The structural properties and Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition activities of a polysaccharide (PGE) extracted from Gastrodia elata Blume were investigated. PGE was extracted using hot water and purified by Sephadex G-200 followed by ultra-filtration. The structural characterisation of PGE was analysed by FT–IR, NMR spectroscopy, specific rotation determination, periodate oxidation-smith degradation, methylation analysis, GC–MS and Congo red test. The results revealed that PGE was composed by glucose, with an average molecular weight of 1.54 × 10³ kDa. The structure of PGE was 1→3 and 1→4,6-branched-glucopyranose that had a linear backbone of (1 → 4)-linked-d-glucopyranose (Glcp). ACE-inhibitory activity results showed that PGE was efficient to inhibit ACE and the IC₅₀ value was 0.66 mg/mL.

A polysaccharide named PNP was extracted and purified from Pholiota nameko. The total sugar content of PNP was 95.29% and the molecular weight was 1.89 × 10³ kDa. The structural features of PNP were investigated by the combination of chemical and instrumental analysis such as UV spectrophotometer, specific rotation determination, FT-IR, methylisation analysis and Congo red. The results showed that the optical rotation of PNP was +120° and that it had a triple-helical structure. Besides, PNP was mainly composed of glucose and mannose at the molar ratio of 4.24:1.00. The backbone of PNP was composed of (1→3)-linked-Glc and (1→3)-linked-Man whereas the branches of (1→3,6)-linked- Glc, (1→3,6)-linked-Man and T- Glc. Consistenting with the results of UV–Vis spectra, FT-IR spectroscopy and ¹H NMR, indicated that PNP was a complex of polysaccharides and polyphenols. In vitro antioxidant results suggested that PNP was processed with certain scavenging capacity.