The immunological and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides extracted from Enteromorpha linza

Polysaccharides extracted with water and alkali from Enteromorpha linza were a group of hetero polysaccharides, and their immunological and antioxidant activities were investigated employing various established in vitro systems. The structural analysis showed that they were composed of rhamnose, mannose, xylose, glucose, and galactose with different molar ratio. Available data obtained with in vitro models suggested that the two kinds of polysaccharide showed significant inhibitory effects on radical and could increase the capability of T and B lymphocytes proliferation. These results clearly establish the possibility that these polysaccharides extracted from E. linza could be effectively employed as ingredient in health or functional food, to all eviate oxidative stress. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted in experimental animal models.