Structural characterisation and ACE-inhibitory activities of polysaccharide from Gastrodia elata Blume

The structural properties and Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities of a polysaccharide (PGE) extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume were investigated. PGE was extracted using hot water and purified by Sephadex G-200 followed by ultra-filtration. The structural characterisation of PGE was analysed by FT–IR, NMR spectroscopy, specific rotation determination, periodate oxidation-smith degradation, methylation analysis, GC–MS and Congo red test. The results revealed that PGE was composed by glucose, with an average molecular weight of 1.54 × 10³ kDa. The structure of PGE was 1→3 and 1→4,6-branched-glucopyranose that had a linear backbone of (1 → 4)-linked-d-glucopyranose (Glcp). ACE-inhibitory activity results showed that PGE was efficient to inhibit ACE and the IC₅₀ value was 0.66 mg/mL.