The extraction of Ramulus mori polysaccharides (RMPs) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal process conditions, which gave the highest yield of RMPs (6.25%) were 80 °C, 50 min, and a solid⁻liquid ratio of 1:40 (g/mL), with the extraction performed twice. The RMPs contained seven monosaccharides, namely, mannose, rhamnose; glucuronic acid, glucose, xylose, galactose, and arabinose, in a 1.36:2.68:0.46:328.17:1.53:21.80:6.16 molar ratio. The glass transition and melting temperatures of RMPs were 83 and 473 °C, respectively. RMPs were α-polysaccharides and had surfaces that resembled a porous sponge, as observed by scanning electron microscopy. RMPs inhibited the proliferation of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa and showed antioxidant activity (assessed by three different methods), although it was generally weaker than that of vitamin C. RMPs showed anti-inflammatory activity in a concentration-dependent manner. This study provides a basis for exploring the potential uses of RMPs.
Keywords: Ramulus mori; bioactivity; polysaccharides.