Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the physical and chemical properties of polysaccharides from selenium-rich tea and the
effects of these polysaccharides on swimming performance and recovery from swimming-induced fatigue in mice. Methods:
The polysaccharides were extracted by using the method of water extraction and alcohol precipitation. The proximate
composition and ultraviolet and infrared spectral characteristics of selenium-rich tea polysaccharides (STPs) were tested. At
the same time, a 5-week endurance exercise model in mice was established, and the mice were given by oral gavage different
doses of STPs. The swimming exhaustion time of mice was recorded and the concentrations of blood glucose, blood urea
nitrogen (BUN), blood lactic acid (BLA) and the contents of hepatic glycogen and malonaldehyde (MDA) as well as the
activity of hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured immediately and at 24 h after exhaustive exercise.
Results: STPs were Se-binding glycoproteins and could prolong the swimming exhaustion time, improve the carbohydrate
metabolism, significantly increase the activity of GSH-Px and reduce the content of MDA in liver tissue of mice. Conclusion:
STPs have an anti-fatigue effect in mice and the underlying mechanism is related to regulating the carbohydrate metabolism
and improving tissue lipid peroxidation caused by excessive exercise.

Key words: selenium-rich tea polysaccharide (STP), exhaustive exercise, exercise-induced fatigue