Optimizing the Extraction of Anti-tumor Polysaccharides from the Fruit of <em>Capparis</em> <em>spionosa</em> L. by Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

<em>Capparis</em> <em>spionosa</em> L. is a traditional medicinal plant in China and central Asia. In this study, an experiment was designed to investigate the optimization of the extraction of anti-tumor polysaccharides from the fruit of <em>Capparis</em> <em>spionosa</em> L. (CSPS) by response surface methodology (RSM). Four independent variables (extraction temperature, extraction time, ratio of water to sample and extraction cycles) were explored. Meanwhile, the <em>in vivo</em> anti-tumor activity of CSPS was investigated. The results showed that the experimental data could be fitted to a second-order polynomial equation using multiple regression analysis. The optimum extraction conditions were as follows: extraction temperature 92 °C, extraction time 140 min, ratio of water to sample 26 mL/g, and three extraction cycle. Under these conditions, the yield of polysaccharides reached 13.01%, which was comparable to the predicted yield (12.94%, <em>p </em>> 0.05). This indicated that the model was adequate for the extraction process. Additionally, CSPS could prolong the survival time of H₂₂ bearing mice <em>in vivo</em>. The anti-tumor activities of CSPS were dose-dependent.

Keywords

• polysaccharides of &lt;em&gt;Capparis&lt;/em&gt; &lt;em&gt;spionosa&lt;/em&gt; L. (CSPS)
• extraction optimization
• response surface methodology
• anti-tumor activity