Kari Tvete Inngjerdingen

• Hoel, Håvard; Petkowicz, Carmen; Eidsvåg, Victoria; Øynebråten, Inger; Corthay, Alexandre Benoit & Maurer, Juliana Bello Baron [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2026). Comparative toll-like receptor and dectin-1a activation by structurally diverse plant polysaccharides. Carbohydrate Research. ISSN 0008-6215. 567. doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2026.110003. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Naturally derived polysaccharides can activate pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) like Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Dectin-1, but structure-activity relationships remain unclear. Here, we screened several plant-derived polysaccharides using HEK-Blue™ reporter cells expressing human Toll-like receptor (hTLR) 2, hTLR2/1, hTLR2/6, hTLR3, hTLR4, hTLR5 or hDectin-1a, THP1-Blue™ NF-κB cells and mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages to investigate the correlation between structural features and activity. The polysaccharides included pectins from Gentiana purpurea (GP-AP), Angelica archangelica subsp. archangelica (A-A2-I), Daphne mezereum (DMP-ED-I), Citrullus lanatus (FW), Coffea arabica (CAP) and Citrus sp. (CPA), an arabinogalactan protein (AGP) rich extract from Persea americana (FRAGP), and an arabinoxylan from Livistonia chinensis (LCP). Activation of THP1-Blue™ cells and BMDMs, and interaction with hTLR4 and hTLR2/6 correlated with rhamnogalacturonan-I (RG-I) backbones with galactan, including arabinogalactan-II (AG-II), side chains (GP-AP and DMP-ED-I), and by the presence of AGPs (FRAGP). The presence of 4-O-Me-GlcA in A-A2-I was seemingly negatively correlated with activation of hTLR2/6, despite presence of AG-II structures. The homogalacturonan-rich (HG) polysaccharides investigated in this study, FW, CAP and CPA, did not activate hTLR4 and hTLR2/6, suggesting that HG alone was insufficient for PRR engagement in these models. Several RG-I containing pectins activated hDectin-1a, and higher Mw generally enhanced activity. The AGP and xylose-rich polysaccharides tested in this study did not activate hDectin-1a, and the arabinoxylan LCP was inactive in all assays. None of the polysaccharides activated hTLR3 or hTLR5. In conclusion, several polysaccharides activated multiple PRRs, seemingly associated with presence of RG-I domains with neutral side chains.

• Hoel, Håvard; Carvalho, Mariana Mazetto de; Fu, Yu Ping; Chan, Emily; Hamre, Anne Grethe & Sørnes, Kristian [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2026). Comprehensive structural characterization of pectin, arabinan and galactan from Gentiana purpurea L. roots and their immunostimulatory effects. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications. 14. doi: 10.1016/j.carpta.2026.101117. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The roots of Gentiana purpurea L. have historically been an important herbal drug in Norwegian folk medicine. Due to its content of bitter compounds, it was used to treat digestive ailments, but it was also boiled in water for use against infections. Previous work has shown promising immunostimulatory effects of a polysaccharide enriched fraction from G. purpurea, and therefore the aim of this present study was to further isolate and characterize these polysaccharides and investigate their immunogenic properties. One acidic polysaccharide fraction (Gentiana Purpurea Acidic Polysaccharides, GP-AP) and one neutral (Gentiana Purpurea Neutral Polysaccharides, GP-NP) were isolated by anion-exchange chromatography from the ethanol precipitate of G. purpurea root water extract, and their structures were characterized by SEC-MALS, GC, GC–MS and NMR. GP-AP was shown to contain pectin type structures such as homogalacturonan and rhamnogalacturonan type I backbones, as well as neutral structures such as arabinogalactan type I and highly branched arabinans. GP-NP had similar neutral polysaccharides as GP-AP, with high amounts of highly branched arabinans. GP-AP was able to cause an immunostimulatory response in J774.A1 macrophages, likely partly through interaction with TLR 4, whilst GP-NP was inactive.

• Bada, Lucía; Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Quezada, Elías; Picos, Aitor; Wangensteen, Helle & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2025). Antitumor Activity, Mechanisms of Action and Phytochemical Profiling of Sub-Fractions Obtained from Ulex gallii Planch. (Fabaceae): A Medicinal Plant from Galicia (Spain). Molecules. ISSN 1431-5157. 30(4). doi: 10.3390/molecules30040972. Full text in Research Archive
• Bac, Vo Hoai; Trinh, Tat Cuong; Koschella, Andreas; Heinze, Thomas; Fu, Yu-ping & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). 4-O-Methylglucuronoxylan from Hygrophila Ringens var. Ringens Seeds: Chemical Composition and Anti-Inflammatory Activity. Macromolecular Bioscience. ISSN 1616-5187. 25(4). doi: 10.1002/mabi.202400434. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Hygrophila ringens var. ringens is a medicinal plant of the Acanthaceae family. A soluble polysaccharide is extracted from H. ringens seeds using warm water, followed by deproteinization and purification using column chromatography. DL1 is characterized comprehensively using spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques and identified as a polymer containing xylose (Xyl; 78.5%) and 4-O-methyl-d-glucuronic acid (4-O-MeGlcA; 21.5 %). The most prominent glycosidic linkages detected are terminal-xylose (T-Xyl); 1,2,3,4-Xylp; 1,2,4-Xylp; and T-4-O-MeGlcA. DL1 belongs to the xylan group and is a 4-O-methylglucuronoxylan. DL1 exhibits inhibition of bovine serum albumin denaturation with IC50 values of 0.35 mg mL−1 and a similar activity to diclofenac (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). In a model of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages, DL1 (20–40 µg mL−1) strongly inhibits inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species release without having significant macrophage cytotoxicity. The inhibitory effect of DL1 on inflammatory cytokines is mediated by the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases by inhibiting the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These results highlight the potential of DL1 for treating inflammation through its cytokine-suppressive activity.

• Mohamed, Warsan Nora; Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Schmidt, Thomas J.; Eltvik, Andrea Angelov; Wu, Desheng & Malterud, Karl Egil [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2025). Biflavonoids and bi- and tricoumarins from Daphne mezereum and inhibition of TNF-α secretion. Phytochemistry. ISSN 0031-9422. 229. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114308. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Daphne mezereum L. (Thymelaeaceae) was an important medicinal plant in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries and used against diseases such as diarrhea, swelling, stomach pain, and tuberculosis. Five previously undescribed phenolic compounds, including two biflavonoids with a catechin core structure, two tricoumarins, and one bicoumarin, together with ten known compounds were isolated from a 50% EtOH extract of the bark of D. mezereum. Using NMR, HRESIMS, acid hydrolysis, and circular dichroism spectra, the biflavonoids were identified as 3′-hydroxygenkwanol A and 3′-hydroxydihydrodaphnodorin B, and the coumarins were identified as 3‴-O-acetyltriumbellin, triumbellin 4‴-O-β-d-glucopyranoside, and daphnogitin-7-O-β-d-glucopyranoside. The absolute configuration of dihydrodaphnodorin B was for the first time established as 2R, 3S, 2″S, 3″S. Daphnin, syringin, 3′-hydroxydihydrodaphnodorin B, dihydrodaphnodorin B, and neochamaejasmin A and B were identified as the major secondary metabolites in the extract. Neochamaejasmin A and B showed the most potent inhibition of TNF-α secretion in Con A stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with 71.3 ± 3.4 and 83.5 ± 11.5% inhibition, respectively, at 50 μM.

• Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Bada, Lucía; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2025). New coumarins from a hot water extract of Daphne mezereum bark. Phytochemistry Letters. ISSN 1874-3900. 67. doi: 10.1016/j.phytol.2025.102954. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study aimed to investigate the low-molecular weight compounds in a hot water extract of the bark of Daphne mezereum L. (Thymelaceae), a medicinal plant with a longstanding medicinal use in Scandinavia. Among the fourteen isolated compounds, two coumarin glycosides are reported for the first time, and four known compounds were reported in D. mezereum for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by NMR, HRESIMS and methanolysis. The new compounds were identified as 3-(2-(β-d-glucopyranosyloxy)-4-[(7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl)oxy]phenyl)propanoic acid (9), and 7-hydroxycoumarin-5,8-di-β-d-glucopyranoside (11). Cytotoxic effects were assessed by the MTT assay, while the anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring the inhibition of NO-release by dendritic cells. The results revealed negligible cytotoxic effect and NO-inhibitory activity of compounds 9 and 11.

• Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Rise, Frode; Wangensteen, Helle; Duus, Jens Øllgaard & Inngjerdingen, Marit [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Structural elucidation of novel pro-inflammatory polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum L. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 324:121554, p. 1–15. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121554. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Daphne mezereum L., an important medicinal plant in Scandinavian folk medicine, was used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, swelling and stomach pain. A range of natural compounds have been isolated, but little attention has been given to the polysaccharides in this plant. Previous work in our group have shown that a polysaccharide enriched fraction from the bark of D. mezereum exhibited pro-inflammatory effects. To pursue this further, the aim of the present work was to isolate and characterize these polysaccharides. From the ethanol-precipitate of a water extract, one neutral (DMP-NF) and one acidic (DMP-AF) fraction was isolated by anion-exchange chromatography. GC, GC–MS and 1D- and 2D-NMR were used to characterize the polysaccharide structures. DMP-NF appeared to be a mixture of arabinan, arabinogalactan and hemicelluloses such as xyloglucan, mannan and xylan. DMP-AF contained a pectic polysaccharide mainly consisting of an unusually long homogalacturonan backbone. Enzymatic treatment by pectinase of DMP-AF yielded DMP-ED, which contained a rhamnogalacturonan-I backbone with arabinan, galactan and arabinogalactan side chains. Both DMP-NF and DMP-ED induced IFN-γ and TNF-α secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), DMP-ED being the most potent fraction. DMP-AF was less active, which might be due to a less sterically available rhamnogalacturonan-I domain.

• Wold, Christian Winther; Christopoulos, Panagiotis; Arias, Maykel; Dzovor, Deborah Elikplim; Øynebråten, Inger & Corthay, Alexandre Benoit [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2024). Fungal polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus are agonists for Toll-like receptors and induce macrophage anti-cancer activity. Communications Biology. 7. doi: 10.1038/s42003-024-05853-y. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fungal polysaccharides can exert immunomodulating activity by triggering pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) on innate immune cells such as macrophages. Here, we evaluate six polysaccharides isolated from the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus for their ability to activate mouse and human macrophages. We identify two water-soluble polysaccharides, AcF1 and AcF3, being able to trigger several critical antitumor functions of macrophages. AcF1 and AcF3 activate macrophages to secrete nitric oxide and the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Combined with interferon-γ, the fungal polysaccharides trigger high production of IL-12p70, a central cytokine for antitumor immunity, and induce macrophage-mediated inhibition of cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. AcF1 and AcF3 are strong agonists of the PRRs Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4, and weak agonists of Dectin-1. In comparison, two prototypical particulate β-glucans, one isolated from I. obliquus and one from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (zymosan), are agonists for Dectin-1 but not TLR2 or TLR4, and are unable to trigger anti-cancer functions of macrophages. We conclude that the water-soluble polysaccharides AcF1 and AcF3 from I. obliquus have a strong potential for cancer immunotherapy by triggering multiple PRRs and by inducing potent anti-cancer activity of macrophages.

• Zhang, Chao-Wen; Zou, Yuanfeng; Zou, Yun; JiZe, Xiao-Ping; Li, Cen-Yu & Fu, Yu-Ping [Show all 18 contributors for this article] (2024). Ultrasonic-assisted extraction of polysaccharide from Paeoniae Radix alba: Extraction optimization, structural characterization and antioxidant mechanism in vitro. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. ISSN 0141-8130. 268. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131816. Full text in Research Archive
• Zhang, Lin; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Hoel, Håvard; Sandvik, Lene; Malterud, Karl Egil & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2023). Phytochemical characterization and anti-inflammatory activity of a water extract of Gentiana purpurea roots. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 301. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115818. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Ethnopharmacological relevance Gentiana purpurea was one of the most important medicinal plants in Norway during the 18th and 19th centuries, and the roots were used against different types of gastrointestinal and airway diseases. Aim of the study To explore the content of bioactive compounds in a water extract from the roots, a preparation commonly used in traditional medicine in Norway, to assess the anti-inflammatory potential, and furthermore to quantify the major bitter compounds in both roots and leaves. Materials and methods G. purpurea roots were boiled in water, the water extract applied on a Diaion HP20 column and further fractionated with Sephadex LH20, reverse phase C18 and normal phase silica gel to obtain the low molecular compounds. 1D NMR, 2D NMR, and ESI-MS were used for structure elucidation. HPLC-DAD analysis was used for quantification. The inhibition of TNF-α secretion in ConA stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was investigated. Results Eleven compounds were isolated and identified from the hot water extract of G. purpurea roots. Gentiopicrin, amarogentin, erythrocentaurin and gentiogenal showed dose-dependent inhibition of TNF-α secretion. Gentiopicrin is the major secondary metabolite in the roots, while sweroside dominates in the leaves. Conclusions The present work gives a comprehensive overview of the major low-molecular weight compounds in the water extracts of G. purpurea, including metabolites produced during the decoction process, and show new anti-inflammatory activities for the native bitter compounds as well as the metabolites produced during preparation of the crude drug.

• Fu, Yu-ping; Li, Cen-Yu; Zou, Yuanfeng; Peng, Xi; Paulsen, Berit Smestad & Wangensteen, Helle [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Bioactive polysaccharides in different plant parts of Aconitum carmichaelii. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. ISSN 0022-5142. 104(2). doi: 10.1002/jsfa.12967. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract BACKGROUND Aconitum carmichaelii is an industrially cultivated medicinal plant in China and its lateral and mother roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine due to the presence of alkaloids. However, the rootlets and aerial parts are discarded after collection of the roots, and the non‐toxic polysaccharides in this plant have attracted less attention than the alkaloids and poisonous features. In this study, five neutral and 14 acidic polysaccharide fractions were isolated systematically from different plant parts of A. carmichaelii , and their structural features and bioactivity were studied and compared. RESULTS The neutral fraction isolated from the rootlets differed from those isolated from the lateral and mother roots. It consisted of less starch and more possible mannans, galactans, and/or xyloglucans, being similar to those of the aerial parts. Pectic polysaccharides containing homogalacturonan and branched type‐I rhamnogalacturonan (RG‐I) were present in all plant parts of A. carmichaelii . However, more arabinogalactan (AG)‐II side chains in the RG‐I backbone were present in the aerial parts of the plants, while more amounts of arabinans were found in the roots. Various immunomodulatory effects were observed, determined by complement fixation activity and anti‐inflammatory effects on the intestinal epithelial cells of all polysaccharide fractions. CONCLUSION This study highlighted the diversity of polysaccharides present in A. carmichaelii , especially in the unutilized plant parts, and showed their potential medicinal value. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

• Fu, Yu-ping; Malterud, Karl Egil; Hamre, Anne Grethe; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2023). Polysaccharides and Bioactive Phenolics from Aconitum septentrionale Roots. Chemistry and Biodiversity. ISSN 1612-1872. 20(8). doi: 10.1002/cbdv.202300161. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Abstract Aconitum septentrionale is known to contain toxic diterpene alkaloids, while other bioactive compounds in the plant remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the phenolic compounds and polysaccharides from the water extract of A. septentrionale roots. Fifteen phenolic compounds were isolated and identified by NMR and MS, including fourteen known and one new dianthramide glucoside (2‐[[2‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐5‐hydroxybenzoyl]amino]‐4,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, 14 ). One neutral (complex of glucans with minor amounts of mannans) and two acidic polysaccharide fractions (complexes of pectic polysaccharides and glucans) were also obtained. Hydroxytyrosol ( 1 ), hydroxytyrosol‐1‐ O ‐β‐glucoside ( 2 ) and bracteanolide A ( 7 ) inhibited the release of nitric oxide by dendritic cells. Magnoflorine ( 8 ) and 2‐[[2‐(β‐D‐glucopyranosyloxy)‐5‐hydroxybenzoyl]amino]‐5‐hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester ( 12 ) inhibited 15‐lipoxygenase, and bracteanolide A ( 7 ) was a moderate inhibitor of xanthine oxidase. This study is the first to describe the diversity of phenolics and polysaccharides from A. septentrionale and their anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidant activities.

• Moussavi, Nastaran; Azizullah, Hasina; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2022). Immunomodulating polyphenols from Sideritis scardica. Journal of Functional Foods. ISSN 1756-4646. 96. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105197. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The herb Sideritis scardica is used in traditional medicine in the Balkan Peninsula. Limited information exists on its health effects, such as improvement of cognitive functions. This study explores the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of extracts and polyphenols of S. scardica with focus on neurodegenerative disease. BuOH, DCM and EtOAc fractions were isolated from the crude EtOH extract of aerial parts of S. scardica and further purified by chromatographic methods. Eleven phenolic compounds were isolated. The extracts and compounds were assessed for immunomodulatory, enzyme-interacting and cytotoxic properties. The crude extract, EtOAc fraction and precipitate, BuOH fraction, verbascoside and acetylallosylglucosyl-isoscutellarein 4′-methylether displayed DPPH scavenging activity. The EtOAc fraction and echinaticin displayed XO inhibiting activity. The DCM fraction reduced nitric oxide production in D2SC/1 dendritic cells and demonstrated potent activity in a human complement assay. Verbascoside and chlorogenic acid lowered NO levels without affecting cell viability in D2SC/1 dendritic cells. The results reveal a broad-spectrum activity of this herb, which might potentially serve as a multi-target system in Alzheimer’s disease.

• Fu, Yuping; Zou, Yuan-Feng; Lei, Fei-Yi; Wangensteen, Helle & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2022). Aconitum carmichaelii Debeaux: A systematic review on traditional use, and the chemical structures and pharmacological properties of polysaccharides and phenolic compounds in the roots. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 291. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115148. Full text in Research Archive
• Fu, Yu-ping; Li, Cen-Yu; Peng, Xi; Wangensteen, Helle; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Zou, Yuan-Feng (2022). Pectic polysaccharides from Aconitum carmichaelii leaves protects against DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through modulations of metabolism and microbiota composition. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy. ISSN 0753-3322. 155. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113767. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The industrial processing of Aconitum carmichaelii roots for use in Traditional Chinese Medicine generates a high amount of waste material, especially leaves. An acidic polysaccharide fraction isolated from these unutilized leaves, AL-I, was in our previous work shown to contain pectic polysaccharides. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of AL-I on ulcerative colitis for the possible application of A. carmichaelii leaves in the treatment of intestinal inflammatory diseases. AL-I was found to alleviate symptoms and colonic pathological injury in colitis mice, and ameliorate the levels of inflammatory indices in serum and colon. The production of short- and branched-chain fatty acids was also restored by AL-I. The observed protective effect could be due to the inhibition of NOD1 and TLR4 activation, the promotion of gene transcription of tight-junction proteins, and the modulation of gut microbiota composition like Bacteroides, Dubosiella, Alistipes and Prevotella,. A regulation of serum metabolomic profiles being relevant to the bacterial change, such as D-mannose 6-phosphate, D-erythrose 4-phosphate and uric acid, was also observed.

• Dénou, Adama; Togola, Adiaratou; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Moussavi, Nastaran; Rise, Frode & Zou, Yuanfeng [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2022). Isolation, characterisation and complement fixation activity of acidic polysaccharides from Argemone mexicana used as antimalarials in Mali. Pharmaceutical Biology. ISSN 1388-0209. 60(1), p. 1278–1285. doi: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2089691. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Context Global studies on Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) traditionally used against malaria in Mali are limited to its low-mass compounds activities, and little information on its bioactive polysaccharides is available. Objective This study determines the structure and the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides from aerial parts of A. mexicana. Materials and methods Acidic polysaccharides from this plant material named HMAmA1 and HMAmA2 were isolated from water extracts. Their monosaccharide composition was determined by gas chromatography. Glycosidic linkages were determined using GC-MS. NMR was also applied. The polymers were tested for effects on the human complement system in vitro at different doses. Results The monosaccharide composition showed that the two polysaccharides contained in different amounts the following monomers: arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, and galacturonic acid. Overall structural analysis showed the presence of a low ratio of 1,2-linked rhamnose compared to 1,4-linked galacturonic acid with arabinogalactans substituted on position 4 of rhamnose. NMR data showed the presence of galacturonans alternated by rhamnogalacturonans bearing arabinose and galactose units. α-Linkages were found for l-arabinose, l-rhamnose and d-galacturonic acid, while β-linkages were found for d-galactose. The two polysaccharides exhibited strong complement fixation activities, with HMAmA1 being the highest potent fraction. ICH50 value of HMAmA1 was 5 µg/mL, compared to the control BPII being 15.9 µg/mL. Discussion and conclusions Polysaccharides form A. mexicana presented a complement fixation effect. The complement system is an important part of the immune defense, and compounds acting on the cascade are of interest. Therefore, these polymers may be useful as immunodulatory agents.

• Fu, Yu-ping; Li, Cen-Yu; Peng, Xi; Zou, Yuan-Feng; Rise, Frode & Paulsen, Berit Smestad [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Polysaccharides from Aconitum carmichaelii leaves: Structure, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 291, p. 119655–119655. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119655. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Roots of Aconitum carmichaelii are used in Asian countries due to its content of bioactive alkaloids. In the production of root preparations, tons of leaves are usually discarded, leading to a huge waste of herbal material. The aim of this study is to investigate the polysaccharides in these unutilized leaves. A neutral polysaccharide (AL-N) appeared to be a mixture of heteromannans, and two purified acidic polysaccharides (AL-I-I and AL-I-II) were shown to be pectins containing a homogalacturonan backbone substituted with terminal β-Xylp-units. AL-I-I consisted of a type-I rhamnogalacturonan core, with arabinan and type-II arabinogalactan domains while AL-I-II was less branched. AL-N and AL-I-I were able to modulate the complement system, while AL-I-II was inactive. Interestingly, AL-N, AL-I-I and AL-I-II were shown to exert anti-inflammatory effects on porcine enterocyte IPEC-J2 cells. AL-I-I and AL-I-II were able to down-regulate the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 1 (NOD1).

• Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Ohrvik, Ane; Blakeney, Rebecca Angelica; Kool, Anneleen & Wangensteen, Helle [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). The discovery of novel immunomodulatory medicinal plants by combination of historical text reviews and immunological screening assays. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 296. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115402. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  This study investigates the utilization of medicinal plants in Scandinavian folk medicine for treating diseases believed to involve the immune system. The methodology involves screening water extracts from medicinal plants that have been previously overlooked, aiming to identify potential new reservoirs of immunomodulatory compounds.

• Wold, Christian Winther; Gerwick, William H.; Wangensteen, Helle & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2020). Bioactive triterpenoids and water-soluble melanin from Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) with immunomodulatory activity. Journal of Functional Foods. ISSN 1756-4646. 71. doi: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104025. Full text in Research Archive
• Denou, Adama; Ahmed, Abubakar; Dafam, Dalen Gwatau; Ochala, Sunshine Ogwu; Omale, Simeon & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2020). Safety evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from the water extract of Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae) in Drosophila melanogaster. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science (JAPS). 10(2), p. 44–48. doi: 10.7324/JAPS.2020.102007. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Zhang, Yan-Yun; Fu, Yu-Ping; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad & Feng, Bin [Show all 17 contributors for this article] (2019). A Polysaccharide Isolated from Codonopsis pilosula with Immunomodulation Effects Both In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules. ISSN 1431-5157. 24(20), p. 1–13. doi: 10.3390/molecules24203632. Full text in Research Archive
• Denou, Adama; Togola, Adiaratou; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Zhang, Bing-Zhao; Ahmed, Abubakar & Dafam, Dalen Gwatay [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2019). Immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides isolated from plants used as antimalarial in Mali. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy. ISSN 2141-2502. 11(2), p. 35–42. doi: 10.5897/JPP2019.0547. Full text in Research Archive
• Wold, Christian Winther; Kjeldsen, Christian; Corthay, Alexandre Benoit; Rise, Frode; Christensen, Bjørn E. & Duus, Jens Øllgaard [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2018). Structural characterization of bioactive heteropolysaccharides from the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus (Chaga). Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 185, p. 40–40. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.041. Full text in Research Archive
• Bräunlich, Paula Marie; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Johnson, Quinton; Paulsen, Berit Smestad & Mabusela, Wilfred (2018). Polysaccharides from the South African medicinal plant Artemisia afra: Structure and activity studies. Fitoterapia. ISSN 0367-326X. 124, p. 182–187. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2017.11.016. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Artemisia afra (Jacq. Ex. Willd), is an indigenous plant in South Africa and other parts of the African continent, where it is used as traditional medicine mostly for respiratory conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the structural features of the polysaccharides from the leaves of this plant, as well as the biological activities of the polysaccharide fractions against the complement assay. Leaves of Artemisia afra were extracted sequentially with organic solvents (dichloromethane and methanol), 50% aqueous ethanol, and water at 50 and 100 °C respectively. The polysaccharide extracts were fractionated by ion exchange chromatography and the resulting fractions were tested for biological activity against the complement fixation assay. Active fractions were further fractionated using gel filtration. Monosaccharide compositions and linkage analyses were determined for the relevant fractions. Polysaccharides were shown to be of the pectin type, and largely contain arabinogalactan, rhamnogalacturonan and homogalacturonan structural features. The presence of arabinogalactan type II features as suggested by methylation analysis was further confirmed by the ready precipitation of the relevant polysaccharides with the Yariv reagent. An unusual feature of some of these polysaccharides was the presence of relatively high levels of xylose as one of its monosaccharide constituents. Purified polysaccharide fractions were shown to possess higher biological activity than the selected standard in the complement assay. Digestion of these polysaccharides with an endo-polygalacturonase enzyme resulted in polymers with lower molecular weights as expected, but still with biological activity which exceeded that of the standard. Thus on the basis of these studies it may be suggested that immunomodulating properties probably contribute significantly to the health-promoting effects of this medicinal plant.

• Zou, Yuan-Feng; Fu, Yu-Ping; Chen, Xing-Fu; Austarheim, Ingvild; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Huang, Chao [Show all 13 contributors for this article] (2017). Polysaccharides with immunomodulating activity from roots of Gentiana crassicaulis. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 172, p. 306–314. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.04.049. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Fu, Yu-Ping; Chen, Xing-Fu; Austarheim, Ingvild; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Huang, Chao [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2017). Purification and partial structural characterization of a complement fixating polysaccharide from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong. Molecules. ISSN 1431-5157. 22(2), p. 1–11. doi: 10.3390/molecules22020287. Full text in Research Archive
• Wold, Christian Winther; Kjeldsen, Christian; Corthay, Alexandre; Rise, Frode; Christensen, Bjørn E. & Duus, Jens Øllgaard [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2017). Structural characterization of bioactive heteropolysaccharides from the medicinal fungus Inonotus obliquus (Chaga). Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 185, p. 27–40. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.12.041. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The aim of this paper was to perform a comprehensive characterization of polysaccharides isolated from the interior (IOI) and exterior (IOE) parts of the fungus Inonotus obliquus. Pre-extraction with DCM and MeOH, followed by water and alkali extraction and ethanol precipitation gave two water extracts and two alkali extracts. Neutral and acidic polysaccharide fractions were obtained after anion-exchange chromatography of the water extracts. The neutral polysaccharides (60–73 kDa) were heterogeneous and branched and consisted of a (1 → 3)-linked β-Glc backbone with (1 → 6)-linked kinks in the chain at approximately every fifth residue, with branches of (1 → 6)-linked β-Glc in addition to substantial amounts of (1 → 6)-linked α-Gal with 3-O-methylation at about every third Gal residue. The acidic polysaccharide fractions (10–31 kDa) showed similar structural motifs as the neutral fractions differing mainly by the presence of (1 → 4)-linked α-GalA and α-GlcA. β-Xyl, α-Man and α-Rha were also present in varying amounts in all fractions. No major structural differences between the IOI and IOE fractions were observed. An alkaline polysaccharide fraction (>450 kDa) was obtained from the IOI alkali extract, and consisted mainly of (1 → 3)- and (1 → 6)-linked β-Glc and (1 → 4)-linked β-Xyl. Several of the fractions showed in vitro immunomodulatory effect by increasing NO production in the murine macrophage and dendritic cell lines J774.A1 and D2SC/1. Most fractions managed to increase NO production only at the highest concentration tested (100 μg/ml), while the neutral fraction IOE-WN activated potent NO production at 10 μg/ml and was considered the most promising immunomodulating fraction in this study.

• Zou, Yuanfeng; Barsett, Hilde; Ho, Giang Thanh Thi; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). Immunomodulating pectins from root bark, stem bark, and leaves of the Malian medicinal tree Terminalia macroptera, structure activity relations. Carbohydrate Research. ISSN 0008-6215. 403, p. 167–173. doi: 10.1016/j.carres.2014.05.004. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Chen, Xing-Fu; Malterud, Karl Egil; Rise, Frode; Barsett, Hilde & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2014). Structural features and complement fixing activity of polysaccharides from Codonopsis pilosula Nannf. var. modesta L.T.Shen roots. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 113, p. 420–429. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.07.036. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Zhang, Bingzhao; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Barsett, Hilde; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). Complement activity of polysaccharides from three different plant parts of Terminalia macroptera extracted as healers do. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 155(1), p. 672–678. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.017. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Zhang, Bingzhao; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Barsett, Hilde; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2014). Polysaccharides with immunomodulating properties from the bark of Parkia biglobosa. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 101(1), p. 457–463. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2013.09.082. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Zhang, Bingzhao; Barsett, Hilde; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). Complement Fixing Polysaccharides from Terminalia macroptera Root Bark, Stem Bark and Leaves. Molecules. ISSN 1431-5157. 19(6), p. 7440–7458. doi: 10.3390/molecules19067440. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Thöle, Christian; Diallo, Drissa; Paulsen, Berit Smestad & Hensel, Andreas (2014). Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori adhesion to human gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cells by aqueous extracts and pectic polysaccharides from the roots of Cochlospermum tinctorium A. Rich. and Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. Fitoterapia. ISSN 0367-326X. 95, p. 127–132. doi: 10.1016/j.fitote.2014.03.009. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Ho, Giang Thanh Thi; Malterud, Karl Egil; Le, Nhat Hao Tran; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Barsett, Hilde [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2014). Enzyme inhibition, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities, and brine shrimp toxicity of extracts from the root bark, stem bark and leaves of Terminalia macroptera. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 155(2), p. 1219–1226. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.07.004. Full text in Research Archive
• Zhang, Bingzhao; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Zou, Yuanfeng; Rise, Frode; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Yan, Pei-Sheng [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2014). Characterisation and immunomodulating activities of exo-polysaccharides from submerged cultivation of Hypsizigus marmoreus. Food Chemistry. ISSN 0308-8146. 163, p. 120–128. doi: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.04.092. Full text in Research Archive
• Austarheim, Ingvild; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Togola, Adiaratou; Diakite, Chiaka & Diallo, Drissa (2013). Chromatographic immunoassays for Helicobacter pylori detection - are they reliable in Mali, West Africa? Pan African Medical Journal. 14, p. 72–72. doi: 10.11604/pamj.2013.14.72.2131. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Langerud, Beathe Kiland; Rasmussen, Henrik; Olsen, Trude Karin; Austarheim, Ingvild & Grønhaug, Tom Erik [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2013). Pectic polysaccharides isolated from Malian medicinal plants protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae in a mouse pneumococcal infection model. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. ISSN 0300-9475. 77(5), p. 372–388. doi: 10.1111/sji.12047. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Ballo, Ngolo; Zhang, Bingzhao; Malterud, Karl Egil; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Diallo, Drissa [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2013). A comparison of bioactive aqueous extracts and polysaccharide factions from roots of wild and cultivated Cochlospermum tinctorium A. Rich. Phytochemistry. ISSN 0031-9422. 93, p. 136–143. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2013.03.012. Full text in Research Archive
• Austarheim, Ingvild; Mahamane, Haidara; Sanogo, Rokia; Togola, Adiaratou; Khaledabadi, Mehdi & Vestrheim, Anne Cathrine [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2012). Anti-ulcer polysaccharides from Cola cordifolia bark and leaves. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 143(1), p. 221–227. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.06.027. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  ABSTRACT Ethnopharmacological relevance: Aqueous extracts of bark and leaves of C. cordifolia are traditionally used in Mali (West Africa) in the treatment of wounds and gastric ailments like abdominal pain, gastritis and gastric ulcers. Aim of the study: To evaluate and compare the anti-ulcer and immunological activities, as well as the toxicity of polysaccharide rich water extracts from the bark and leaves of C. cordifolia. Materials and Methods: Gastric ulcers were induced in rats and the inhibition of ulcer formation was calculated based on lesion index. Immunological activities were measured by complement fixation and macrophage activation. Toxicity was tested on brine shrimps. The two extracts were characterized by GC, Yariv-precipitation and quantification of phenolic compounds. An ethnomedical survey on C. cordifolia was carried out in Siby (Mali, West-Africa) to generate more knowledge about the traditional use. Results: Bark and leaf extracts from C. cordifolia significantly inhibited the formation of gastric lesions in rodents in a dose depending manner. CCbark50 showed a high complement fixation activity in vitro. No toxicity was found. The ethnomedical survey showed that C. cordifolia was mainly used for treating pain and wounds. Conclusions: Our results shows that the bark and the leaves comprise a dose dependent anti-ulcer activity in an experimental rat model (no statistical difference between the plant parts). Clinical studies should be performed to evaluate the effect of both bark and leaves of C. cordifolia as a remedy against gastric ulcer in human.

• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Meskini, Selma; Austarheim, Ingvild; Ballo, Ngolo; Inngjerdingen, Marit & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2012). Chemical and biological characterization of polysaccharides from wild and cultivated roots of Vernonia kotschyana. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 139(2), p. 350–358. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2011.10.044. Full text in Research Archive
• Odontuya, G; Enkhmaa, G; Naran, Radnaa; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2012). Pharmacological Activities of a Moingolian Medicinal Plant, Malva mohielviensis Down. European Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2(3), p. 230–241. Full text in Research Archive
• Koschella, Andreas; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Morris, Gordon A.; Harding, Stephen & Heinze, Thomas (2008). Unconventional methyl galactan synthesized via the thexyldimethylsilyl intermediate: Preparation, characterization, and properties. Macromolecular Bioscience. ISSN 1616-5187. 8. Full text in Research Archive
• Nyamdari, Batbayar; Banzragch, Dana; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Naran, Radnaa; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2008). Polysaccharides from Mongolian plants and their effect on the complement system:1. Polysaccharides from plants of the Asteraceae family. Asian Journal of Traditional Medicine. ISSN 1817-4337. 3(1), p. 33–41. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Marit; Inngjerdingen, Kari T; Patel, Trushar R; Allen, Stephanie; Chen, Xinyong & Rolstad, Bent [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2008). Pectic polysaccharides from Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch, and their activation of macrophages and dendritic cells. Glycobiology. ISSN 0959-6658. 18(12), p. 1074–1084. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwn090. Full text in Research Archive
• Batbayar, N; Banzragch, Dana; Inngjerdingen, KT; Naran, Radnaa; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, BS (2008). Polysaccharides from Mongolian plants and their effect on the complement system: 1.Polysaccharides from plants of Asteraceae family. Asian Journal of Traditional Medicine. ISSN 1817-4337. 3, p. 33–41. Full text in Research Archive
• Ballance, Simon; Borsheim, Knut Yngve; Børsheim, Knut Yngve; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Ingjerdingen, Kari & Paulsen, Berit Smestad [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2007). A re-examination and partial characterisation of polysaccharides released by mild acid hydrolysis from the chlorite-treated leaves of Sphagnum papillosum. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 67, p. 104–115. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2006.04.020. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari T.; Patel, Trushar; Chen, X; Xinyong, Chen; Kenne, Lennart & Allen, Stephanie [Show all 14 contributors for this article] (2007). Immunological and structural properties of a pectic polymer from Glinus oppositifolius. Glycobiology. ISSN 0959-6658. 17(12), p. 1299–1310. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwm088. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari T.; Kiyohara, Hiroaki; Matsumoto, Tsukasa; Petersen, Dirk; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Diallo, Drissa [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2007). An immunomodulating pectic polymer from Glinus oppositifolius. Phytochemistry. ISSN 0031-9422. 68(7), p. 1046–1058. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2007.01.011. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, K.T.; Coulibaly, A.; Diallo, D.; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, B.S. (2006). A complement fixing polysaccharide from Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch, a medicinal plant from Mali, West Africa. Biomacromolecules. ISSN 1525-7797. 7(1), p. 48–53. doi: 10.1021/bm05030h. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch (syn. Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC) is a medicinal plant having a traditional use, among others, as a wound healing remedy in Mali and other countries. As a water extract of the aerial parts of the plant is a frequently used preparation, we decided to look for a bioactive polysaccharide in this extract. One of the obtained polysaccharide fractions, BP100 III, isolated from a 100 degrees C water extract from the aerial parts of B. petersianum and having a monosaccharide composition typical for pectic substances, was shown to exhibit potent dose-dependent complement fixating activity. The BP100 III fraction was subjected to degradation by endo-alpha-d-(1-->4)-polygalacturonase, and three fractions were obtained by gel filtration. The highest molecular weight fraction, BP100 III.1, had a more potent activity in the complement test system than the native polymer, while the two lower molecular weight fractions were less active than the native polymer. The major part of BP100 III.1 consists of galacturonic acid and rhamnose, with branches being present on both the rhamnose and galacturonic acid residues. Arabinogalactan type II is also present in the polymer, indicating that BP100 III.1 has a structure typical of the hairy region of pectins. The major part of the two other fractions is a galacturonan, containing a strikingly high number of branch points, some to which xylose is attached. These results indicate that the pectic substance in B. petersianum contains both rhamnogalacturonan and xylogalacturonan regions.

• Inngjerdingen, KT; Debes, SC; Inngjerdingen, M; Hokputsa, S; Harding, S & Rolstad, B [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2005). Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC., a Malian medicinal plant, isolation and partial characterization. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 101, p. 204–214. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2005.04.021. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. (Aizoaceae) is a Malian medicinal plant used against various types of illnesses related to the immune response, like joint pains, inflammations, fever, malaria and wounds. Two pectin type polysaccharides, GOA1 and GOA2, being isolated from a 50 degrees C water extract from the aerial parts of Glinus oppositifolius were investigated for their activity towards the complement system and different leukocyte subsets because of the assumed effects on conditions related to the immune system. The polysaccharide polymer in GOA1 was shown to contain considerable amounts of the neutral sugars arabinose (26.4 mol%) and galactose (42.9 mol%), and methylation analysis indicated the presence of arabinogalactans type I (AG-I) and type II (AG-II). GOA2 was rich in galacturonic acid (68.3 mol%), along with rhamnose, arabinose and galactose. Structural studies indicated that rhamnose and galacturonic acid might constitute a rhamnogalacturonan backbone, often found in pectic substances, with side chains consisting of arabinose and galactose. Both GOA1 and GOA2 were shown to exhibit potent dose-dependent complement fixating activities, and induced chemotaxis of macrophages, T cells and NK cells.

• Nergard, CS; Diallo, D; Inngjerdingen, Kt; Michaelsen, Terje Einar; Matsumoto, T & Kiyohara, H [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2005). Medicinal use of Cochlospermum tinctorium in Mali Anti-ulcer-, radical scavenging- and immunomodulating activities of polymers in the aqueous extract of the roots. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 96, p. 255–269. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Cochlospermum tinctorium A. Rich. (Cochlospermaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in the West African country, Mali. An ethnopharmacological survey was conducted and 106 traditional practitioners interviewed. The roots were the part of the plant reported to be the most frequently used for medicinal purposes. The main indications were to treat jaundice (41), gastro intestinal diseases or ailments (28), malaria (12), schistosomiasis (10) and dysurea (6). A high-molecular weight water extract (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, body weight) significantly inhibited HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions in mice. The extract showed DPPH-radical scavenging- and immunomodulating activities in vitro. The main components of the extract were identified as polysaccharides (59.3%) and polyphenols (9.3%). The polysaccharides were purified and characterised as highly complex pectic arabinogalactans type II. As parts of the polyphenol compounds gallotannins and ferulic acids were identified. This study shows that the polysaccharides are partly responsible for the bioactivities observed in vitro. Both polysaccharides and polyphenols may be responsible for the anti-ulcer activities observed.

• Nergard, CS; Matsumoto, T; Inngjerdingen, M; Inngjerdingen, KT; Hokputsa, S & Harding, S [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2005). Structural and immunological studies of a pectin and a pectic arabinogalactan from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Asteraceae). Carbohydrate Research. ISSN 0008-6215. 340, p. 115–130. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Two polysaccharides, a pectin (Vk100A2b) and a pectic arabinogalactan (Vk100A2a) with mean Mw 2 x 10(4) and 1.15 x 10(6)Da, respectively, were isolated from the dried powdered roots of Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. by hot water extraction followed by fractionation on DEAE-Sepharose fast flow and Sephacryl S-400 HR. The pectin showed low-complement fixation activity and no influence on proliferation of B or T cells, while the pectic arabinogalactan showed a potent, dose-dependent complement fixation activity and a T cell independent induction of B-cell proliferation. Both polysaccharides induced chemotaxis of human macrophages, T cells and NK cells. exo-alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase and exo-beta-D-galactosidase digestion followed by component sugar and methylation analysis indicated that Vk100A2a consisted of a highly branched rhamnogalacturonan core with approximately 50% of the rhamnose 1,2,4-substituted, side chains rich in terminal-, 1,5-linked and 1,3,5-branched arabinose and terminal-, 1,4-, 1,6-linked and 1,3,6-branched galactose. The enzyme resistant part of Vk100A2a still showed strong complement fixating activity, suggesting that this activity may at least in part be expressed by carbohydrate structures present in the enzyme resistant, inner portion of the polymer.

• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Debes, Sylvi C; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Hokputsa, Sanya; Harding, Stephen E. & Rolstad, Bent [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2005). Bioactive pectic polysaccharides from Glinus oppositifolius (L). Aug. DC., a Malian medicinal plant, isolation and partial characterization. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 101, p. 204–214. Full text in Research Archive
• Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Matsumoto, Tsukasa; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Hokputsa, Sanya & Harding, Stephen E. [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2005). Structural and immunological studies of a pectin and a pectic arabinogalactan from Vernonia kotschyana Sch. Bip. ex Walp. (Asteraceae). Carbohydrate Research. ISSN 0008-6215. 340, p. 115–130. Full text in Research Archive
• Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Diallo, Drissa; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Michaelsen, Terje Einar; Matsumoto, Tsukasa & Kiyohara, Hiroaki [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2005). Medicinal use of Cochlospermum tinctorium in Mali. Anti-ulcer, radical scavenging and immunomodulating activities of polymers in the aqueous extracts of the roots. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 96, p. 255–269. Full text in Research Archive
• Hokputsa, Sanya; Harding, Stephen; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Jurnel, Kornelia; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Heinze, Thomas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2004). Bioactive polysaccharides from the stems of the Thai medicinal plant Acanthus ebracteatus: their chemical and physical features. Carbohydrate Research. ISSN 0008-6215. 339(4), p. 753–762. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Diallo, D; Mounkoro, PP & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2004). An ethnopharmacological survey of plants used for wound healing in Dogonland, Mali, West Africa. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. ISSN 0378-8741. 92(2-3), p. 233–244. Full text in Research Archive
• Hokputsa, Sanya; Gerddit, Waraporn; Pongsamart, Sunanta; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Heinze, Thomas & Koschella, Andreas [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2004). Water-soluble polysaccharides with pharmaceutical importance from Durian rinds (Durio zibethinus Murr.): Isolation, fractionation, characterisation and bioactivity. Carbohydrate Polymers. ISSN 0144-8617. 56(4), p. 471–481. Full text in Research Archive

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• Harding, Stephen E; Tombs, Michael; Adams, Gary G.; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Barsett, Hilde (2017). An Introduction to Polysaccharide Biotechnology. CRC Press. ISBN 9781482246971. 225 p. Full text in Research Archive

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• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Wangensteen, Helle & Eide, Thea (2024). Melk og antibiotika blir krøll? Dette bør du vite om uheldige kombinasjoner av matvarer, kosttilskudd og medisiner. [Internet]. Sykepleien. Full text in Research Archive
• Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2023). Structural characterisation of phenolic compounds from the bark of Daphne mezereum L. Full text in Research Archive
• Bada, Lucia; Wangensteen, Helle; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Gil-Longo, Jose; Quezada, Elias & Vina, Dolores (2023). Antitumoral potential of sub-fractions obtained from Ulex gallii Planch. in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and glioblastoma (U-87MG and U-373MG) cell lines. Full text in Research Archive
• Ohrvik, Ane; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Kool, Anneleen (2023). Svartebøker og gammel folketro inspirerer moderne medisin. [Journal]. Apollon : Forskningsmagasin for Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive
• Hoel, Håvard & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2023). Naturmedisiner fra glemmeboken. Full text in Research Archive
• Ohrvik, Ane; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Inngjerdingen, Marit & Kool, Anneleen (2023). Middelaldermedisinen er tilbake. [Radio]. NRK P2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  I jakten på nye behandlingsmetoder går forskerne til legebøker fra middelalderen, og henter gamle medisinplanter inn i laboratoriet. Kan disse brukes til å utvikle nye medisiner?

• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2023). Natural product research in Norway. Full text in Research Archive
• Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Esam, Nabila; Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Wangensteen, Helle; Hamre, Anne Grethe & Inngjerdingen, Marit [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Chemical and immunological profiling of polysaccharides from roots of Angelica archangelica L. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2022). Immunomodulatory effects of polysaccharides isolated from old Norwegian medicinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Zhang, Lin; Sandvik, Lene; Hoel, Håvard; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2022). Phytochemical screening of Gentiana purpurea, an important Norwegian medicinal plant. Full text in Research Archive
• Fu, Yu-Ping; Zou, Yuan-Feng; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2022). Phenolics and polysaccharides isolated from the roots of Aconitum septentrionale, a Norwegian medicinal plant. Full text in Research Archive
• Zhang, Lin; Sandvik, Lene; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Hoel, Håvard; Malterud, Karl Egil & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2022). Søterot, en bitter og glemt norsk medisinplante. Full text in Research Archive
• Moussavi, Nastaran; Azizullah, Hasina; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2022). Immunomodulating polyphenols from Sideritis scardica. Full text in Research Archive
• Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Wangensteen, Helle; Ohrvik, Ane; Inngjerdingen, Marit & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2022). Bioactive polysaccharides from Daphne mezereum and Angelica archangelica subsp archangelica. Full text in Research Archive
• Moussavi, Nastaran; Azizullah, Hasina; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2021). Greek mountain tea, Sideritis scardica, a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean and Balkans with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Full text in Research Archive
• Blakeney, Rebecca Angelica; Rydmark, Marcella Christine Orwick; Ulriksen, Emilie Steinbakk; Heien, Greta Karoline; Butt, Hussain Shakeel & Kool, Anneleen [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2021). Exhibition: Pharmaceutical Time Travels: From Ancient Plant Remedies to Modern Medicines / Utstilling: Farmasøytisk tidsreise: Fra historiske planteremedier til moderne medisiner. Full text in Research Archive
• Wold, Christian Winther; Corthay, Alexandre; Wangensteen, Helle & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2020). Myteomspunnen kjuke frå folkemedisin til mogleg kreftbehandling. www.forskning.no. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Wangensteen, Helle; Butt, Hussain Shakeel; Ulriksen, Emilie & Steien, Tore Rasmussen (2020). Graver i skogen og arkiver på leting etter nygamle legemidler. [Journal]. Norsk Farmaceutisk Tidsskrift (NFT). Full text in Research Archive
• Moussavi, Nastaran; Azizullah, Hasina; Pahnke, Jens; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2019). Greek mountain tea, a medicinal plant from the Mediterranean countries and Balkan. Full text in Research Archive
• Moussavi, Nastaran; Azizullah, Hasina; Pahnke, Jens; Malterud, Karl Egil; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2019). Greek mountain tea, a medicinal plant from Mediterranean countries and Balkan. Full text in Research Archive
• Zou, Yuanfeng; Barsett, Hilde; Ho, Giang Thanh Thi; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). A complement fixing polysaccharide from root bark of Terminalia macroptera. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2013). Blant medisinmenn i Mali. Full text in Research Archive
• Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Diallo, Drissa; Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Inngjerdingen, Marit & Togola, Adiaratou [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2011). Woundhealing plants as tarets for identification of pectins with immunomodulating effects. Full text in Research Archive
• Langerud, Beathe Kiland; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Rasmussen, Henrik; Olsen, Trude Karin; Austarheim, Ingvild & Aaberge, Ingeborg Sundsvalen [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2011). Pectic Polysaccharides Isolated from Malian Medicinal Plants can Prevent Bacteraemia and Clinical Symptoms in a Mouse Pneumococcal Infection Model. Scandinavian Journal of Immunology. ISSN 0300-9475. 73(4), p. 390–390. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Diallo, Drissa & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2010). Kan kultiverte planter erstatte viltvoksende medisinplanter? Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Diallo, Drissa; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2010). Structure/activity relations of immunomodulating pectic polysaccharides from Malian medicinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Inngjerdingen, Marit; Patel, Trushar; Allen, Stephanie; Chen, Xinyong & Morris, Gordon A. [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2009). Pectic polymers from Biophytum petersianum Klotsch - avtivation of macrophages and dendritic cells. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Marit; Togola, Adiaratou; Grønhaug, Tom Erik; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Nergaard, Cecilie Sogn & Evjenth, Ragnhild Kårvatn [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2008). A comparison of immunomodulating activity of pectic polysacchraides isolated from Malian mediisinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Ballance, Simon; Børsheim, k; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad & Christensen, Bjørn Erik (2008). Partial charaterisation of polysaccharides released by mild acid hydrolysis from the chlorite-treated leaves of Sphagnum papillosum. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, M; Togola, Adiaratou; Grønhaug, Tom Erik; Inngjerdingen, KT; Nergard, CS & Evjenth, Ragnhild Kårvatn [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2008). A comparison of immunomodulating activity of pectic polysaccharides isolated from Malian medisinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Koschella, Andreas; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Morris, G.A.; Harding, Stephen E. & Heinze, Thomas (2007). Methyl Galactan Synthesdized via the Thexyldimethylsilyl Intermediate: Preparation, Characterisation and Properties. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Marit; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Sveaas, Anne; Diallo, Drissa; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2007). Immunomodulating activity of a polysccharide isolated from Biophytum petersianum, a medicinal plant from Mali. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Marit; Togola, Adiaratou; Grønhaug, Tom Erik; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Evjenth, Ragnhild Kårvatn & Austarheim, Ingvild Marie [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2007). A comparison of immunomodulating activity of pectic polysaccharides isolated from three Malian medicinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Diallo, Drissa; Michaelsen, Terje Einar & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2006). Structure/activity Relations of Immunomodulating Pectic Polysaccharides from the Malian medicinal plant Glinus oppositifolius (L.) Aug. DC. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar (2005). Structure/Activity relations of a complement fixing pectic polysaccharide from the Malian medicinal plant Biophytum petersianum Klotzsch. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Diallo, Drissa & Michaelsen, Terje Einar (2005). Structure/activity relations of a complemnet fixing pectic polysaccharide from the Malian medicinal Plant Biophytum petersianum Klotzch. Full text in Research Archive
• Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Diallo, Drissa (2005). Structural aspects of bioactive pectic polysaccharides from Malian medicinal plants. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Engdal, Silje; Michaelsen, Terje Einar; Diallo, Drissa & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2005). Isolation and partial characterisation of biological active pectic polysaccharides from Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC. Full text in Research Archive
• Paulsen, Berit Smestad; Nergård, Cecilie Sogn; Diallo, Drissa & Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete (2005). Bioactive polysaccharides from the Malian medicinal plants Cochlospermum tinctorium. Full text in Research Archive
• Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete; Engdal, Silje; Michaelsen, Terje Einar; Diallo, Drissa & Paulsen, Berit Smestad (2005). Isolation and partial characterization of biological active pectic polysaccharides from Combretum glutinosum Perr. ex DC. Full text in Research Archive
• Hoel, Håvard; Inngjerdingen, Kari Tvete & Wangensteen, Helle (2026). Comparative structure–activity relationship of naturally derived polysaccharides targeting pattern recognition receptors. Universitetet i Oslo. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Due to their low toxicity and ability to activate the immune system, the use of polysaccharides from plants and fungi have been proposed in cancer therapy and vaccine development. Despite these well-known abilities, the relationship between chemical structure and immunostimulatory activity remains unclear. In this thesis, polysaccharides from plants and one fungus were tested for the ability to activate immune cells through interaction with proteins which recognize infections, known as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). The results show that some polysaccharide structures are more active towards certain PRRs than others, and that highly branched pectin type polysaccharides from the plant cell wall are amongst the most active. On the other hand, polysaccharides which were more linear were less active, or lacked immunostimulatory properties altogether. One pectin isolated from the Norwegian medicinal plant Gentiana purpurea L. showed activation of multiple PRRs, and its structure was therefore comprehensively characterized. This pectin was modified by removing specific parts of molecule, and its immunostimulatory effects were tested again. Depending on which part was removed, the activity either increased or decreased, indicating that specific structural properties of the polysaccharide are more associated with activation of specific PRRs than others. These results provide further insight into the correlation between polysaccharide structure and immunostimulatory activity.

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