Preparation and Antioxidant Properties of Polysaccharides from Dioscorea Opposite Thunb Roots

Crude polysaccharides were extracted from Dioscorea opposite Thunb roots and purified.The monosaccharide components of the resulting polysaccharides were identified by means of gas chromatography.Furthermore,the antioxidant activities of crude polysaccharides(CYPP)and purified polysaccharides(CYP)were evaluated in vitro.Results indicate that the purified polysaccharides have a very high purity,and they consist of monosaccharide components including rhamnose,arabinose,mannose,glucose and galactose.At the same time,CYPP and CYP were found to have moderate reducing capability,strong activity to scavenge hydroxyl free radicals,and strong ability to inhibit spontaneous peroxidation of liver lipid.In general,the polysaccharides prepared from Dioscorea opposite Thunb roots have good antioxidant activities,and they may find promising applications as potent antioxidant agents and anti-aging medicines.