Polysaccharides From Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth.: Characterization and Antioxidant Activities

Area of Science:

• Phytochemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Pogostemon cablin (P. cablin) is a plant with potential medicinal properties.
• Polysaccharides are known for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To isolate and characterize polysaccharide fractions from P. cablin.
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of these polysaccharides.

Main Methods:

• Water extraction and Sepharose chromatography were used for polysaccharide isolation.
• Chemical properties and monosaccharide composition were analyzed.
• In vitro antioxidant assays (hydroxyl radical scavenging, metal ion-chelating, ferric-reducing) and in vivo studies in a mice model were performed.

Main Results:

• Two polysaccharide fractions, PCB-1 (97.8 kDa) and PCB2-1 (12.8 kDa), were isolated.
• Both fractions demonstrated significant in vitro antioxidant activities.
• PCB-1 enhanced antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and reduced oxidative stress markers in vivo.

Conclusions:

• Polysaccharides from P. cablin possess strong antioxidant capabilities.
• PCB-1 shows promising potential for development as a functional food ingredient due to its antioxidant effects.