Sulfated modification of the water-soluble polysaccharides from Polyporus albicans mycelia and its potential biological activities.

In this study, three chemically sulfated polysaccharides (SPAPs) were derived from one water-soluble polysaccharide (PAP) of Polyporus albicans mycelia by chlorosulfonic acid-pyridine method. The effects of polysaccharides on the immune function were examined after the mice were intragastrical administrated with polysaccharides at three doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight for 7 days. The results showed that both the lymphocytes proliferation and macrophage function were significantly enhanced by SPAP in all groups along with the increase of the substitution degree and dose (P<0.01). It indicated that SPAP could be a potential immunostimulants used in the food and pharmaceutical industry.