Abstract
BACKGROUND: In this study, the chemical properties of Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides (GAP) were systematically investigated, followed by a comprehensive analysis of their antitumor and antioxidant capabilities. METHODS: Ultrasonic circulation technology was employed for the extraction of GAP, facilitating the procurement of crude polysaccharides through the Sevag method, dialysis, and sequential alcohol precipitation. The chemical constituents of these polysaccharides were subsequently analyzed utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antitumor and antioxidant properties of the polysaccharide components were assessed utilizing 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and free radical scavenging methods, respectively. RESULTS: Gradient ethanol precipitation yielded three principal polysaccharide fractions: GAP-40, GAP-60 and GAP-80. Analysis revealed glucose as the predominant component in these fractions, with average molecular weights determined to be 77.75, 9.25 and 1.03 kDa, respectively. The antitumor activity of GAP-40, GAP-60 and GAP-80 against MCF-7 cells demonstrated both time and concentration dependence. Significantly, GAP-40, at a concentration of 1000 μg/mL over 48 h, presented a notable inhibition rate of 56.77%, outperforming GAP-60 and GAP-80. Furthermore, the antioxidant capacities of GAP-40, GAP-60 and GAP-80 were comparably significant to that of vitamin C, with detailed analysis revealing marked differences in antioxidant activity among the GAP variants. Specifically, GAP-40 exhibited superior efficacy in scavenging 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) radicals relative to GAP-60 and GAP-80. In contrast, GAP-80 was distinguished by its exceptional hydroxyl radical scavenging capacity, surpassing that of both GAP-40 and GAP-60. CONCLUSION: These results substantiate the potential of GAPs as viable and effective antitumor agents, additionally suggesting their utility as functional foods endowed with antioxidant attributes.