Isolation and prebiotic activity of inulin-type fructan extracted from Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen roots

Abstract

Pfaffia glomerata (Amaranthaceae) is popularly known as "Brazilian ginseng." Previous studies have shown that fructose is the major carbohydrate component present in its roots. Inulin-type fructans, polymers of fructose, are the most widespread and researched prebiotics. Here, we isolated and chemically characterized inulin extracted from P. glomerata roots and investigated its potential prebiotic effect. Fructans were isolated and their structures were determined using colorimetric, chromatography, polarimetry, and spectroscopic analysis. The degree of polymerization (DP) was determined, and an in vitro prebiotic test was performed. The structure of inulin was confirmed by chromatography and spectroscopic analysis and through comparison with existing data. Representatives from the genera Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium utilized inulin from P. glomerata, because growth was significantly stimulated, while this ability is strain specific. The results indicated that inulin extracted from P. glomerata roots represents a promising new source of inulin-type prebiotics.

Structure Features and Anti-Gastric Ulcer Effects of Inulin-Type Fructan CP-A from the Roots of Codonopsis pilosula (Franch.) Nannf.

“…The HMBC spectrum showed correlations between the C2-Fru/H1-Fru of fructosyl residues and indicated the presence of (2 → 1)-linked β- d -fructofuranosyl ( Figure 4 ). In combination with the literature data [ 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], it was concluded that CP-A exhibited an inulin-type fructan chain structure (as shown in Figure 4 ), which was consistent with the results of a methylation assay and Smith degradation (data not shown). Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 2 A, the integration ratio of H1-Glu to that of H3-Fru was 1:30, which indicated that the degree of polymerization (DP) of CP-A was 31 [ 8 , 12 ].…”

“…In combination with the literature data [ 8 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], it was concluded that CP-A exhibited an inulin-type fructan chain structure (as shown in Figure 4 ), which was consistent with the results of a methylation assay and Smith degradation (data not shown). Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 2 A, the integration ratio of H1-Glu to that of H3-Fru was 1:30, which indicated that the degree of polymerization (DP) of CP-A was 31 [ 8 , 12 ]. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrum ( Figure 1 B) was similar to that of an inulin-type fructan standard and there was a mass difference of 162 Da between two neighboring ions in the spectrum, which corresponds to fructose/fructose residues [ 12 ].…”

“…Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 2 A, the integration ratio of H1-Glu to that of H3-Fru was 1:30, which indicated that the degree of polymerization (DP) of CP-A was 31 [ 8 , 12 ]. The MALDI-TOF mass spectrum ( Figure 1 B) was similar to that of an inulin-type fructan standard and there was a mass difference of 162 Da between two neighboring ions in the spectrum, which corresponds to fructose/fructose residues [ 12 ].…”

The fructan syndrome: Evolutionary aspects and common themes among plants and microbes

“…In Curcuma kwangsiensis (Zingiberaceae), Dong et al () identified levan‐type fructans (average DP 30–31) with single fructose side chains (β‐2,1 linkage) and significant immunostimulating activity based on phagocytosis and macrophage proliferation assays. Moreover, inulin‐type fructans from Pfaffia glomerata (Amaranthaceae) roots were shown to have prebiotic effects (Caleffi et al, ). Cruz‐Cárdenas et al () showed the presence of inulin neoseries fructans and inulo‐ n ‐oses, fructose‐only versions (Fn type fructans) lacking the terminal glucose residue (Van den Ende, ), in bananas (Musaceae).…”

Parameters Optimization for Increased Intracellular Inulinase Activity of a Yeast Strain

“…Inulin-containing plants -Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, dahlia, garlic and onion are of great industrial importance in the production of inulin, fructose-glucose syrups, animal feeds, pharmaceuticals [1,2]. Fructans are naturally occurring reserve carbohydrates in plants, which depending on their degree of polymerization could be classified as fructooligosaccharides (degree of polymerization<10) and inulins (degree of polymerization>10) [3]. Fructose is preferred as sweetener due to fact that it's safer than sucrose which causes problems with diabetes, cariogenicity and atherosclerosis.…”