Optimization for Production of Intracellular Polysaccharide from Cordyceps ophioglossoides L2 in Submerged Culture and Its Antioxidant Activities in vitro

Cordyceps ophioglossoides is a valuable traditional medicinal material. We have found that intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) is the major biologically active ingredient in Cordyceps ophioglossoides. This study is the first time to optimize the yield of IPS from Cordyceps ophioglossoides. The optimal medium for IPS production consists of glucose 54.50 g·L−1, yeast powder 25.50 g·L−1, NaH2PO4 0.4 g·L−1 and K2HPO4 0.4 g·L−1. The suggested culture conditions are 24 °C, initial pH 4.5 with a rotary speed of 120 r·min−1 for 168 h. The yield of IPS is 737.93 mg·L−1, which is 50% higher than the yield under the conditions prior to optimization. The anti-oxidative activities of IPS in Cordyceps ophioglossoides L2 are also characterized using various in vitro assay. The anti-oxidative activity may explain the reason why IPS from Cordyceps ophioglossoides can be used to fight against neurodegenerative diseases and menopausal symptoms.