Application of Orthogonal Design to Optimize Extraction of Polysaccharide from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr (Cynomoriaceae)

Purpose: To optimize the extraction technology of polysaccharides from Cynomorium songaricum Rupr by ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE). Methods: Four parameters including ultrasonic power, ratio of raw material to water, extraction temperature, and extraction time were optimized by orthogonal design. The effects of the factors on the yield of polysaccharides were also studied. The hydroxyl and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activities were determined in vitro by spectrophotometry. Results: The optimal conditions were as follows: 1:30 as ratio of raw material to water, extraction for 70 min at 80 degrees C with ultrasonic power being 420 W. Under these conditions, the yield of polysaccharides was up to 4.51 %, which was significantly higher than that obtained under the initial conditions (3.82 %). DPPH radical scavenging activity reached 64.82 % at 0.012 mg/mL, while hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was 18.36 % at 0.5 mg/mL. Conclusion: Ultrasonic-assisted extraction technology is a useful tool for the extraction of bioactive components from biological materials.