In this study, the crude polysaccharides of C. javanica (CJP) was obtained from Codonopsis javanica (Blume) Hook. f. et Thomson using hot water extraction method, which was separated and purified by DEAE-cellulose column and Sepharose CL-6B column. The structure of the purified component was preliminary characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). By examining the degree of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice and carbon particle clearance index, the immunomodulatory activity was clarified. The results showed that the extraction rate of CJP was 24.9 ± 0.5%. After purification, the refined polysaccharides component (CJP-2) was obtained. The structural characterization results indicated that CJP-2 was mainly composed of mannose, glucose, and galactose, and its molecular weight was 790 Da. Immunomodulation results showed that the low and medium levels of CJP significantly enhanced the degree of DTH in mice (P < 0.05). CJP can improve the clearance index of mice and enhance their charcoal removal function. The study indicates that C. javanica is a good source of polysaccharides, and CJP may be a new type of immunomodulator.
Keywords: Codonopsis javanica; immunomodulatory activity; polysaccharides; purification.