Comparison of structural, antioxidant and immuno‐stimulating activities of polysaccharides from <i>Tremella fuciformis</i> in two different regions of China

Abstract

Summary In this study, we compared the chemical structure, antioxidant and immuno‐stimulating activities of two polysaccharides, TPS–FJ and TPS–SC, extracted from Tremella fuciformis from two of the major cultivation regions of China. TPS–FJ and TPS–SC contained protein and high uronic acid. Average molecular weights of TPS–FJ and TPS–SC were 45 461 and 25 981 kDa, respectively. A triple‐helix conformation was exhibited by TPS–FJ but not by TPS–SC. TPS–FJ and TPS–SC contained same monosaccharides but in different ratios. Both the polysaccharides displayed characteristic polysaccharide bands in their Fourier transform infrared and NMR spectra, shown high water and oil holding capacity, and retained antioxidant potential after simulated gastrointestinal digestion in vitro . TPS–FJ significantly ( P &lt; 0.05) stimulated the nitric oxide, tumour necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐6 production of RAW 264.7 cells with higher reactions than those of TPS–SC in vitro . Thus, Tremella fuciformis polysaccharide can be used as a potential antioxidant and immunomodulatory ingredient in food industry.