Relationship between the chemical structure and anti-tumour activity of glucans prepared from Grifora umbellata.

Glucans from Grifora umbellata and their enzyme-treated fractions have been tested for antitumour activity against subcutaneously implanted Sarcoma 180 (solid type). The results indicate that the basic common unit of the glucans is of primary importance for the antitumour activity, which is also influenced by the type of sugar linkage, length of branch, branching frequency, molecular size, and molecular conformation.