Structural characterization of a glucan from the tubers of <i style="">Curcuma aeruginosa</i>

Abstract

The structure of glucan isolated from the tubers of <i style="">Curcuma aeruginosa</i> has been determined using total and partial hydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis, methylation analysis, and NMR spectral analysis. Periodate oxidation study of the glucan supports the proposed structure. Homogeneity of the product has been checked by the gel permeation chromato­graphy using Sephadex G 200 column and by zone electro­phoresis on glass fibre paper using borate buffer. It is concluded that the polysaccharide is a polymer of Glucan having <img src='/image/spc_char/alpha.gif' border=0> -(1 → 4) and <img src='/image/spc_char/alpha.gif' border=0> -(1 → 6) linkages, resembling a high amylose starch. <img src='/image/spc_char/alpha.gif' border=0> Configuration has been confirmed by high positive optical rotation and also by NMR spectral analysis.