Characterization of an arabinogalactan-protein isolated from pressed juice of Echinacea purpurea by precipitation with the β-glucosyl Yariv reagent

An arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) from pressed juice of Echinacea purpurea herb was isolated from a high molecular weight fraction by precipitation with the β-glucosyl Yariv reagent, followed by gel-permeation chromatography. It revealed characteristic features of other AGPs: i.e., a high amount of polysaccharide (83%) with a ratio of galactose to arabinose of 1.8:1, some uronic acids (4–5%), and a low protein content (7%) with high levels of serine, alanine and hydroxyproline. The molecular weight was estimated to be 1.2×106 Da. Linkage and 13C NMR analyses showed that the AGP is composed of a highly branched core polysaccharide of 3-, 6-, and 3,6-linked Galp residues with terminal Araf, GlcAp and terminal units of Araf-(1→5)-Araf-(1→. Partial acid hydrolysis resulted in loss of Araf residues at the periphery of the molecule. Complete loss of reactivity toward the β-glucosyl Yariv antigen was then noticed.