Structural determination and antioxidant activity of a polysaccharide from the fruiting bodies of cultured Cordyceps sinensis

Am J Chin Med. 2009;37(5):977-89. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X09007387.

Abstract

A water-soluble polysaccharide named CPS1 had been isolated from C. sinensis mycelium by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation, anion-exchange, and gel-permeation chromatography. UV spectra, FTIR spectra, partial acid hydrolysis, PMP precolumn derivation, periodate oxidation and Smith degradation studies were conducted to elucidate its structure. The results indicated that CPS1 was a glucomannogalactan with the monosaccharide composition of glucose: mannose: galactose = 2.8: 2.9: 1. The total carbohydrate content of CPS1 was 99.0%. The weight-average molecular weight was 8.1 x 10(3) Da. The results predicted (1-->2) and (1-->4)-linkage of mannose, (1-->3)-linkage of galactose, (1--> ) and (1-->3, 6)-linkage of glucose composed the backbone of CPS1. CPS1 was also evaluated for its antioxidant activity in vitro, including scavenging effects on the hydroxyl radicals, the reducing power, Fe(2+)-chelating activity, scavenging effect on superoxide radicals, as well as the inhibition of hydrogen peroxide induced haemolysis. CPS1 showed a high antioxidant effect, especially scavenging effect of hydroxyl radicals, the reducing power and Fe(2+)-chelating activity. The results provide scientific support for the antioxidant activity and indicated a connection between antioxidant activity and reparation of renal failure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antioxidants / chemistry*
  • Antioxidants / isolation & purification
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Chelating Agents / chemistry
  • Chelating Agents / isolation & purification
  • Chelating Agents / pharmacology
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Cordyceps / chemistry*
  • Cordyceps / growth & development
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Free Radical Scavengers / chemistry
  • Free Radical Scavengers / isolation & purification
  • Free Radical Scavengers / pharmacology
  • Fruiting Bodies, Fungal / chemistry*
  • Galactose / analysis
  • Glucose / analysis
  • Hemolysis / drug effects
  • Hydrogen Peroxide / pharmacology
  • Iron / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Iron / chemistry
  • Iron / metabolism
  • Mannose / analysis
  • Mice
  • Molecular Weight
  • Oxidation-Reduction / drug effects
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / isolation & purification
  • Polysaccharides / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Chelating Agents
  • Free Radical Scavengers
  • Polysaccharides
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Iron
  • Glucose
  • Mannose
  • Galactose