Abstract: This report described the isolation and purification of the polysaccharide from Prunella vugaris L. (PP2). The best combination of isolation conditions had been obtained through the orthogonal experiment. Paper Chromatography , agarose gel electrophoresis and ultraviolet spectroscopy had been introduced to determine the purity of the PP2 and fractional deposition and gas chromatography had been applied to analyze the monosaccharide constituents of PP2. By the chemical simulation in vitro, the antioxidant activity of PP2 had been studied . The results of the experiment showed that PP2 had significant scavenging effect on oxide radical, hydroxide radical and univalent radical NO₂ but poor scavenging effect on organic radical. PP2 could prevent the membrane lipid from peroxidation and reduce hemolysis of red cells and production of MDA as well .

Key words: Prunella vugaris