The Structural Characteristics of an Acidic Water-Soluble Polysaccharide from Bupleurum chinense DC and Its In Vivo Anti-Tumor Activity on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice

Abstract

This study explored the preliminary structural characteristics and in vivo anti-tumor activity of an acidic water-soluble polysaccharide (BCP) separated purified from Bupleurum chinense DC root. The preliminary structural characterization of BCP was established using UV, HPGPC, FT-IR, IC, NMR, SEM, and Congo red. The results showed BCP as an acidic polysaccharide with an average molecular weight of 2.01 × 103 kDa. Furthermore, we showed that BCP consists of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid (with a molar ratio of 0.063:0.788:0.841:1:0.196) in both α- and β-type configurations. Using the H22 tumor-bearing mouse model, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of BCP in vivo. The results revealed the inhibitory effects of BCP on H22 tumor growth and the protective actions against tissue damage of thymus and spleen in mice. In addition, the JC-1 FITC-AnnexinV/PI staining and cell cycle analysis have collectively shown that BCP is sufficient to induce apoptosis and of H22 hepatocarcinoma cells in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of BCP on tumor growth was likely attributable to the S phase arrest. Overall, our study presented significant anti-liver cancer profiles of BCP and its promising therapeutic potential as a safe and effective anti-tumor natural agent.

Comparative Study on Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Polysaccharides from Vinegar-Baked Radix Bupleuri Using Different Methods

“…As expected, the extraction method greatly affected the yield, characteristics, and activity of the VBRPs. Many studies have reported polysaccharides from different Radix Bupleuri; ,,,− however, in addition to Song et al using 0.5 M NaOH, most people use hot water as the extraction solvent. To our surprise, the new methods all increased the yield compared with the hot water methods.…”

The Large Molecular Weight Polysaccharide from Wild Cordyceps and Its Antitumor Activity on H22 Tumor-Bearing Mice

“…In addition, Chen et al determined that polysaccharides from Taraxacum mongolicum leaf modulated the p53 signaling pathway to inhibit H22 tumor growth [19]. The anti-tumor capacity of an acidic water-soluble polysaccharide from Bupleurum chinense DC is mainly achieved through the induction of apoptosis and arresting of the S phase of H22 cells [20].…”