Purification, Structural Analysis and Cardio-Protective Activity of Polysaccharides from Radix Astragali.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Radix Astragali is a traditional Chinese medicine with known therapeutic properties.
• Polysaccharides are bioactive compounds found in medicinal plants.
• Understanding the specific components and activities of Radix Astragali polysaccharides is crucial for its medicinal application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize two distinct polysaccharides, APS2-I and APS3-I, from Radix Astragali.
• To evaluate the biological activities of APS2-I and APS3-I, focusing on antioxidant and cardioprotective effects.
• To assess the impact of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on cardiac function in an ischemia-reperfusion model.

Main Methods:

• Purification of polysaccharides (APS2-I and APS3-I) from water extract of Radix Astragali.
• Determination of average molecular weights and monosaccharide composition of the purified polysaccharides.
• In vitro assessment of antioxidant activity and in vivo evaluation of myocardial protection using rat ischemia and reperfusion isolated heart models.

Main Results:

• APS2-I (1.96 × 10^6 Da) and APS3-I (3.91 × 10^6 Da) were isolated with distinct monosaccharide profiles.
• Both APS2-I and APS3-I exhibited significant antioxidant activity.
• Treatment with total polysaccharides significantly improved hemodynamic parameters and cardiac function in the isolated heart model.

Conclusions:

• Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) possess notable antioxidant and myocardial protective properties.
• These findings support the potential clinical application of APS in managing cardiovascular diseases.
• The study suggests APS can serve as a reference standard for the quality control of Radix Astragali.