Glucan from hot aqueous extract of an ectomycorrhizal edible mushroom, Russula albonigra (Krombh.) Fr.: structural characterization and study of immunoenhancing properties

A water soluble glucan (PS-I) was isolated from the hot aqueous extract of the fruit bodies of an ectomycorrhizal edible mushroom, Russula albonigra (Krombh.) Fr. The total hydrolysis, methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, and NMR (1H, 13C, DEPT-135, TOCSY, DQF-COSY, NOESY, ROESY, HSQC, and HMBC) studies revealed the presence of the following repeating unit in the polysaccharide:Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideThis glucan showed excellent activation of macrophages as well as splenocytes and thymocytes in vitro.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A water soluble glucan was isolated from a mushroom Russula albonigra (Krombh.) Fr. ► Its structure was established by chemical and 2D NMR studies. ► This molecule showed excellent immunoenhancing activity.