Methodical basis for analysis of monosaccharide profile of the polysaccharide complex in the mixture herbal product (pectorales species No 2)

Background: Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are important elements in the pharmacotherapy of respiratory diseases. Phytopectol No 2 (Pectorales species No 2) is one of the herbal multi-component drugs (herbal teas). Pectorales species No 2 (PS No 2) is a mixture of three types of medicinal plants presented on the Russian pharmaceutical market. It consists of coltsfoot leaves (40%), plantain leaves (30%), and licorice roots (30%). The PS No 2 infusion is a dosage form prepared from crushed or powdered plant material. The PS No 2 infusion exhibits expectorant and anti-inflammatory activity; it is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and to facilitate the release of sputum. Purpose: This review study aims to collect and analyze the literature data concerning the composition and content of polysaccharides, their monosaccharide composition in PS No 2 and its components. Methods: We used different scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, e-Library, Google Scholar for information search. Result: Nowadays, synthetic drugs, herbal remedies, and combined medicines with expectorant action are presented on the Russian and world markets. Herbal medicines can be classified into single drugs containing one plant/component, and medicines with two or more plants/components. Herbal medicines take leading places in the segment of the mucoactive drugs market along with synthetic ones in the Russian Federation. Most of the PS No 2 polysaccharides are arabinogalactans, rhamnogalacturonans, galacturonans, galactans. The arabinose (up to 15%), glucose (up to 26%), galactose (up to 23%), rhamnose (up to 40%), as well as galacturonic acid (up to 26%) are presented in monosaccharide composition of PS No 2 polysaccharide complex. Conclusion: Polysaccharides of various types are the main group of biologically active compounds (BAC) in PS No 2. The monomer composition of the polysaccharides causing the pharmacological action of PS No 2 should be established to improve the standardization procedures of crude herbal drugs and to identify BAC. The ratio of these carbohydrates can serve as a marker parameter in the standardization of PS No 2. © 2020 EManuscript Technologies. All rights reserved.