Functional characterization and biological properties of pectin from Parkia biglobosa pulp

Pectin polysaccharides are characterized with alternating units of a-1,4-linked d-galacturonic acid and a-1,2-l-rhamnose, alongside other sugar moieties. Currently, pectins are attracting research interests due to their pharmacological applications and potential for development of industrial and health products. Here, functional characterization and biological activity of novel pectins from an underutilized plant product, Parkia biglobosa pulp, as possible anti-inflammatory agent is reported for the first time. Pectin was extracted at different pH (2, 5 and 7) conditions, characterized and evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties using methods such as cytometric bead assay complemented with real-time assay, enzyme-linked immunosorbent and membrane stabilization assays. Of the three pectins (P2, P5, and P7 extracted at pH 2, 5 and 7, respectively) obtained, P5 had the highest yield (40.48%) and lowest moisture content (6.55%), while there was no significant difference in water and oil holding capacities between the pectins. The P5 has a half-maximal concentration of 65.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL in TZM-bl cells and the viability was confirmed by the real time assay through the detection of growth pattern treatment with P5 relative to the control cells. Furthermore, P5 (25 μg/mL) significantly inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide levels, while the c-Jun in activator protein-1 was stimulated. These observations are indicative of potential anti-inflammatory attributes of the pectin and was further supported by the capability of P5 in stabilizing red blood cell membranes against hemolytic damage. The findings from this study have lent credence to the promising industrial and pharmacological applications of pectin in the development of anti-inflammatory drugs. •Parkia biglobosa (PB) pulp is an underutilized product of PB cultivation.•Novel pectins were extracted and characterized from PB pulp under varying pH.•The pectin (P5) at pH 5 had the highest yield and lowest moisture content.•Evaluation of P5 revealed that, it a good modulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines.•The study showed P5 as a promising agent of therapeutic and commercial value.