Polysaccharides from Polygonatum kingianum Collett & Hemsl ameliorated fatigue by regulating NRF2/HO-1/NQO1 and AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathways, and gut microbiota.

Polygonatum kingianum Coll & Hemsl is an important Chinese medicine used for enhancing physical function and anti-fatigue, and polysaccharides (PKPs) are considered as the main bioactive components. However, the mechanisms through which PKPs exert their anti-fatigue effects are not fully understood. This study aimed more comprehensively to explore the anti-fatigue mechanisms of PKPs, focusing on metabolism, protein expression, and gut flora, by using exhaustive swimming experiments in mice. Results showed a significant increase in the exhaustive swimming time of the mice treated with PKPs, especially in the high-dose group (200 mg/kg/day). Further studies showed that PKPs remarkably improves several fatigue-related physiological indices. Additionally, 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that PKPs increased antioxidant bacteria (e.g., g_norank_f_Muribaculaceae) and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., g_Escherichia-Shigella and g_Helicobacter). PKPs also mitigated oxidative stress through activating the NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and promoted energy metabolism by upregulating the expression of AMPK/PGC-1α/TFAM signaling pathway proteins. This research may offer theoretical support for incorporating PKPs as a novel dietary supplement in functional foods targeting anti-fatigue properties.

Effects of ginsenosides-Rb1 on exercise-induced oxidative stress in forced swimming mice.

BACKGROUND: The fleshy root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (ginseng) is one of the most well-known and valued herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. Ginsenosides are considered mainly responsible for the pharmacological activities of ginseng. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of ginsenoside-Rb1 (G-Rb1) on swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress in male mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 animals were randomly divided into four groups, with twelve mice in each group. The first, second and third groups were designed as G-Rb1 treatment groups, got 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg bodyweight of G-Rb1, respectively. The fourth group was designed as the control group, got physiologic saline. The mice were intragastrically administered once daily for 4 weeks. The weight-loaded forced swimming test was conducted on the final day of experimentation. Then the exhaustive swimming time, blood lactate, serum creatine kinase (CK), malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant enzymes in liver of mice were measured. RESULTS: The results showed that G-Rb1 could prolong the exhaustive swimming time and improve exercise endurance capacity of mice, as well as accelerate the clearance of blood lactate and decrease serum CK activities. Meanwhile, G-Rb1 could decrease MDA contents and increase superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase activities in liver of mice. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggested that G-Rb1 possessed protective effects on swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress in mice.