Chemical characterization of lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its inhibition against liver oxidative injury of high-fat mice

In this study, we investigated chemical structure of lycium barbarum polysaccharides and its modulatory effect on oxidative stress in high-fat mice. The polysaccharides mainly contained xylose and glucose. Little amount of rhamnose, mannose and galactose was observed. The lycium barbarum polysaccharides had IR bands at 800–1200 cm−1, 1450–1800 cm−1, 2500–3000 cm−1, and 3200–3600 cm−1, which were distinctive absorptions of polysaccharides. Rats are fed with high-fat diet for 2 months. Results showed that blood and liver antioxidant enzymes activities and GSH level in model mice significantly decreased, and MDA level significantly increased (P < 0.01) compared to normal control mice. Administration of lycium barbarum polysaccharides significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased MDA level in mice (P < 0.01) compared to model group.