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Antioxidant Effects of Taishan Pine Pollen

Preliminary Characterization, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Polysaccharides from Taishan Pinus massoniana Pollen

Authors: Weiming Ma, Lijiang Ge, Zhengui Yan, Ruiliang Zhu

Introduction

Pine pollen has garnered significant interest for its potential health benefits, particularly its antioxidant properties. This study focuses on the chemical composition, antioxidant activities, and hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides extracted from Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen.

Objective

To characterize the chemical composition of polysaccharides from Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen and evaluate their antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities.

Methodology

  • Chemical Composition Analysis: High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) were used to analyze the polysaccharides.
  • Antioxidant Activities: In vitro assays assessed the antioxidant activities at different doses.
  • Hepatoprotective Effects: The protective effects were tested on rats subjected to CCl4-induced oxidative stress, with polysaccharides administered at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg body weight.

Results

  • Chemical Composition: The polysaccharides were primarily composed of glucose and arabinose.
  • Antioxidant Activities: Demonstrated significant dose-dependent antioxidant properties.
  • Hepatoprotective Effects: Rats treated with the polysaccharides showed reduced levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and markers of oxidative stress, indicating liver protection.

Research Significance

Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting our bodies from oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including liver disease. The findings from this study suggest that pine pollen polysaccharides could be a natural and effective way to support liver health and protect against oxidative damage.

Conclusion

Polysaccharides from Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen exhibit strong antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, making them a valuable natural substance for liver health and antioxidative defense.

Citation

Ma, W., Ge, L., Yan, Z., & Zhu, R. (2018). Preliminary characterization, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective activities of polysaccharides from Taishan Pinus massoniana pollen. Molecules, 23(2), 281. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23020281