Characterization of antioxidant polysaccharides from Auricularia auricular using microwave-assisted extraction

► Polysaccharides from Auricularia auricular (AAP) were extracted using MAE. ► Influence of MAE to structure and antioxidant activity of AAP was determined. ► The structure of AAP was elucidated by chemical and instrumental analysis. ► AAP showed the significant antioxidant activity in vitro systems. ► MAE can improve the antioxidant activity of AAP with no obvious change in structure.