Polysaccharides have been used for decades to stimulate
the immune system and have been used in the treatment of
cancer [4]. Some papers have reported the structure and
antioxidation activity of C. sinensis polysaccharides (CPS). A
glucan was isolated from the mycelium of C. sinensis with 75%
ethanol extraction overnight [5]. Its antioxidant activity was
demonstrated by the xanthine oxidate, haemolysis and lipid
peroxidation assay systems [6]. It can also enhance the
apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by triptolide [7]. Our group
found that the crude CPS showed protective effects on
Madin–Darby canine kidney cell line (MDCK) and human
mesangial cell (HMC) with cisplatin induced damage. With
the efforts of our group, C. sinensis capsules are being used as
a new drug in the treatment of chronic renal failure (CRF) for
the first time, which is on phase II clinical trial in China.