Abstract:

Crude polysaccharides with significant antioxidant activity were obtained from Cortinarius purpurascens Fr. by
hot water extraction. Three drying methods, vacuum freeze drying, vacuum drying after washing only with absolute ethanol
and vacuum drying after successive washing with absolute ethanol and other organic solvents were comparatively studied
on the antioxidant activity of the fungal polysaccharides by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay
after deproteinization by Sevag method, and discoloration by macroporous resin chromatography or hydrogen peroxide.
Vacuum drying after washing only with absolute ethanol had the smallest effect on the antioxidant activity of the purified
polysaccharides. Macroporous resin chromatography was an advantageous discoloration method over hydrogen peroxide.
Sevag method exerted a significant negative effect on the antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides.

Key words: polysaccharides, drying method, discoloration, deproteinization, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, antioxidant activity