Extraction, characterization, and in vivo antitumor activity of a novel polysaccharide from Coriandrum sativum L.

A novel polysaccharide was extracted from Coriandrum sativum L. at a yield of 4.56 +/- 0.17% (n = 3). The extraction was optimized using response surface methodology: powder-to-liquid ratio 1:21 g/ml, extraction time 188 min, temperature 81 degrees C, and three replicate extractions. The purified polysaccharide had an average molecular weight of 1.30 x 10(6) Da and was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid in molar ratios of 1.52: 8.14: 20.85: 1: 2.42 with alpha-L-Araf-(1 ->, -> 6)-beta-D-Galp-(1 ->, -> 4)-alpha-GalpA-(1 -> and -> 2, 4)-alpha-Rhap-(1 ->). In vivo tests demonstrated that the polysaccharide suppressed H22 tumor growth in mice and protected the immune organs. Annexin V-FITC/PI, PI, and JC-1 staining showed that the primary mechanism of tumor inhibition was the induction of apoptosis and S-phase arrest with apoptosis achieved via a mitochondrial pathway. Practical applications Coriandrum sativum L. is used as a culinary spice but its medicinal value has also been widely recognized. A novel polysaccharide was extracted from this herbaceous plant and its structure and bioactivity were investigated. This high-molecular-weight polysaccharide exhibited antitumor effects against H22 cells in mice and had potential to be developed as an anti-liver cancer medicine and functional food supplement.