Effects of different processing (Paozhi) methods on the structural characteristics and bidirectional immunomodulatory...

Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) have a wide range of biological activities. In this study, four APSs, namely RAPSs, SAPSs, WAPSs, and HAPSs, were prepared from the raw and three processed (Paozhi) Astragali Radix tablets with these classic Chinese medicine processing stir-fried methods with salt, yellow rice wine, and honey. The structure and bidirectional immunomodulatory activities of four APSs were investigated. The results revealed that different processing methods of Astragali Radix tablets altered the structure of APSs and thus affected their bidirectional immunomodulatory activities. RAPSs, SAPSs, WAPSs, and HAPSs showed significant differences in chemical composition, molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, chain conformation, surface morphology, and immune-enhancing and anti-inflammatory activities. Among the four APSs, HAPSs exhibited the strongest immune-enhancing effects, while WAPSs showed the most potent anti-inflammatory ability. The findings provide a scientific rationale for the development and optimal utilization of APSs in the domains of food and medicine fields.