Abstract:

This study aimed to obtain the optimum microwave-assisted extraction process for polysaccharides from the
roots of Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen and to examine the antioxidant activity of the crude polysaccharides in vitro. The
response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction process. Liquid/solid ratio, extraction temperature,
extraction time, microwave power were selected as independent variables on the basis of single factor experiments. The yield
of purified polysaccharides was chosen as the response variable. The optimum conditions for microwave-assisted extraction
were determined as follows: liquid/solid ratio, 120:1 (mL/g); extraction temperature, 80 ℃; extraction time, 13 min; and
microwave power, 600 W. Experiments done under these conditions resulted in an extraction yield of 6.93%, agreeing
with the predicted value. The crude polysaccharides extracted from the roots of Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. had a potent
scavenging effect on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, and could scavenge 91.67% of the free radicals at
1 000 μg/mL, which was close to that of VC.

Key words: Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen, polysaccharides, response surface methodology, extraction process, antioxidant activity