Crude polysaccharides from rapeseed meal (PRM) were extracted with 0.3% NaOH aqueous solution, followed by further purifications and 2 fractions, namely PRM1 and PRM2, were separated with a DEAE-cellulose DE-52 column. Their primary compositions were analysed and antioxidant activity was determined, including scavenging activity toward superoxide anion radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and nitric oxide radicals, reducing power, and inhibitory effects against the microsomal lipid peroxidation, compared to that of L-ascorbic acid. The results indicated that PRM1 and PRM2 exhibited not only good reducing power and inhibitory effects on the microsomal lipid peroxidation, but also strong scavenging activity toward superoxide anion radicals, nitric oxide radicals, and hydroxyl radicals. In addition, positive correlations were also observed between the superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and the protein contents of the polysaccharides, and the reducing power and the sulfate contents. These findings thus clearly suggest the polysaccharides possess direct and potent antioxidant activity.