To obtain the structure–function relationship of the polysaccharides derived from areca (Areca catechu L.) inflorescences in the aspect of its immunomodulatory ability, the plant-based polysaccharide was isolated and purified on column chromatography. The purity, primary structure and immune activity of four polysaccharide fractions (AFP, AFP1, AFP2 and AFP2a) were characterized comprehensively. The main chain of AFP2a was confirmed to be composed of → 3,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with branch chains linked to the O-3 position on the main chain. The immunomodulatory activity of the polysaccharides was evaluated using the RAW264.7 cells and immunosuppression mice model. It was observed that AFP2a enabled greater NO release (49.72 μmol/L) than other fractions, significantly promoted the phagocytic activity of macrophages, and improved splenocyte proliferation and T lymphocyte phenotype in mice. The present results may shine a light on a new research direction in immunoenhancers and provide a theoretical foundation for the development and application of areca inflorescence.

为了了解槟榔（ Areca catechu L.）花序多糖在免疫调节能力方面的结构-功能关系，采用柱色谱法分离纯化植物源多糖。对四种多糖组分（AFP、AFP1、AFP2 和 AFP2a）的纯度、一级结构和免疫活性进行了全面表征。 AFP2a的主链经证实由→3,6) -β - D -Gal p- (1→组成，支链连接在主链的O -3位上。该多糖的免疫调节活性为使用RAW264.7细胞和免疫抑制小鼠模型进行评估，观察到AFP2a比其他组分能够释放更多的NO（49.72 μmol/L），显着促进巨噬细胞的吞噬活性，并改善小鼠的脾细胞增殖和T淋巴细胞表型。本研究结果可能为免疫增强剂的研究提供新的方向，并为槟榔花的开发和应用提供理论基础。