Optimization on extraction process and antioxidant activity of hawthorn polysaccharides.

Objective. To study the optimum process conditions for extraction of polysaccharides from hawthorn by hot water extraction, and study its structure and antioxidant activity in vitro. Method. On the basis of single factor experiment, the extraction process was optimized by orthogonal experiment design with water extraction temperature, water extraction time, feed water ratio and cold immersion time. After purification, the polysaccharides were analyzed by GPC and GC-MS for molecular weight and monosaccharide composition. The antioxidant activity of HP was determined by superoxide free radical, hydroxyl radical, DPPH free radical scavenging test. Result. The optimum extraction conditions were extraction temperature 90°C, extraction time 6 h, ratio of material to water 1:20, cold soaking time 13 h. After purification of the polysaccharide extracted under this condition, the molecular weight was 5.59 × 10⁴ Da. The ratio of monosaccharide content (arabinose:xylose:mannose:glucose:galactose) was 1:1:28:8:12, and the polysaccharide had certain ability to remove superoxide...