Extraction optimization, structure features, and bioactivities of two polysaccharides from Corydalis decumbens

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Corydalis decumbens is a traditional medicinal plant.
• Polysaccharides are known for diverse biological activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize polysaccharides from Corydalis decumbens.
• To evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential.

Main Methods:

• Response surface methodology for optimal extraction.
• Ethanol precipitation and anion-exchange chromatography for purification.
• SEM, TEM, and Congo-red assay for structural analysis.
• In vitro assays for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Main Results:

• Optimized extraction yielded 32.74% total sugars.
• CPS1 (12.01% yield) has a molecular weight of 360 kDa and a four-helix structure.
• CPW2 (8.23% yield) is a linear glucose polysaccharide with a molecular weight of 550 kDa.
• CPS1 significantly inhibited TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and COX-2 mRNA expression.
• CPS1 exhibited stronger radical scavenging activity than CPW2.

Conclusions:

• CPS1 possesses superior antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities compared to CPW2.
• The four-helix conformation of CPS1 likely contributes to its enhanced bioactivity.
• Corydalis decumbens polysaccharides are promising natural resources for medicinal applications.