Abstract: Objective: To analyze the monosaccharide composition of two polysaccharide fractions from Ganoderma lucidum, and then explore their effects on inhibition of tumor growth in mice by 5-fluracil (5-FU). Methods: Polysaccharide fractions named as BW and GLB were separated from the fruit bodies of Ganoderma lucidum by DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow column, macroporous resin adsorption and ultrafiltration. The monosaccharide composition of both polysaccharide fractions was comparatively analyzed by high performance anion exchange chromatography. Tumor-bearing mice were treated with BW or GLB coupled with 5-FU. Tumor inhibition rate and immune index were determined. Results: The polysaccharide contents of BW and GLB were 54.28% and 51.64%, respectively. The major monosaccharide components in both extracts were fucose, galactose, glucose and mannose. The contents of glucose and mannose in GLB were much higher than those in BW. Meanwhile, the combinatorial treatment for tumor in mice using BW and 5-FU could obviously improve the inhibition rate for tumor growth compared with the single treatment of 5-FU. However, GLB could antagonize 5-FU-induced bone marrow cell reduction in mice. Conclusion: BW combined with 5-FU could improve the anti-tumor effect of 5-FU, and GLB combined with 5-FU could decrease the toxicity of 5-FU on bone marrow cells.

Key words: Ganoderma lucidum, polysaccharide, monosaccharide composition, anti-tumor