Extraction, characterization and antioxidant activities of pumpkin polysaccharide

Extraction and antioxidant activities of polysaccharide from pumpkin were discussed. The crude polysaccharide was extracted with the hot water. It showed that the calcium chloride (CaCl2) method was ideal for deproteinization. The pumpkin polysaccharide was linked by the α/β-glycosidic bond, and it might contain acetyl groups. Pumpkin polysaccharide was heteropolysaccharide composed of six monosaccharides. In addition, it indicated that pumpkin polysaccharide exhibited good antioxidant activities.