Study on biological activities of Physalis alkekengi var. francheti polysaccharide

Abstract BACKGROUND: Physalis alkekengi var. francheti is a well‐known edible and medicinal plant in oriental countries. Recent reports indicate that polysaccharides play an important role as a dietary free radical scavenger for the prevention of oxidative damage. RESULTS: Antioxidant studies showed that fruit polysaccharide (FP) had higher scavenging effects on 1,1‐dipheny‐l‐2‐picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl radical assay (·OH) than vitamin C and fruit calyx polysaccharide (FCP) in vitro . The results of animal experiments showed that D ‐galactose‐induced aging in mice, as evidenced by alterations in superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and monoamine oxidase activities and malondialdehyde level, was ameliorated by FP treatment. Moreover, FP could distinctly prolong the loaded‐swimming time of mice, lower the content of blood urea nitrogen of post‐exercise mice, decrease the consumption of liver glycogen and increase the activity of lactic dehydrogenase. All these results suggested that FP functioned in resisting the production of fatigue and accelerating the dispelling of fatigue. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that Physalis alkekengi var. francheti would be a valuable source of polysaccharide and FP is able to effectively scavenge free radicals, delay aging in mice and resist the production of fatigue. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry