Structure analysis and antitumor activity of (1-->3)-beta-d-glucans (cordyglucans) from the mycelia of Cordyceps sinensis.

The cell wall polysaccharides from Cordyceps sinensis were obtained from the fresh samples of the mycelia, the material was released by successive extractions with hot water and 0.05 M sodium hydroxide solutions. The extracts were fractionated by ion-exchange and gel-filtration chromatography, respectively. Analysis of the first fraction showed that cordyglucans were the unique component. Cordyglucans were found to exhibit potent antitumor activity, this activity could be correlated to their (1-->3)-beta-d-glucan linkages.