Structural characterization and intestinal protection activity of polysaccharides from Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries

The sea buckthorn ( Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries are rich in various bioactive components and widely used as fruit and traditional medicine. In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide fraction (SP0.1-1) was isolated from Sea buckthorn berries. SP0.1-1 is composed of mannose , glucose, galactose , and arabinose in the molar ratio of 1:2.3:1.9:11.2 with a core structure containing 1,4-linked-α- d -Glc p , 1,4,6-linked-α- d -Glc p and 1,4-linked-α- d -Man p residues as the backbone. And the side-chains comprised of 1,3,5-linked-α- l -Ara f , 1,5-linked-α- l -Ara f , terminal α-Ara f and 1,4-linked-β- d -Gal p . Furthermore, a diet supplemented with SP0.1-1 extended the mean lifespan, enhanced antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase , GSH-Px; and catalase , CAT) activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 )-induced mortality rate in fruit flies ( Drosophila melanogaster ). To summarize, the study's findings will provide evidence for the development of sea buckthorn polysaccharide products.