Influence of molecular weight and periodate-modification of β -D-glucans from poria cocos sclerotium on antitumor activities

摘要

In this work, influence of molecular weight and periodate modification of β-D-glucans isolated from Poria cocos sclertium on the antitumor activities against Sar- coma 180 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) tumor was studied. The results show that two glucans PC3 (linearβ -(1→3) -D-glucan) and PC4 [β-(1→3)-D-glucan with a few of branches and glucuronic acid] are devoid of antitumor activity. However, when the glucans were modified by periodate oxidation, borohydride reduction and oild hydrolysis or partially hydrolysis, the derivatives have obvious antitumor activities.