Physicochemical characteristics of ultrasonic extracted polysaccharides from cordyceps cephalosporium mycelia

► Ultrasonic extraction (USE) got higher extraction yield than hot water extraction. ► USE caused a more compact arrangement in crude polysaccharides. ► IR spectra of purified fractions (USEP40-1, USEP70-1) were different at 1746 cm−1. ► Mw and monosaccharide compositions of USEP40-1 and USEP70-1 were clarified. ► USEP40-1 and USEP70-1 showed different ABTS and hydroxyl scavenging activities.