Protective effect of polysaccharides from Celluclast-assisted extract of Hizikia fusiforme against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in vitro in Vero cells and in vivo in zebrafish

Polysaccharides were extracted by Celluclast-assisted hydrolysis and ethanol precipitation from Hizikia fusiforme (HFPS), and their in vitro antioxidant effects were evaluated in Vero cells. HFPS contains 63.56 ± 0.32% sulfate polysaccharides, which comprise fucose (53.53%), galactose (23.15%), glucose (5.95%), and xylose (17.37%). HFPS scavenged DPPH, alkyl, and hydroxyl radicals at IC50 values of 0.81 ± 0.02, 0.25 ± 0.02, and 0.21 ± 0.03 mg/mL, respectively. HFPS significantly reduced H2O2-induced cytotoxicity in Vero cells. Furthermore, HFPS reduced intracellular ROS levels, and H2O2-induced apoptosis. HFPS has a strong protective effect against H2O2-stimulated oxidative stress in vivo in zebrafish, and showed improved survival rate, decreased heart rate, and reduced ROS generation and cell death. These results suggest that HFPS may be useful as an antioxidant in medical and cosmetic industries.