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With the accelerated pace of modern life, people are facing more and more health pressure. The study of polysaccharides seemed a good choice as a potential treasure trove. Polysaccharides, one of the four basic substances (proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and carbohydrates) that constitute life activities, are obviously an underrated macromolecular substance with great potential. Compared with protein and nucleic acid, the research of polysaccharides is still in the primary stage. The relationship between structure and function of polysaccharides is not clear. In this review, we highlighted the main methods of extraction, purification and structure identification of polysaccharides; summarized their biological activities including immunoregulation, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, anti-virus, anti-coagulation, and so on. Particularly, the relationship between their structures and activities was described. In addition, the applications of polysaccharides in health food, medicine and cosmetics were also reviewed. This review can help polysaccharide researchers quickly understand the whole process of polysaccharides research, and also provide a reference for the comprehensive utilization of polysaccharides. We need to standardize the research of polysaccharides to make the experimental data more universal, and take it as important references in the review process. Glycomic may appear as the next "omic" after genomic and proteomic in the future. This review provides support for the advancement of glycomics.

Ionizing radiation (IR) is widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of various cancers. However, IR can cause damage to human health by producing reactive oxygen species. Lactococcus lactis is a type of microorganism that is beneficial to human health and has a strong antioxidant capacity. In this study, the protective effect of normal and IR-induced L. lactis IL1403 cell-free extracts (CFE and IR-CFE, respectively) against oxidative damage in vitro and the radioprotective effect of IR-CFE in vivo was evaluated using 60Coγ-induced oxidative damage model in mice. Results showed that IR-CFE exhibited a stronger oxidative damage-protective effect than CFE for L. lactis IL1403 under H2O2 in vitro. Moreover, IR-CFE also showed strong radioprotective effect on hepatocyte cells (AML-12) under radiation condition, and the effect was better than that of CFE. Animal experiment indicated that IR-CFE could reduce the IR-induced damage to the hematopoietic system by increasing the number of white blood cells and red blood cells in peripheral blood of irradiated mice. It was also observed that IR-CFE could markedly alleviate the 60Coγ-induced oxidative stress via increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, enhancing the levels of glutathione, and decreasing the contents of malondialdehyde in serum, liver, and spleen. In addition, IR-CFE also could reduce the activities of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum, thereby reducing radiation damage to the liver. These results suggested that IR-CFE could be considered as potential candidates for natural radioprotective agents. This study provides a theoretical basis for improving the application of lactic acid bacteria.

Insoluble dietary fiber (IDF) and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) extracted from wheat bran were modified by snail enzyme and their physicochemical properties (water retention capacity and oil retention capacity), functional properties (cholesterol adsorption capacity, glucose adsorption capacity and antioxidant activity) and structural characterizations were evaluated. The results showed that snail enzyme modification led to the significant increase in oil retention capacity of IDF, glucose adsorption capacity and cholesterol adsorption capacity of IDF and SDF. Enzymatic modification also markedly improved the DPPH radical scavenging capacity and reducing power of IDF and SDF. Meanwhile, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis indicated the microstructures of IDF and SDF powders were significantly changed. Fourier transfer-infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) showed that snail enzyme modification could degrade the part of cellulose and hemicellulose of IDF and SDF. All these improved physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF might depend on their structural changes. It suggested that snail enzyme modification could effectively improve physicochemical and functional properties of IDF and SDF from wheat bran.

Nisin, a natural peptide produced by Lactococcus lactis cultivation in milk whey, is widely used as a preservative in industrial production. However, nisin can be degraded by endogenous enzymes in foods. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial activity of nisin-soybean protein and nisin-egg white protein and compared them with that of free nisin in cantaloupe juice, which was used as a model of endogenous protease environment. Results showed that endogenous proteases in the model resulted in a loss of nisin activity, but combining nisin with protein (soybean or egg white) resulted in greater protection of its antimicrobial activity by inhibiting endogenous proteases. The microbial addition experiment (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus) and preservation experiment in the food model showed that the antibacterial activity of nisin combined with either of the 2 proteins was higher than that of nisin alone in an endogenous protease environment. In summary, soybean protein and egg white protein improved the protease tolerance of nisin, expanding the application scope of nisin in food.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an efficient bioactive polyphenol ester derived from propolis. However, its poor water solubility, bioavailability, and stability significantly limit its application. Based on the assembly properties of some natural small molecules (NSMs), asiatic acid-caffeic acid phenethyl ester nanoparticles (ASA-CAPE NPs) were prepared to overcome the above defects. After proportion optimization, the encapsulation and loading efficiencies of ASA-CAPE NPs reached 47.72 ± 0.17 % and 11.62 ± 0.42 %, respectively. Characterization results showed that ASA-CAPE NPs, mainly assembled by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic forces, possessed regular spherical morphology with a diameter size of less than 300 nm. Additionally, ASA-CAPE NPs presented improved water solubility, stability, and bioactivities than free CAPE. Besides, ASA-CAPE NPs also exhibited good sustained release of CAPE during the gastrointestinal digestion in vitro. Above all, ASA-CAPE NPs provide a new idea for efficiently utilizing hydrophobic active compounds in the functional food field.

Native potato starch (NPS) with tea polyphenols (TPs) was treated in a planetary ball mill, and the effects of co-grinding on properties and digestibility of starch were studied. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that the crystal structure of starch granules was destroyed after 7 h of ball grinding, and their crystallinity degree reduced from 38.1% to 8.3%. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses indicated that the damaged starch granules and TPs displayed agglomerates after 7 h of milling. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results demonstrated the existence of an interaction between starch chains and TPs, which improved the thermal stability and gelatinization temperatures of starch. The ball-milled starches with different amount of TPs showed significant variability to in vitro digestion (the contents of slowly digestible starch and resistant starch). Therefore, the produced ball-milled mixtures may be a desired dietary product for postprandial glycemic control.

Natural products can be used as natural radiosensitizers and radioprotectors, showing promising effects in cancer treatments in combination with radiotherapy, while reducing ionizing radiation (IR) damage to normal cells/tissues. The different effects of natural products on irradiated normal and tumor cells/tissues have attracted more and more researchers’ interest. Nonetheless, the clinical applications of natural products in radiotherapy are few, which may be related to their low bioavailability in the human body. Here, we displayed the radiation protection and radiation sensitization of major natural products, highlighted the related molecular mechanisms of these bioactive substances combined with radiotherapy to treat cancer, and critically reviewed their deficiency and improved measures. Lastly, several clinical trials were presented to verify the clinical application of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors. Further clinical evaluation is still needed. This review provides a reference for the utilization of natural products as radiosensitizers and radioprotectors.

L. lactis is known as industrial starter in the fermentation of dairy and meat products, and it plays an important role in human health as an edible probiotic. During industrial production, L. lactis often experiences different stresses that delay the growth and decrease the survival in some serious conditions. In this study, the protective effects of hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin (HP β-CD) on L. lactis under multiple stresses were investigated. The microbial cells were treated with different stresses including heat, NaCl, cold, and H2 O2 stresses, and the results were showed by measuring the OD600 or spot plating method. The growth and tolerance were improved when HP β-CD was added during different stress conditions, better than that of trehalose. Besides, the scanning electron microscopic and fluorescence spectrum studies showed that HP β-CD could combine with L. lactis to protect the cell structure, suggesting that HP β-CD may act as a protective agent of L. lactis. Therefore, HP β-CD could be considered as a potential protective agent to be applied in food industry, and its protective mechanism on L. lactis still needs further investigation.

A kind of novel polysaccharides from Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) was prepared by fermentation with a fungal probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii. The preparation methods and parameters of fermented Chinese yam polysaccharides (FCYP) were optimized. Molecular weight and FT-IR spectrum of the optimized FCYP were also evaluated, along with its biological activities and digestion behaviors. Results showed that FCYP distributed in fermentation supernatant possessed the best total reducing power. On this basis, the highly active FCYP was obtained under the optimal fermentation conditions: fermentation time of 36 h, inoculation volume of 6% and solid-liquid ratio of 1:25 g/mL. Compared with unfermented Chinese yam polysaccharides (UCYP), the molecular weight of FCYP decreased prominently, accompanied with a significant increase of in vitro antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, FCYP also exhibited a favorable radioprotective effect at the cellular level. After in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, FCYP remained relatively well bioactive stability, with lower molecular weight and the occurrence of lamellar morphological structure. Overall, Chinese yam polysaccharides fermented by S. boulardii were obtained with easier digestion and better functionality properties including antioxidant activity and radioprotection effect, which could be considered as one of health food components.

In order to evaluate the quality of maca samples, 15 batches of maca hypocotyls from different geographical origins were analyzed by using HPLC and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Their glucosinolates (GLs) were identified, profiled, and quantified. Three aromatic GLs, glucosinalbin (GSB), glucotropaeolin (GTL), and glucolimnanthin (GLH), were identified from maca roots. It was found that the HPLC profiles of maca samples showed a similar qualitative pattern except for some differences in their contents. The amount ranges (μmol g−1, DW) of GSB, GTL, and GLH were 2.62–5.55, 12.99–57.12, and 3.15–12.12, respectively. Furthermore, a HCA (hierarchical clustering analysis) was used to classify the quality of maca samples according to their cultivated sources and GLs contents. The results showed that the combination of GSB, GTL, and GLH could be a marker for accurate determination and quality control of maca samples. It was concluded that the multi-component analysis in combination with HCA could be a supplement to assess the quality of maca materials.

To explore novel sources of anti-fatigue drugs and food, the anti-fatigue activity of hemp leaves water extract (HLWE) was investigated through exhaustive swimming tests of mice. The median exhaustion swimming time of mice gavaged with HLWE reached 55.4 min, which was 156.8% and 87.8% longer than that of the control group and Rhodiola group, respectively. Then, several biochemical parameters related to fatigue were determined to explore the possible anti-fatigue reasons. The blood lactic acid concentration of mice in HLWE group was 0.76 mmol/L, which was 24.8% lower than that in the control group. Compared with the control group, the glutathione peroxidases activity of mice in HLWE group increased by 296.2%. Based on the results, HLWE exhibited outstanding anti-fatigue activity through reducing the accumulation of lactic acid and improving the activities of defense antioxidant enzymes. It shows appealing potential for development and utilization as novel anti-fatigue food or drugs.

To explore functional food ingredients from green seedlings, the bioactive components (phenolic compounds and γ-aminobutyric acid) and antioxidant activities (DPPH radical scavenging ability, ABTS radical scavenging ability and reducing power) of three green seedlings, including coix seed seedling (CSS), highland barely seedling (HBS) and naked oats seedling (NOS) cultivars were respectively measured and deeply compared. Results indicated that CSS showed the highest contents of the total polyphenol (183.35 mg/100 g), total flavonoid (348.68 mg/100 g), and γ-aminobutyric acid (54.17 mg/100 g). As expected, CSS also exerted the highest level of antioxidant activity, followed by HBS and NOS. Moreover, CSS possessed the potential of stimulating immune responses, including promoting proliferation and strengthening phagocytosis function of RAW264.7 cells. Taken together, all results suggested that the three green seedlings, especially CSS could be used as natural ingredients for functional food.

Excessive reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) produced by ionizing radiation (IR) can cause human body to serious oxidative damage, leading to oxidation-reduction (REDOX) system imbalance and immune system damage. Here, the radioprotection of EGCG was studied through a model of oxidative damage in 60Coγ radiation mice. Firstly, the weights and the main organs indexes of mice, including the liver index, spleen index and pancreas index, indicated preliminarily the safety and protection of EGCG. Then, the radioprotection of EGCG based on immune-regulation on radiation mice was further investigated. Results suggested that EGCG could prevent significantly the immune system damage caused by 60Coγ via increasing the immune organ index, inducing the transformation of spleen cells into T- and B-lymphocytes, and enhancing the macrophage phagocytosis, compared with model group. In addition, EGCG could also protect spleens of radiation mice from 60Coγ-induced the imbalance of REDOX system by enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increasing the level of glutathione (GSH), suppressing lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA). The antioxidant enzymes activities of serum and livers were also increased markedly. Taken together, our results indicated that EGCG possessed the excellent potential to serve as a natural radioprotector against IR-induced damage.

Lactic acid bacteria are often preserved as starter cultures by freezing to extend shelf stability as well as maintain cell viability and acidification activity. Previous studies showed that the endocyte extracted from gradient-freezing pretreated cells could act as lyoprotectant in the lyophilization process of Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis. In this study, the molecular mechanisms of L. lactis in response to gradient freezing exposure are described using high-throughput sequencing. Nineteen of 56 genes were upregulated after gradient freezing, whereas 37 genes were downregulated. Further validation results of quantitative real-time PCR experiments were consistent with the RNA sequencing. Gene Ontology (http://www.geneontology.org/) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG; https://www.genome.jp/kegg/) pathway were used to analyze the differentially expressed genes. Several pathways, such as glutathione metabolism, ATP-binding cassette transport, metabolism of cell wall and cell membrane components, and stress response-related pathways, were affected by gradient freezing. Six genes relevant to freezing stress response were selected for quantitative real-time PCR, including 3 upregulated genes (hisK, eutD, dukA) and 3 downregulated genes (als, yedF, pepN). The Gene Ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses showed these genes may influence stress response-related pathways, improving the survival of the L. lactis under freezing stress. The identification of these genes deepened an understanding about their response under freezing stress, helping us find potential genes or pathways related to gradient freezing for further research on lyoprotectants.

The characteristics and antioxidant activities of Cordyceps sobolifera polysaccharide (CSP) were investigated. Results from high-performance gel filtration chromatography showed that the average molecular weight of CSP was 1.53 × 104 kDa, while this polysaccharide was mainly composed of mannose, glucose and galactose in the molar ratio of 1.7:8.9:1 as determined by high-performance liquid chromatography after pre-column derivatization with 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone. Fourier-transform infrared spectrum of CSP indicated the typical functional groups of polysaccharide. Antioxidant activity results showed that CSP had reducing power (OD700 was 0.87 at 1.5 mg/mL), and it also exhibited scavenging activities on hydroxyl (·OH scavenging rate was 47.6% at 5 mg/mL) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (scavenging rate was 55.6% at 1 mg/mL) in a concentration-dependent manner. These results indicate that CSP has good in vitro antioxidant activity and can potentially be used for functional foods. Practical Applications Cordyceps sobolifera is a pricy traditional Chinese herb and it has been used in China for a long time. Polysaccharide extracted from C. sobolifera was characterized, and the antioxidant activities of this polysaccharide were investigated. The result may lay the foundation for the development of antioxidant functional foods from C. sobolifera.

Complexes of amylose (Am) with garlic bioactive components (GBCs) were prepared by milling activating treatment of Am and garlic paste (GP) together. The complex, produced by milling for 2.5h with the garlic (dry basis)/Am ratio of 1:5 (w/w) and water content of 25% (w/w) exhibited significantly higher allicin content (0.49mg/g of complex) than others. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques were used complex characterization. XRD results indicated that the Am and garlic bioactive components formed the V-type structure. FT-IR and DSC analysis further confirmed the formation of the Am-GBCs complex, and its thermal stability was improved in comparison with garlic powder. According to GC-MS results, all organosulfur compounds (OSCs) in fresh garlic were better retained to Am-GBCs complex. Therefore, the Am-GBCs complexes can have important applications as stable natural flavor compound systems.

A new colorimetric gas-sensor array based on four natural pigments, that were extracted from spinach (Spinacia oleracea), red radish (Raphanus sativus L.), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), and black rice (Oryza sativa L. indica), was developed for pork freshness evaluation. A colour change profile for each sample was obtained by differentiating the images of the sensor array before and after exposure to the odour of sample. The total viable count (TVC) per gram of pork was obtained by classical microbiological plating methods, and the biogenic amines were measured by HPLC. Biogenic amine index (BAI) for the determination of meat freshness was developed from the sum of putrescine and cadaverine. The colour change profiles were analysed using principal component analysis and correlated with conventional methods (BAI, TVC). A partial least squares (PLS) prediction model was obtained with r=0.854 and 0.933 for BAI and TVC, respectively.

Ionizing radiation (IR) resistance and toxicity to normal cells are the main problems in radiotherapy for cancer. In this study, we demonstrated that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could inhibit effectively IR-induced damage to mouse normal hepatic cells AML-12, and improve dramatically the radiosensitivity of mouse hepatoma cells H22 to 60Coγ. In addition, the different effects of EGCG and underlying molecular mechanisms based on microRNA-34a (miR-34a) and apoptosis-related proteins were investigated by cells viability analysis, quantitative realtime PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and cells transfection. The results indicated EGCG played the key role of radiosensitization on H22 cells by activating the miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signaling pathway. Besides, EGCG could down-regulate the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and up-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and Caspase-3 in H22 cells. Interestingly, EGCG showed contrary results on AML-12 cells. Therefore, radiation protection and radiosensitization of EGCG were associated with apoptosis regulated by miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signaling pathway.

The properties of Jxsac 2, a new polysaccharide from potato starch with low cost, were characterized to determine its physico-chemical, morphological, pasting and thermal properties, and in vitro digestibility. Results showed that Jxsac 2 is produced from starch with limited degradation. There were three peaks in the high-performance size exclusion chromatography, and the average molecular weight of this polysaccharide was 9,676 D. Jxsac 2 has high rapidly digestible starch content (87.06%), while the resistant starch content is 12.94%. The polysaccharide had medium molecular weight, which might supply energy rapidly and maintain blood glucose level. Jxsac 2 could be a potential ingredient for the industrial application in high-energy sports drinks and solid beverages. Practical Applications Polysaccharides are important ingredients in solid sports beverage. The ideal polysaccharide for solid drinks should have low osmotic pressure and high sugar supplementation. However, there is very limited supply of high-energy solid drinks containing polysaccharides in China. We have developed a new polysaccharide named Jxsac 2 for sports beverages in the Chinese domestic market. This polysaccharide from potato starch with low cost shows great potential in the industrial application of sports drinks and solid beverages.

This paper is concerned with the optimization of effect factors for mycelial growth and exopolysaccharide production by Schizophyllum commune by one-factor-at-a-time and orthogonal methods. The one-factor-at-a-time method was adopted to investigate the effects of six different compounds (sodium carboxymethylcellulose, L: -glutamic acid, V(B1), naphthalene acetic acid, oleic acid, and Tween 80) on mycelial growth and exopolysaccharide production. Among these factors, oleic acid, V(B1) and Tween 80 were identified to be the most important factors. Subsequently, the concentration of oleic acid, V(B1) and Tween 80 were optimized using the orthogonal matrix method. The effects of the factors on the mycelial growth of S. commune were in the order of oleic acidV(B1)Tween 80, and those on exopolysaccharide production were in the same order. The optimal concentration for mycelia and exopolysaccharide were determined as oleic acid 0.1% (v/v), V(B1) 0.5 mg/L, and Tween 80 6 mg/L. The subsequent verification experiments confirmed the validity of the models. Under this optimized conditions in shake flask culture, the mycelial yield and exo-biopolymer production were 25.93 and 2.79 g/L, respectively, which were considerably higher than those obtained in the preliminary studies. The result was further confirmed in a 7-L fermentor experiments.

Two polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (GLP1 from fermentation broth and GLP2 from fruiting body) were obtained and investigated for their in vitro antioxidant properties. The two polysaccharides showed strong antioxidant activities in a dose-dependent manner. At 5.0 mg/mL, the reducing power and the scavenging rate on DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical of GLP1 were 1.25, 50 and 80 %, while that of GLP2 were 1.46, 85, and 78 %, respectively. GLP1 and GLP2 also showed strong protective effects on yeast cells from UV and H2O2 damage. At 20 mg/mL, the protective effects on yeast cells from UV and H2O2 of GLP1 were 57 and 49 %, and that of GLP2 were 84 and 79 %, respectively. Thus, both GLP1 and GLP2 could be considered as antioxidants for food and pharmaceutical industries.

This paper is concerned with optimization of submerged culture conditions for mycelial growth and Exopolysaccharides (EPS) yield with Coriolus versiolor by both one-factor-at-a-time and orthogonal matrix methods. Glucose and yeast-Extracts were identified to be the most suitable carbon and nitrogen sources, respectively. The optimal initial pH, inoculum size and liquid volume for mycelial growth and EPS yield were 5.0, 8% and 150mL/500mL, respectively. Subsequently, the concentration of glucose, yeast-extract, KH2PO4, and MgSO4•7H2O were optimized using the orthogonal matrix method. The effects of media composition on the mycelial growth of Coriolus versiolor were in the order of glucose >KH2PO4 > yeast-extract > MgSO4•7H2O, and those on EPS yield were in the order of glucose >MgSO4•7H2O> yeast-extract >KH2PO4.The optimal concentrations for enhanced yield were determined as 30 g/L glucose, 7.0 g/L yeast-extract, 1.0 g/L KH2PO4, 1.0 g/L MgSO4•7H2O, and 40 g/L glucose, 6.0 g/L yeast-extract, 1.0 g/L KH2PO4, 1.5 g/L MgSO4•7H2O for mycelial and EPS yield, respectively. The verification experiments confirmed the final medium. This optimization strategy (30 g/L glucose, 7.0 g/L yeast-extract, 2.0 g/L KH2PO4 and 0.5 g/L MgSO4•7H2O) in shake flask culture lead to a mycelial yield of 5.18 g/L, and EPS yield of 0.64 g/L, respectively, which were considerably higher than those obtained in preliminary studies. Under optimal culture conditions, the maximum EPS concentration in a 5-L stirred-tank bioreactor was 0.75 g/L, while the maximum mycelial yield was 8.55 g/L. This also corresponded to 14.67% and 39.42% enhancement in EPS yield and mycelial dry weight, respectively, compared with the verification test results.

Carbohydrate consumption during exercise can improve performance and delay the onset of fatigue. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel sports drink powder, Jxdrink, containing the high molecular weight polysaccharide Jxsac. Animal experiments including digestion and exhaustive swimming experiments were conducted to observe the physiological effects of this beverage. Human experiments involved the participation of 10 healthy male athletes completing a 180 km road cycling test. The osmolality of Jxdrink was 170-175 mosmol kg(-1), lower than that of human blood. Jxdrink was found to prolong the exhaustive swimming time in test animals. Moreover, Jxdrink had a relatively high glycemic index that maintained blood glucose levels during human cycling experiments. Thus, Jxdrink was found to effectively delay the onset of fatigue in both human and animal experiments.

Morchella esculenta, an edible medicinal mushroom native to China, is recognized as an unparalleled resource of healthy foods and drug discovery. This study firstly investigated the antioxidant activity of Morchella esculenta extracellular polysaccharides (MEEP). An in vitro antioxidant assay showed that MEEP exhibited strong hydroxyl radical scavenging activity and moderate 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryldydrazyl radical scavenging activity and reductive power. For antioxidant testing in vivo, MEEP were orally administered over a period of 60 days in a d-galactose induced aged mice model. Administration of the polysaccharides inhibited significantly the formation of malondialdehyde livers and serums, and raised the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the total antioxidant capacity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we also observed that MEEPs markedly enhanced the body's immune system by measuring macrophage phagocytosis and splenocyte proliferation in d-galactose induced mice. These findings suggest that EPs from Morchella esculenta are a promising source of natural antioxidants and immunoenhancing drugs.