Abstract: Schisandra chinensis bee pollen has strong antioxidant activity. In order to explore the distribution of antioxidant components in it, the 75% ethanol extract of S. chinensis bee pollen was fractionated by successive extraction with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The active ingredients and antioxidant activity in vitro of the fractions were evaluated as well as the inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation of liver homogenate and the protective effect on DNA oxidative damage. The results showed that the fractions differed significantly with respect to their antioxidant activity, inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation and protective effect on oxidative DNA damage (P < 0.05), in the decreasing order: n-butanol extract > ethyl acetate extract > petroleum ether extract. The n-butanol extract had the highest total phenolic content (26.11 g/100 g), and its total flavonoid content was 27.90 g/100 g. This extract had strong Fe2+ chelating power, reducing power, and 1,1-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging capacity. Moreover, 85% of lipid peroxidation was inhibited by 0.2 mg/mL of the n-butanol extract. This study provides a basis for the separation and purification of powerfully antioxidant phenolics from S. chinensis bee pollen and for the development of antioxidant foods.

Key words: Schisandra chinensis bee pollen, extracts, antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage