Characterisation of the chemical composition and in vitro anti-inflammation assessment of a novel lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) plumule polysaccharide

Lotus plumule has been recognised as an anti-inflammatory agent. A novel lotus plumule polysaccharide (LPPS) was prepared, characterised and cultured with splenocytes from non-obese diabetes (NOD) and BALB/c mice (as a control) to further evaluate its anti-inflammatory effects in this study. The results showed the molecular weights of LPPS respectively distributed at 391 kDa (89.8 ± 0.5%) and 5 kDa (10.1 ± 1.5%) using HPLC analysis. The neutral sugar composition in LPPS comprised xylose (33.4 ± 10.0%), glucose (25.7 ± 1.6%), fructose (22.0 ± 15.0%), galactose (10.5 ± 3.3%), and fucose (8.1 ± 3.5%). LPPS administrations at appropriate concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) increased interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α secretions by splenocytes from both NOD and BALB/c mice at ages of 15, 22 and 26 weeks, respectively. However, LPPS administrations markedly (P < 0.05) increased secretion ratios of anti-/pro-inflammatory (IL-10/IL-6) cytokines by splenocytes. The present study suggests that LPPS may have potential to treat type 1 diabetes via its potent anti-inflammatory activity.