Researchers from the Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Northwestern Plant Resources, CAS, have received a Chinese invention patent for their preparation technique of astragalan polysaccharide selenate capsules. The selenium-polysac- charidescan enhance human immune system, show antioxidant activitiesin the human body and defer senility.

Astragalan polysaccharide selenate is prepared through the reaction of astragalan polysaccharide and selenating reagent. Based on this, researchers have developed the preparation technique of astragalan polysaccharide selenate capsules. The main components of the capsule are astragalan polysaccharide selenate and a small amount of excipient. Every capsule contains 24-210 micro-gram selenium. Astragalan polysaccharide selenate belongs to organic selenium and is beneficial to absorption.

Selenium is the trace element necessary to the human body. It takes part in the formation of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and thyroid metabolism. It can protect the heart, enhance human immune system, defer senility and has anti-tumor and anti-virus functions.

The distribution of selenium in nature is not even. Most areas in China lack selenium. Therefore, it is of great significance to develop selenium-related health products.

The patent is No. ZL: 200810150289.X received on April 27, 2011.