Abstract: Objective: To investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity and anti-fatigue activity of oligopeptide derived from defatted fish meal from marine trash fish (mainly anchovy). Methods: The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated using four chemical model systems and DNA oxidative damage model system and the anti-fatigue activity was assessed by measuring physiological and biochemical indexes of mice. Results: The oligopeptide scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (IC50 = (4.76 ± 0.57) mg/mL), hydroxyl (IC50 = (5.09 ± 0.27) mg/mL) and superoxide anion radicals (IC50 = (5.91 ± 0.23) mg/mL) and had reducing power (IC50 = (1.31 ± 0.12) mg/mL). Compared with the control group, the oligopeptide at all dosages could significantly increase exhaustive swimming time, decrease the levels of lactic acid and blood urea nitrogen, and increase liver glycogen content and the activities of endogenous cellular antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in mice after exhaustive swimming exercise. Conclusion: The oligopeptide derived from marine trash fish has antioxidant capacity and can increase endurance capacity and facilitate recovery from physical exhaustion.

Key words: marine trash fish-derived oligopeptide, antioxidant, anti-fatigue, free radical