Abstract:

Objective: To explore the physicochemical properties of the polysaccharide extracted from raw materials used to
produce Jianwei Xiaoshi pills (named as JXP), and its effect on gastric emptying activity. Methods: JXP was obtained from
Jianwei Xiaoshi pills extract by water extraction and alcohol precipitation with a yield of 5.44%. Chemical composition,
purity and relative molecular weight and monosaccharide composition of JXP were determined by colorimetric method,
HPGPC and ion exchange chromatography (IEC), respectively. JXP was also characterized by infrared spectroscopy. Then,
the effect of JXP on gastric emptying in mice was analyzed. Results: JXP contained 46.6% neutral polysaccharides, 45.7%
acidic polysaccharides and 1.3% protein. HPGPC analysis showed that JXP was homogeneous, and its relative molecular
weight ranged at around 380 000. Glucose and galacturonic acid were the major monosaccharides in JXP with a molar ratio
of 1.2:1. It also contained a small amount of arabinose, galactose, mannose and xylose. Carboxyl groups were contained
in the configuration of acidic pyranose. JXP could significantly promote gastric emptying in mice, especially at a dose of
100 mg/kg body weight. Conclusion: JXP contains mixed acidic heteropolysaccharides, which can promote gastric emptying.

Key words: Jianwei Xiaoshi pills, polysaccharide, physicochemical properties, gastric emptying