Objective This study aimed to extract Safflower polysaccharides (SPS) via water extraction and alcohol precipitation method, and to analyze their structural characteristics and antioxidant activity in vitro.Methods SPS was separated into three fractions-SPS-A, SPS-B and SPS-C using DEAE-52 ion exchange and Sephadex G-200 gel chromatography. Structural properties were analyzed through UV-vis scanning and infrared spectroscopy. The antioxidant activity of SPS-A was assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays.Results The polysaccharide contents of SPS-A, SPS-B and SPS-C was 89.75%, 90.37%, 90.22%, respectively. The samples did not contain protein or nucleic acid substances. It is speculated that SPS-A, SPS-B and SPS-C were β-type pyran ring structures. The IC₅₀ value of SPS-A for scavenging DPPH free radicals was 0.35 mg/mL, and the total antioxidant capacity of Fe³⁺ (FRAP) was 411.58 μmol/L FeSO₄.Conclusion The papain-Sevag method was the most effective for deproteinization of crude polysaccharides. Safflower polysaccharide, characterized by β-type pyranose ring structures, demonstrated significant antioxidant potential, which can be enhanced by increasing polysaccharide concentration. Optimizing separation and purification processes could improve sample yield and support large-scale production. SPS holds promise as a novel antioxidant for pharmaceutical and functional food applications.