-2 effectively alleviated myocardial hypertrophy and remodeling induced by Ang II and TAC in vivo and in vitro, partly due to suppressing Nppa and Nppb expression.

CONCLUSION: A pectic polysaccharide from stems and leaves of Panacis Quinquefolii Radix has the potential to alleviate cardiovascular disease.