Characterization and antioxidant activities of polysaccharides from leaves, flowers and seeds of green tea

The chemical characterization and antioxidant activities of tea leaves polysaccharides (TLPS), tea seed polysaccharide (TSPS), tea flower polysaccharide (TFPS) were investigated after isolated from the leaves, flowers and seeds of camellia sinensis. Results indicated that TLPS. TFPS and TSPS were all composed of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glu, Xyl, GalA and GluA, besides, TLPS was also contained Man and Rib, and TFPS was also contained Man. The molecular weight distribution of TLPS, TFPS and TSPS ranged from 3.67 x 10(3) to 7.58 x 10(5) Da, 2.56 x 10(3) to 1.46 x 10(6) Da and 3.66 x 10(3) to 9.61 x 10(5) Da, respectively. Antioxidant activity tests revealed that TLPS, TFPS and TSPS exhibited strong antioxidation in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, TLPS and TFPS had higher antioxidant activity than TSPS. The nature of monosaccharide and the higher molecular weight in TLPS and TFPS molecules probably contribute to the activities. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.