Optimization of Maca polysaccharide extraction process and its chemo-protective effects on cyclophosphamide-induced mice

In this study, the extraction process of Maca polysaccharide (LMP) was deeply studied and its chemo-protective effects on Cyclophosphamide (Cy)-induced mice were evaluated. By single factor investigation and response surface methodology optimization, it was found that the liquid-to-solid ratio, extraction time, and extraction temperature were the main factors which affected the extraction yield of LMP. The optimum extraction process was obtained by Box–Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. It was found that, at the condition of liquid-to-solid ratio of 30:1; extraction time of 2.3 hr; and extraction temperature of 90°C, the yield of the LMP could reach 46.56%. Furthermore, by oral administration of LMP, the cyclophosphamide-induced mice showed the proliferation of lymphocyte and the phagocytic capacity of macrophages’ enhancements. The number of white blood cell, red blood cell, and platelets in the peripheral blood were up-regulated; the spleen total superoxide dismutase, Catalase, and Glutathione-peroxidase activities were enhanced, while the Serum malondialdehyde and Triacylglycerols content was reduced. Therefore, our work provided an effective way for extraction of LMP and demonstrated the chemo-protective effects of LMP on the animal level.

Practical application

Natural polysaccharides from functional food sources are widely accepted for their bioactive activities. As extraction conditions significantly affected the quality and yield of polysaccharides, the effective extraction process for polysaccharides should be systematically investigated. In the current work, the optimum conditions for polysaccharides extraction from Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) (LMP) were obtained using liquid-to-solid ratio of 30:1 for 2.3 hr at 90°C. The Mass characterization and Monosaccharide Composition of LMP were also determined. Furthermore, the extracted LMP exhibited well Chemo-protective activities on Cyclophosphamide-induced mice. Therefore, our work showed the potential applications of Maca polysaccharides as the easily accessible source of natural immunopotentiating agents in function food and pharmaceutical industry.