In vitro immunological and anti-complementary activities of two water-soluble lignins from Zizyphus jujube cv. Jinchangzao

Two homogenous biological macromolecules, designated as JJC1 and JJC2 were extracted from Zizyphus jujube cv. Jinchangzao. Their molecular weights were determined to be 56.03 and 112.11 kDa by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), respectively. Chemical and spectral analysis indicated that both JJC1 and JJC2 mainly consisted of lignin, along with carbohydrates (∼18%). Both JJC1 and JJC2 could stimulate the proliferation of spleen lymphocytes, and enhance phagocytosis and NO production of RAW264.7 cells. In addition, JJC2, but not JJC1 elicited an inhibitory effect on complement activation through the classical pathway (CH50: 2.73 mg/mL) as well as the alternative pathway (AP50: 2.99 mg/mL). These findings implied that water-soluble lignins were one of the bioactive components in Z. jujube, and further provided insights into the understanding of molecular basis for diverse medicinal and nutritional values of this fruit.