Antioxidant and anticomplement activity of poly[3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid] from Symphytum Asperum and Symphytum Caucasicum plants

Four water-soluble high-molecular-weight (1000 kDa) fractions isolated from the roots and stems of Symphytum asperum and Symphytum caucasicum plants, in which the principal component is poly[3-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)glyceric acid], exhibit significant anticomplement and antioxidant activity. These compounds are capable of decreasing the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS), either by directly influencing their production by the polymorphonuclear neutrophils or by scavenging these ROS. The high anticomplement and antioxidant properties suggest that this polymer can be a promising basis for antiinflammatory, vasoprotective, and wound-healing drugs.