Structure, rheology and antioxidant properties of a polysaccharide from Atractylodes macrocephala in Pan'an

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Biopolymer Science
• Food Science

Background:

• Atractylodes macrocephala is a traditional medicinal herb.
• No prior studies have investigated polysaccharides from Pan'an-cultivated A. macrocephala.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize a novel polysaccharide (RAMP1) from A. macrocephala cultivated in Pan'an.
• To evaluate the structural, thermal, rheological, and antioxidant properties of RAMP1.

Main Methods:

• Isolation and purification of polysaccharide RAMP1.
• Chemical analysis (molar ratio of sugars) and NMR spectroscopy for structural elucidation.
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for morphology.
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) for thermal stability.
• Rheological measurements for viscosity.
• In vitro antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging).

Main Results:

• RAMP1 is a heteropolysaccharide composed of fructose and glucose (20:1 molar ratio) with a molecular weight of 3494 Da.
• SEM revealed a flake-like structure with irregular curls.
• RAMP1 demonstrated high thermal stability up to 165°C.
• Rheological studies showed shear-thinning, non-Newtonian behavior.
• RAMP1 exhibited potent, dose-dependent antioxidant activity, particularly against hydroxyl radicals.

Conclusions:

• This study provides the first report on the structure, rheology, and antioxidant properties of RAMP1 from Pan'an-cultivated A. macrocephala.
• RAMP1 possesses significant antioxidant capabilities and favorable thermal and rheological properties.
• RAMP1 shows promise for applications in the food and biotechnology industries.