Abstract: Total polysaccharides were extracted from bamboo shoots (i.e.TPBS) by ultrasonic-assisted extraction with water, and then purified by ethanol precipitation to remove pigment and protein. With the same concentration of ascorbic acid (Vc) as the control, the antioxidant activity of total polysaccharides were investigated by testing scavenging effects of ·OH and O₂^-·, reduction capability to Fe³⁺ and against the peroxidation of oils and fats. The results showed that TPBS of extract exhibited a strong ability to remove ·OH and O₂^-·, excellent deoxidation function of Fe³⁺ and good inhibitory effect on peroxidation of oils and fats. The scavenging rate of ·OH and O₂^-·was 47 % and 18 %, and protecting rate for oil and fat was 58 % and 30 %, respectively, at the concentration of 0.5 g/L TPBS. The scavenging rate of ·OH and O₂^-· was 55 % and 90 %, and protecting rate for oil and fat was 78 % and 65 %, respectively, at the concentration of 0.5 g/L Vc. Furthermore, the antioxidative activity was increased with polysaccharides concentration increasing.

Key words: bamboo shoots, total polysaccharides, extraction, antioxidative activity