Chemical characterization and immunostimulatory effects of a polysaccharide from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata in cyclophosphamide-induced anemic mice

A major polysaccharide fraction (PMPP) was obtained by purifying the crude polysaccharides extracted from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata. Preliminary structural characterization was conducted by physicochemical property and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Monosaccharide component analysis indicated that PMPP was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose and glucose in a molar ratio of 1.64:1.00:1.34:6.06. Intraperitoneal administration of PMPP could increase levels of serum IL-2 and hematological parameters (red blood cells, white blood cells and platelet counts), enhance antioxidant profiles, and promote hematopoiesis of splenocytes though up-regulating expressions of EPOR and GATA-1 proteins in cyclophosphamide (Cy) induced anemic mice. These findings indicate that PMPP played an important role in the protection against myelosuppression and immunosuppression in Cy-treated mice and may warrant further evaluation as a potential immunomodulatory agent. © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.