Abstract:

Objective: Polysaccharides have antitumor activity due to the stimulation to immune functions of human
body, while rare earth elements have antitumor ability by killing tumor cells. In order to exploit food or healthcare
products with antitumor effect, Eu-Momordica charantia L. polysaccharide complex (Eu-MCPS) was synthesized
with the expectation of synergistic antitumor effects of the individuals. Methods: Eu-MCPS was synthesized with
homogeneous precipitation by using Momordica charantia L. polysaccharide as the template. The complex was
subjected to structural characterization employing FT-IR, scanning electron microscope and transmission electron
microscope and its antitumor activity was evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, the interaction between Eu-MCPS
and DNA was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. Results: Eu adhered to the twining
and helical chains of Momordica charantia L. polysaccharide in the form of Eu(OH)CO3 particles instead of forming
chemical bond with it. The particle size of Eu-MCPS varied from 340 nm to 540 nm. Eu-MCPS inhibited the
proliferation of esophagus cancer cells, and its inhibitory rate was 21.1% at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. The
interaction between Eu-MCPS and DNA may be a non-intercalation mode. These results can provide useful references
to develop special functional foods or healthcare products.

Key words: polysaccharide, rare earth metal, Eu-MCPS, antitumor activity