Isoflavone profiles of red clovers and their distribution in different parts harvested at different growing stages

The isoflavone compositions and concentrations in the leaf, flower, petiole, and stem of 13 red clover cultivars were studied using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array and a mass spectrometric detector with negative electrospray ionization. Different cultivars showed significantly different concentrations of individual and total isoflavones. The leaf contained the highest overall concentration, followed by the stem, petiole, and flower. Biochanin A and formononetin were the predominant isoflavones in all cultivars and all parts, along with eight other minor aglycones, daidzein, genistein, glycitein, irilone, orobol, pratensein, pseudobaptigenin, and prunetin, and four minor malonylglycosides, genistein-7-glucoside-6' '-malonate, orobol-7-glucoside-6' '-malonate, formononetin-7-glucoside-6' '-malonate, and biochanin A-7-glucoside-6' '-malonate. The isoflavone compositions and concentrations were also found to be different between red clover parts harvested at the early bud stage and the late flowering stage. Sample storage and handling prior to analysis were also found to be important. Samples in this study were kept at -5 degrees C for a few days before being freeze-dried and were found to contain mainly the aglycones of isoflavones. This may actually be an advantage in that "natural" and more bioactive isoflavones can be obtained without using chemical hydrolysis. Findings in this study therefore provide important information for developing isoflavone-rich red clovers and for optimizing harvest timing and choosing the right part of the red clover plant.     

Anti-inflammatory activities of new succinic and maleic derivatives from the fruiting body of Antrodia camphorata

Six new compounds, trans-3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]pyrrolidine-2,5-dione (1), trans-1-hydroxy-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-isobutylpyrrolidine-2,5-dione (2), cis-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-isobutyldihydrofuran-2,5-dione (3), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-isobutyl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione (4), 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-isobutylfuran-2,5-dione (5), and dimethyl 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-isobutylmaleate (6), together with one known compound, 3-isobutyl-4-[4-(3-methyl-2-butenyloxy)phenyl]furan-2,5-dione (7), were isolated from the fruiting bodies of Antrodia camphorata. The structures of the compounds were elucidated by analysis of their spectroscopic data. To investigate the immunomodulatory potential of the compounds, RAW264.7 macrophage cells were treated with the compounds. Compound 1 significantly increased spontaneous TNF-alpha secretion from unstimulated RAW264.7 cells but suppressed IL-6 production [50% inhibition concentration value (IC50) = 10 microg/mL] in LPS-stimulated cells. Compounds 3, 4, and 6 also suppressed IL-6 production with IC50 values of 17, 18, and 25 microg/mL, respectively, suggesting that these four compounds may have an anti-inflammatory effect on macrophage-mediated responses. Of the six compounds, compound 1 was the most effective, exerting both immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory effects.     

4-acetylantroquinonol B isolated from Antrodia cinnamomea arrests proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell by affecting p53, p21 and p27 levels

The 4-acetylantroquinonol B isolated from the mycelium of Antrodia cinnamomea could inhibit proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2 with IC(50) 0.1 μg/mL. When the HepG2 cells were treated with 4-acetylantroquinonol B for 72 h, the proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle increased and that in the S phase decreased significantly, and the proportion of G2/M phase cells were not obviously changed. In addition, the 4-acetylantroquinonol B treatment resulted in the decreases of CDK2 and CDK4, and an increase of p27 in a dose-dependent manner. The protein levels of p53 and p21 proteins were also increased when the cells were treated with low dosage (0.1 μg/mL) of 4-acetylantroquinonol B. Higher dosages, however, decreased the expression of p53 and p21 proteins. Assay of RT-PCR indicated that, corresponding to the increases of p53 and p21 proteins at the dosage of 0.1 μg/mL, the mRNAs of p53 and p21 showed 1.66- and 1.61-fold upregulations, respectively. Corresponding to the decreases of CDK2 and CDK4 proteins, the mRNAs of CDK2 and CDK4 showed -1.02- and -1.13-fold downregulations, respectively. However, level of p27 mRNA showed -1.2-fold downregulation in spite of the increase in p27 protein. This observation, again, confirms the fact that the p27 gene rarely undergoes homozygous inactivation in cancer cells. Our finding suggested that the 4-acetylantroquinonol B inhibits proliferation of HepG2 cells via affecting p53, p21 and p27 proteins, and can be considered as a potential cancer drug.     

Glass distilling collector applied for HCN recovery from submerged culture broth and fruiting body of Pleurotus eryngii for identification and quantification

Detection and surveillance of food commodities containing cyanide is a crucial issue of food safety. In this study, five strains of Pleurotus eryngii (P. eryngii) were grown in submerged culture of yeast malt broth (YMB) with the suspected production of HCN. A safety-warranted U-bent glass distilling collector with three enlarged bulbs on each arm was designed to recover the broth vapor. When AgNO(3) solution was used as an absorbent to interact with the vapor, a white precipitate was formed. The precipitate was isolated and identified as AgCN by FT-Raman spectroscopic analysis. When the absorbent was substituted by KOH, after evaporation to dryness, dissolved in D(2)O, and followed by (13)C-NMR analysis, a KCN spectrum was achieved. Formation of AgCN and KCN confirmed HCN production in the broth by P. eryngii. When a sodium picrate solution (1.4%) was used as an absorbent and various authentic KCN solutions were applied for distillation and followed by absorbance determination at 510 nm, a linear dose-dependent relationship was obtained and the procedure was applied for HCN quantification of the marketed P. eryngii mushrooms (fruiting body). As estimated, 67.3% of the products contained HCN less than 1.0 mg/kg, 17.3% between 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg, and 15.4% higher than 2.0 mg/kg. When the mushrooms were sliced and cooked in water at 95 degrees C for 6 min, 89.1% of the original HCN was lost. When the P. eryngii strains were respectively grown by submerged cultivation in YMB or YMB supplemented with 2.5% glycine for 16 days, HCN content was slightly higher in the latter than in the former for each strain.     

Characteristic volatiles from young and aged fruiting bodies of wild Polyporus sulfureus (Bull.:Fr.) Fr

The volatile compounds of fresh fruiting bodies of wild Polyporus sulfureus (Bull.:Fr.) Fr. growing on oak trees were isolated by continuous liquid-liquid extraction (CLLE) and investigated by high-resolution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HRGC-MS) on two GC columns of different polarity (DB-5 and ZB-WAX), and by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). A total of 40 major volatile compounds from the young samples were identified and semiquantified. Five odorous compounds were determined to be responsible for the characteristic flavor of young Polyporus sulfureus: 1-octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, phenylethanol, and phenylacetic acid. Four volatiles investigated by GC-O and detected by GC-MS were determined as the characteristic odorants of aged species: 2-methylpropanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3-methylbutanoic acid, and phenylacetic acid. The comparative results revealed that the volatile composition of the fruiting bodies even from the same fungal species may greatly vary with its host, location, and age.     

Isolation, structure characterization, and immunomodulating activity of a hyperbranched polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma sinense

A polysaccharide (GSP-6B) with a molecular mass of 1.86 × 10? Da was isolated from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma sinense . Chemical composition analysis, methylation analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were conducted to elucidate its structure. GSP-6B contains a backbone of (1→6)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, bearing branches at the O-3 position of every two sugar residues along the backbone. The side chains contain (1→4)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, (1→3)-linked-β-D-glucopyranosyl residues, and nonreducing end β-D-glucopyranosyl residues. An in vitro immunomodulating activity assay revealed that GSP-6B could significantly induce the release of IL-1β and TNF-α in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) and showed no toxicity to either PBMC or a human macrophage cell line THP-1. GSP-6B could also activate dendritic cells (DC) by stimulating the secretion of IL-12 and IL-10 from DC.     

Pterocarpan profiles for soybean leaves at different growth stages and investigation of their glycosidase inhibitions

Soybean leaves are eaten as seasonal edible greens in Korea. Analysis of the ethyl acetate extract of these leaves showed that it exhibited potent and selective neuraminidase inhibition, which began at the R3 stage and peaked at R7. Ten pterocarpans, including the new 6a-hydroxypterocarpan 10, were isolated from soybean leaves and their inhibition activities tested against a range of glycosidases. The relationship between structure and enzyme inhibition was investigated: 6a-hydroxypterocarpans exhibited much higher inhibition against neuraminidase (IC(50) = 2.4-89.4 μM) than α-glucosidase (IC(50) = 90.4-?>100 μM). Glyceollin VII (7) displayed 40-fold greater activity (IC(50) = 2.4 μM) against neuraminidase than α-glucosidase (IC(50) = 90.4 μM). On the other hand, coumestanes (1-3) were good α-glucosidase inhibitors (IC(50) = 6.0-42.6 μM). In kinetic analysis, the most potent neuraminidase inhibitors (5-10) were noncompetitive. HPLC analysis indicated that most pterocarpan synthesis began from the R3 stage, and a rapid change of pterocarpan concentrations was observed between the R4 and R7 stages.     

Evolution of flavanols, anthocyanins, and their derivatives during the aging of red wines elaborated from grapes harvested at different stages of ripening

Several red wines were elaborated to assess the effect of the degree of grape ripening on wine color and on the levels of flavanol and anthocyanin compounds, which are chiefly responsible for the wine color attributes. Two different cultivars and three different degrees of ripening were studied in two consecutive years. The wines were aged for 1 year in American oak barrels of medium-high char followed by 6 months in the bottle. The results showed that the wines made from more mature grapes had generally higher free anthocyanin content, and during aging the decrease of the free anthocyanins and flavanols took place in conjunction with an increase in the levels of the anthocyanin derivatives or "new pigments", which are responsible for maintaining color intensity and adding violet hues in aged wines. From the results obtained, it seems to be clear that the characteristics and composition of grapes harvested later (7-8 days in this region and for these varieties) than the usual time are quite beneficial to obtaining quality aged wines. The phenolic composition of wines made from the last harvested grapes is mainly responsible for the stability of their color, which is extremely important in product acceptance with a significant increase hence of product quality.     

不同生境下锌镉在伴矿景天不同叶龄叶中的富集与分布特征

田间试验、温室盆栽和生长室水培试验研究了Zn和Cd超富集植物伴矿景天不同叶龄叶片的Zn、Cd富集和分布特征。结果显示,田间条件下伴矿景天新叶中Cd浓度高于成熟叶、但新叶中Zn浓度低于成熟叶。温室盆栽试验发现,连续种植伴矿景天,第4季时低污染土壤（S1）上新叶中Zn浓度低于成熟叶,但高污染土壤（S4）上新叶中Zn浓度高于成熟叶;而到了第6季,S1、S4上新叶中Zn浓度均低于成熟叶,且在S1上两者达到显著水平;第4和第6季,伴矿景天新叶中Cd浓度始终高于成熟叶（除S1成熟叶中Cd浓度略高于新叶外）。水培试验结果发现,无论在高Zn（600 mmol/L）、高Cd（100 mmol/L）,还是低Zn（10 mmol/L）、低Cd（1 mmol/L）处理,新叶中Zn、Cd浓度均高于成熟叶;而且随着处理时间的延长,新叶和成熟叶中Zn、Cd浓度均明显上升。水培条件下,新叶和成熟叶中Zn最高分别为43 107、33 774 mg/kg（以干重计）（600 mmol/L,处理56 天）;新叶和成熟叶中Cd的最高浓度分别为15 057、9 060 mg/kg（以干重计）（100 mmol/L Cd,处理56 天）。这些结果表明,Zn、Cd在伴矿景天新叶和成熟叶中富集和分布与其生长介质中Zn、Cd的浓度尤其是有效态浓度、处理时间及植物所处的生长阶段等有关,同时也表明Zn、Cd优先分布于新叶可能与伴矿景天超富集Zn、Cd的机制有关。     

Metabolite profiling of Angelica gigas from different geographical origins using 1H NMR and UPLC-MS analyses

Angelica gigas obtained from different geographical regions was characterized using (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) followed by multivariate data analyses. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) score plots from (1)H NMR and UPLC-MS data sets showed a clear distinction among A. gigas from three different regions in Korea. The major metabolites that contributed to the discrimination factor were primary metabolites including acetate, choline, citrate, 1,3-dimethylurate, fumarate, glucose, histamine, lactose, malate, N-acetylglutamate, succinate, and valine and secondary metabolites including decursin, decursinol, nodakenin, marmesin, 7-hydroxy-6-(2R-hydroxy-3-methylbut-3-ethyl)coumarin in A. gigas roots. The results demonstrate that (1)H NMR and UPLC-MS-based metabolic profiling coupled with chemometric analysis can be used to discriminate the geographical origins of various herbal medicines and to identify primary and secondary metabolites responsible for discrimination.     

Distribution of melatonin in different zones of lupin and barley plants at different ages in the presence and absence of light

In animals, melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) has several physiological roles, mostly related with circadian and seasonal rhythms. In 1995, it was detected in a variety of edible plants, and it is known that melatonin from plant foods is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and incorporated in the blood stream. This indoleamine also crosses the blood-brain barrier and the placenta, being incorporated at the subcellular level. The possibility of modulating blood melatonin levels in mammals and avians through the ingestion of plant foodstuffs seems to be an interesting prospect. However, data concerning the melatonin content of edible plants are scarce and have not been contrasted. Obtained with very different analytical techniques, in some cases inappropriate, the quantitative data show a high degree of variation. Possibly for the first time in plants, we have used liquid chromatography with time-of-flight/mass spectrometry to identify melatonin. This sophisticated technique, combined with the more commonly used liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for melatonin quantification, has permitted us to describe the distribution of this compound in different organs and zones in plants. Also, changes in melatonin levels with age and the possible influence of a light/dark photoperiod or constant darkness on its levels are studied. The proposal, applied here to lupin (Lupinus albus L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), may also serve as a model for application to other plant foodstuffs.     

贺兰山东麓不同种植年限酿酒葡萄林生物量分配及估算模型

通过对贺兰山东麓同一立地类型不同种植年限的人工酿酒葡萄林形态指标和生物量的测定,研究了葡萄林生物量随时间的分配格局,同时利用主要构件形态指标与各构件生物量建立了生物量估测模型。结果表明:1)供试林地葡萄树株高(H)、主蔓长(SH)、新梢长(YSH)、分枝数(BN)及茎粗(D)均基本上随林龄增加而逐渐增大。2)葡萄林各构件生物量随林分年龄的增加而增加。3)葡萄树地上部各构件生物量分配表现如下,1~4 a林分为叶生物量>新梢生物量>主蔓生物量,4~12 a林分为主蔓生物量>新梢生物量>叶生物量,2~12 a林分为地上生物量>地下生物量。4)以茎粗与株高结合的D2H作为自变量建立模型,各组分生物量最优估测模型均为幂函数W=a×(D2H)b(其中,W为生物量,D2H为茎粗D2与株高H的乘积,a和b为估测参数):叶生物量与D2H拟合模型为W=12.909×(D2H)0.825 9(R2=0.849 9,P=0.000),主蔓生物量与D2H拟合模型为W=3.963 4×(D2H)1.344 9(R2=0.938 1,P=0.000),新梢生物量与D2H拟合模型为W=6.190 6×(D2H)1.051 7(R2=0.804 7,P=0.000),地上生物量与D2H拟合模型为W=23.017×(D2H)1.076 6(R2=0.938 5,P=0.000),地下生物量与D2H拟合模型为W=27.126×(D2H)0.689(R2=0.892 4,P=0.000)。各预测模型精确度较高。     

稻秸秆与二种不同废弃物堆腐制备基质的研究

为了改良农作物秸秆制备栽培基质中p H值、EC值偏高,通气孔隙度、持水孔隙度等理化性质不良等问题,研究了在秸秆预处理(堆腐)过程中添加酒糟对基质理化性质的影响。以稻秸秆中混入体积比例20%的菇渣作为基质堆腐处理的对照(CK),采用在高温好氧堆腐及穴盘育苗试验的方法,研究了混入相同比例的酒糟及腐熟物料组配无机物珍珠岩等方法,对基质理化性质、蔬菜幼苗生长的影响。结果表明,在堆腐阶段稻秸秆+酒糟有利于高温堆腐进程,提高堆腐效率。堆腐温度大于50℃的高温维持天数较对照增加14 d,平均堆腐温度较对照增高9.50℃,稻秸秆+酒糟处理最终腐熟物p H值、EC值较对照分别下降15.0%、26.8%。稻秸秆+酒糟腐熟物组配珍珠岩后,进一步降低了EC值(P0.05),基质物理性质也得到提高(P0.05),从而促进了幼苗地上与地下部分的生长,稻秸秆+酒糟腐熟物料与珍珠岩的体积比例以7∶3较好。采用稻秸秆堆腐制备基质过程中,加入体积比例20%的酒糟能提高堆腐效率,有效改善腐熟物料中pH值、EC值等不良理化性质,为稻秸秆的基质化利用提供了方法。     

水分胁迫下不同年代冬小麦品种干物质积累与转运特性

为了明确河南中部地区冬小麦品种改良过程中物质积累与转运特性及对水分亏缺响应的差异, 选取新中国成立以来6个不同年代主栽冬小麦品种, 采用测坑试验研究了冬小麦品种在不同水分胁迫(CK: 充分供水田间持水量的75%~85%; MD: 轻度干旱, 田间持水量的60%~70%; SD: 重度干旱, 田间持水量的45%~55%)下干物质生产与积累转运特性的演进特征及其与产量的关系。结果表明, 品种改良协调了干物质在各生育阶段的分配, 使花前和花后干物质积累与转运对籽粒的贡献更加平衡。在品种更替过程中, 株高和穗下节降低, 千粒重、籽粒产量和收获指数增加, 干物质积累总量无显著差异, 千粒重和收获指数的提高对产量增加起重要作用。在CK、MD和SD处理下, 20世纪90年代和2002年品种比20世纪50年代品种平均株高降低35.2%、36.2%和38.2%, 平均千粒重比增加31.7%、17.4%和56.3%, 平均籽粒产量增加40.4%、43.0%和52.4%; 20世纪90年代和2002年品种的收获指数比20世纪80年代及以前品种增加31.4%、22.3%和24.6%。CK处理早期品种干物质积累在抽穗至开花阶段超过现代品种。MD和SD处理的20世纪90年代及以后的品种花前干物质转运能力高, 茎秆干物质输出率增加, 花后贮藏物质积累降幅小, 干物质贮藏转运分配比例适宜, 对籽粒贡献率高, 是水分胁迫条件下现代品种高产的基础。     

日光温室黄瓜叶片光合速率模型及其参数确定的初步研究

对于属于C3作物的黄瓜,用Charles-Edwards包括光呼吸,暗呼吸和氧效应的光合模型建立其叶片净光合速率模型。并通过试验确定该模型参数。结果表明：以此模型描述黄瓜叶片的光合速率所得到的光合模型参数在一定的光合有效辐射(PAR)范围内与实测数据相符合。不同叶龄的黄瓜叶片其光合特性存在较大差异。其中叶龄为20~30 d的叶片之间光合速率及相关参数差异显著。     

Surface chemical properties and pedogenesis of tropical soils derived from basalts with different ages in Hainan,China

Limited information is available on the changes of surface chemical properties of tropical soils with time during the pedogenesis. Soil samples of three profiles derived from basalts of 10, 1330 and 2290 kilo annum (ka) in age were collected from adjacent locations in a tropical region of Hainan Province, China. The changes in soil surface chemical properties and the mineralogy of the soil clay fraction with time were investigated using ion adsorption, micro-electrophoresis, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The content of 2:1-type clay minerals decreased, while those of kaolinite and gibbsite increased with increasing basalt age and degree of soil development. The content of pedogenic free iron (Fe) oxides and the ratio of free Fe oxides/total Fe oxides increased with soil development stage, while soil poorly crystalline Fe and aluminum (Al) oxides had an opposite trend. The positive surface charge of the soils increased with increasing basalt age and degree of soil development; this was consistent with the change in their contents of free Fe/Al oxides. However, the value of negative surface charge had an opposite behavior. The soil derived from 10-ka-basalt had much more negative charge than soils derived from 1330- and 2290-ka-basalt. Soil net surface charge and zeta potential of the soil clay-fraction decreased with the increase in basalt age. Both net charge–pH curves and zeta potential–pH curves shifted to positive values with increased basalt age and degree of soil development. Increasing age also elevated the point of zero net charge of the soil and the isoelectric point of soil colloids.     

不同品种花生油脂体粒径电位和蛋白质组成的分析

为了探索不同品种花生油脂体的物理和化学性质差异,以5种（豫花23,豫花27,豫花9719,豫花9830和豫花9502）油脂含量不同的花生品种为原料,采用水剂法提取油脂体,并对提取后油脂体的粒径、ζ电位、氨基酸组成、蛋白质分子量分布进行分析比较。结果表明：提取后,5种花生油脂体粒径间存在一定差异,以豫花9719的粒径较大;花生油脂体均含有油脂体蛋白和贮藏蛋白,但不同品种间存在蛋白质种类的差异;5种花生油脂体在pH值为3.0时ζ电位为正值,在pH值为7.4和pH值为9.0时ζ电位为负值,盐浓度的增加会降低油脂体ζ电位的绝对值;5种花生油脂体的蛋白质均为极性带负电氨基酸质量分数均大于非极性带正电或不带电氨基酸,但氨基酸总量各不相同,以豫花27较低。该研究可为花生油脂体的品质特性研究和应用产品开发提供参考。     

Available soil nutrients and water content affect leaf nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry at different ages of Leucaena leucocephala forests in dry-hot valley

Purpose

The carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations of leaves can reflect soil nutrient supply conditions and changes in soil. An understanding of species adaptability and nutrient use efficiency in extreme ecosystems can help land managers choose effective methods to improve management and community structure of introduced plants which may induce biological invasion and limit the regeneration of native species.

Materials and methods

We selected the Leucaena leucocephala forests in three ages (9, 15, and 26 years old) in the Jiangjiagou Gully to study the relationships between (i) soil factors and forest age and (ii) leaf nutrient concentrations. Soil factors and leaf nutrients were measured in nine sampling quadrats of 10?×?10 m of each plot. We used ANOVA to examine differences in leaf variables and soil factors at different ages of L. leucocephala forest. Pearson’s correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were conducted to identify the relationships between soil factors and leaf variables. Then, we used analysis of covariance to examine combined effects of forest ages and soil factors on leaf variables.

Results and discussion

Leaf N was significantly correlated with available P, while leaf P was significantly correlated with both available P and available N. Leaf N and P had no significant relationship with soil total N and P. Leaf C:N:P stoichiometries had a higher significant correlation with total N, available N, and soil water content.

Conclusions

Our findings illustrate that available N and available P are the main limitations for L. leucocephala, though available P imposed a stronger limitation than available N. Moreover, soil water content played an indispensable role on nutrient accumulation and the soil ecological environment. Our results provide useful information to improve L. leucocephala community structure and reduce soil degradation in a dry-hot valley.

     

A protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B activity inhibitor from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum (Fr.) Karst and its hypoglycemic potency on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic mice

Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) activity has been considered to be a promising therapy approach to treat type 2 diabetes. In this work, a novel PTP1B activity inhibitor, named FYGL (Fudan-Yueyang-G. lucidum), was screened from the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum and showed an efficient PTP1B inhibitory potency with IC?? = 5.12 ± 0.05 μg/mL. FYGL is a water-soluble macromolecular proteoglycan with a protein to polysaccharide ratio of 17:77 and a viscosity-average molecular weight (M(η)) of 2.6 × 10?. The type 2 diabetic mice treated orally by FYGL showed an obvious decrease in plasma glucose level compared with the diabetic controls without drug treatment, comparable with that of diabetic mice treated with metformin, a clinical drug. The toxicity of FYGL is very low. The results indicate that FYGL may serve as a drug candidate or a health-care food for diabetic therapy or protection.