ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is the phytochemical and biological evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from some medicinal plants belonging to the Genera Aloe, Tamarindus, Opuntia and Citrus. Antihyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant of the polysaccharides were studied. Extraction, isolation and identification of the biologically active constituents have been carried out aiming at discovery of new active constituents from botanical origin which can be utilized in drug industry. The Polysaccharides from the plants under investigation were isolated using cold and hot extraction methods then hydrolysed, the polysaccharide hydrolysates were identified by Paper and HPLC chromatographic techniques. The isolated polysaccharides were tested for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and immunomodulating activities. The optimum parameters for the extraction of polysaccharides isolated from the seeds of Tamarindus indica Linn. Family Leguminosae were examined by using three factor statistical techniques. Maximum yield of polysaccharides were obtained from Tamarindus indica Linn, seeds [21%], which was increased by varying temperature and time [55%]. The results of the biological activities revealed significant antihyperglycemic, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities with variable degrees. Chromatographic investigation of the polysaccharide hydrolysates revealed the presence of hexoses, pentoses and uronic acids with qualitative and quantitative variations in the chemical composition. Tamarindus indica Linn, seeds had the highest yield of polysaccharide and the highest significant biological activities