Are Structurally Modified Galactomannan Derivatives Biologically Active?

Abstract

Galactomannans are versatile macromolecules with broad industrial potential. The influence of changes in the chemical structures and respective bioactivities of these polysaccharides have been extensively studied. The derivatives obtained by sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation are the most studied biological properties in galactomannans. The derivatives obtained have shown several pharmacological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, chemopreventive, anticancer, antioxidant, chondroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial. Considering the relevance of these studies, we aim to provide an overview of studies that apply galactomannan modification or derivatization strategies to improve their properties for applications in the biomedical area. We identified the success of most modified galactomannans for pharmacological purposes. However, some studies found loss of bioactivity of the original polysaccharide after chemical changes to its original structures.

Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Uses of Tara Gum

“…Structural modification of plant gum has been extensively studied. Chemical modification of structure by various chemical processes such as sulfation, complexation, and phosphorylation leading to the formation of different derivatives with different biological activities such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, fibrinolytic, chemopreventive, anticancer, antioxidant, chondroprotective, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and antileishmanial activities for subsequent application in biomedicine [43]. Studies revealed that sulfated TG is gaining more attention because of its multiple biological activities.…”

Potential metabolites of Arecaceae family for the natural anti-osteoarthritis medicine: A review

“…The effect of changes in the chemical structure and bioactivity of galactomannans has been widely reported. Most modified galactomannans provide enhanced pharmacological effects; however, several studies revealed the bioactivity reduction after chemical changes to the original structure [ 135 ].…”