Abstract: Using one-factor-at-a-time experiments followed by orthogonal array design, the process conditions of polysaccharide extraction from Eclipata Alba grown in Huaguo Mountain were optimized in this study. Also, a comparison of antioxidant activity was carried out between polysaccharides (PEA) and flavonoids (FEA) from Eclipata Alba. The results showed that the optimum conditions for polysaccharide extraction were material-to-liquid ratio of 1:15 (g/mL), extraction time of 1 h, extraction temperature of 90 ℃ and extraction number of 3. After the removal of impurities such as proteins, nucleic acids, etc, the extracted polysaccharides were characterized using ultraviolet spectroscopy and infrared spectroscopy. Both PEA and FEA had a powerful ability to scavenge hydroxyl and superoxide anion radicals and could scavenge the former more powerfully. At the same concentrations exceeding 0.085 mg/mL, FEA indicated stronger antioxidant activity than PEA.

Key words: Eclipata Alba grown in Huaguo Mountain, polysaccharides, flavonoids, extraction, antioxidant activity