Isolation and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides extracted from the shoots of Phyllostachys edulis (Carr.).

Polysaccharides extracted from Phyllostachys edulis (Carr.) are a group of hetero polysaccharides, and their antioxidant activities were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. Available data obtained with in vitro models suggested that among the three samples, B1 (extraction with water) showed significant inhibitory effects on superoxide radical and hydroxyl radical; its reducing power was also the strongest among the three samples. These results clearly establish the possibility that polysaccharides extracted from P. edulis could be effectively employed as ingredient in health or functional food, to alleviate oxidative stress. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted in experimental animal models.