Potential antioxidant activities in vitro of polysaccharides extracted from ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Polysaccharides extracted from ginger 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, G2 (extract with acid solution) showed significant inhibitory effects on superoxide radical, hydroxyl and DPPH radical; its reducing power and iron(II) chelation activity was also the strongest. These results clearly establish the possibility that polysaccharides extracted from ginger could be effectively employed as an ingredient in health or functional food, to alleviate oxidative stress. However, comprehensive studies need to be conducted in experimental animal models.