Multi-level fingerprinting and chromatogram-effect relationship analysis of polysaccharides from Atractylodis...

Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, a functional and medicinal plant widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, has limited research on its polysaccharides in quality assessment. Polysaccharides from Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (AMP) play a key role in immune enhancement, making them crucial for quality control. This study analyzed 52 batches of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma from different origins. AMP was obtained through hot water extraction, and multiple fingerprints were constructed using FT-IR, HPGPC, PMP-HPLC and MIHA-GC. Its immunomodulatory activity was assessed using the RAW 264.7 cell assay, and the spectrum-effect relationship was subsequently analyzed. The results indicated that characteristic infrared peaks (3360 cm^-1, 2935 cm^-1, 2830 cm^-1, 1605 cm^-1, 1355 cm^-1, 1127 cm^-1, 1032 cm^-1, 935 cm^-1, 779 cm^-1, 616 cm^-1), molecular weight distributions (Mw1: 1.53 × 10⁵-3.25 × 10⁵ Da; Mw2: 2.15 × 10³-3.01 × 10³ Da), and monosaccharides (Man, GalA, Glc, Gal, Ara) serve as pivotal parameters for the quality assessment of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. Spectral-effect analysis revealed that samples with weaker absorption at 1032 cm^-1 and relatively lower Mw1 tended to exhibit stronger immunomodulatory activity. Monosaccharide composition analysis by PMP-HPLC and MIHA-GC consistently showed the presence of GalA and the absence of Fru. Moreover, the Glc content showed a positive correlation with immunomodulatory activity, suggesting that Glc may be an important component influencing immune regulation. This research provides a foundation for quality assessment and immunological studies of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma.