Optimization of the Microwave-Assisted Extraction Process for Polysaccharides in Himematsutake (Agaricus blazei Murrill) and Evaluation of Their Antioxidant Activities

Abstract

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) technique was employed for the extraction of himematsutake (Agaricus blazei Murrill) polysaccharide (PMAE) and optimized by Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions were extraction time 29.37 min, microwave power 400 W, extraction temperature 74.64°C and ratio of water to material 32.7:1 with an enhanced yield of 12.35%. Furthermore, PMAE had increased antioxidant activity in various oxidative systems in vitro when compared to polysaccharides extracted by conventional methods. The data obtained clearly showed that MAE is a fine way to extract the polysaccharides in A. blazei Murrill. Further, PMAE may be developed into a functional food as well as potential therapeutic agent.