Galactomannan from the seed of Indigofera spicata

Abstract

A galactomannan, isolated in 3.2% yield from the seeds of Indigofera spicata (Leguminosae), has been shown to consist of D-galactose and D- mannose in the ratio of 1 : 1.82. End group determination by methylation showed 35.5%, in excellent agreement with the result revealed by the periodate method. Partial acid hydrolysis, indicated that the galactose was linked a to the 6-position of the mannose units. The polysaccharide would appear to contain a linear backbone of (1→4) β-D-manno-pyranose units with side-chains of α-D-galactopyranose units attached to C6 of approximately five out of every nine D-mannopyranose units.