Immunomodulatory activity of purified arabinoxylans from finger millet (Eleusine coracana, v. Indaf 15) bran.

Biological activities of alkali extracted (Barium
hydroxide: BE-480 kDa, Potassium hydroxide: KE1-1080
and KE2-40 kDa), purified arabinoxylans (AX) from the
finger millet bran varying in their molecular weight, phenolic
acid content, arabinose to xylose ratios were evaluated for
their immune-stimulatory activities using murine lymphocytes
and peritoneal exudate macrophages. All three purified
AX displayed significant (p<0.001) mitogenic activity and
activation of macrophages including phagocytosis. Among
these BE has shown higher enhancing lymphocyte proliferation
(>2 fold) and macrophage phagocytosis than KE1 and
KE2. The above results clearly documented that the
immunostimulatory activity of arabinoxylans is directly proportional
to the amount of ferulic acid content (0.11 mg/
100 g), whereas molecular weight as well as arabinose/
xylose ratio, did not have any bearing. Purified AX from the
finger millet bran can be explored as a potent natural
immunomodulator.