Extraction and chemical characterization of Angelica sinensis polysaccharides and its antioxidant activity

In the present study, the Angelica sinensis polysaccharides (ASP) extraction procedure was optimized by an L-9 (3(4)) orthogonal array experimental design (OAD) with four factors at three levels. Under the optimal extraction condition (extraction time 180 min, ratio of water to solid 6, extraction temperature 100 degrees C, and extraction number 4), extraction yield of ASP was 5.6%. Rabbits were fed for 40 days with A. sinensis polysaccharides at a dose of 150 or 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively. At the end of 40 days, animals received cerebral ischemia reperfusion operation. CT perfusion imaging (CTP) analysis showed that rCBF and rCBV were significantly increased, whereas rMTT and rTTP were decreased in the ischemia cerebral tissue compared to CIR group rabbits. ASP significantly decreased oxidative damage, and increased antioxidant enzymes activities in brains of CIR animals. Moreover, ASP significantly enhanced the Ach, Na+,K+-ATPase, Ca2+,Mg2+-ATPase and glucose levels, decreased AChE activity in brain tissue of the experimental animals. These results suggest a potent role of ASP in protection of brain oxidative injury in CIR animals. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.