Chemical and biological characterization of pectin-like polysaccharides from the bark of the Malian medicinal tree Cola cordifolia.

The bark of Cola cordifolia used in Malian traditional medicine contains unusual types of polysaccharides with immunomodulating activities. We report for the first time on the structure of a polymer designated CC1P1 having the repeating structure [2→)[α-D-Gal(1→3)]α-L-Rha(1→4)α-d-GalA(1→] as determined by NMR and GC/MS. α-Linked Gal is unusual in pectins.

The influence of liposomal formulation factors on the interactions between liposomes and hydroxyapatite.

Liposomes may have potentials as a drug delivery system in the oral cavity; hence, the adsorption to, oral tissues may be of importance. The aim of this study was to find an optimal liposomal formulation with appropriate in vitro stability and which liposomal formulation parameters may be of importance for the interaction to tooth enamel surfaces. Charged liposomes were adsorbed in vitro onto hydroxyapatite (HA), used as a model substance for human dental enamel.

Ex vivo mucoadhesion of different zinc-pectinate hydrogel beads.

The objective of this study was to investigate the mucoadhesive properties of pre-swelled hydrogel beads made of six types of pectin from three manufacturers. The types of pectin differed mainly in the degree of methoxylation and degree of amidation. Zinc ions were used as cross-linking agent.

Determination of some toxic and essential metal ions in medicinal and edible plants from Mali.

Plants are used in different ways in Mali, among those as medicine and as food. The monitoring of metals in the plants is of great importance for protecting the public from the hazards of possible toxic effects and also for informing the population about the nutritional value of the plants. The concentrations of some toxic and essential metal ions were surveyed in seven medicinal and edible plants from Mali.