Abstract

In this study, raw Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide (CPS) was extracted with ultrasonic- assisted extraction method. Proteins in the raw CPS were removed with the enzymatic and Sevag methods. After dialysis, an extraction rate of 0.82% was achieved. Two components, namely CPS-1 and CPS-2, were obtained from DEAE-52 ionic exchange chromatography eluted with NaCl solution at a gradient from 0 to 0.6 mol•L^-1. The ultraviolet scanning demonstrated that CPS-1 did not couple with protein and nucleic acid, but CPS-2 was coupled with a few proteins and nucleic acids. After product derivatization using acid hydrolysis, gas chromatography analysis revealed that these two CPSs were both composed of mannose and galactose, with a mole ratio of 0.96:1 and 1.04:1, respectively. The two CPSs can reverse ethanol-induced injury in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. Its effect appeared dose-dependent, having better effect when higher dose was applied. Its effect is probably due to its anti-oxidation function.

Key words: Cordyceps militaris polysaccharide, gas chromatography, hepatocyte injury, anti-oxidation.