New methods of producing pectins, which possess anti-allergic, anti- inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities, have been developed at the Institute of Physiology, Komi Research Center. Pectins are obtained directly from widespread plant materials including food plants. The methods include a general method for isolation of pectins from freshly collected plant materials, and a method for obtaining on a preparative

scale of galacturonans as physiologically active fragments of the pectin

macromolecules using directly the raw plant materials and omitting the step of pectin isolation.

System (Vladisar, Russia) for

preparative concentration and solution

dialysis of polysaccharides in operation.

Pectins and their fragments obtained by the new methods are distinguished with high purity, ability to form viscous aqueous solutions, and high gel-forming activity. The technology for producing pectins with a high molecular weight (more than 300 kDa) is proposed. Using of galacturonans in food industry as constituents of functional nutrition products with anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory activities allows pectin doses to be minimized to achieve a salutary effect on human health. Pectins thus obtained possess an immunomodulatory activity and can be used in medicine as adjuvants to vaccines of peroral administration.

System for preparative freezing of

polysaccharides (Labconco, USA) in

operation.

A pectin sample of Comarum palustre

L. showing anti-inflammatory effect.