Sulfated polysaccharides from Rhodiola sachalinensis reduce d-gal-induced oxidative stress in NIH 3T3 cells

Preparation, structural characterization, and bioactivities of polysaccharides from Rhodiola: A review

Rhodiola, the dried rhizome of various plants of the family Crassulaceae and genus Rhodiola, has been used as a traditional Tibetan medicine for thousands of years, with high medicinal and healthcare value. Polysaccharides, the major active components of Rhodiola, have attracted widespread attention due to their abundant biological activities and medicinal value. Rhodiola polysaccharides (RPs) have various biological activities such as germ cell protection, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-fatigue, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, and hematopoietic functions. The biological activities of RPs are closely related to their structures and different extraction and purification methods produce different polysaccharide structures. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the research progress in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, bioactivity, potential mechanisms, and structural modification of RPs as well as their potential development prospects and future promising research directions, to lay a foundation for the further development of RP pharmaceutical products.

Influence of Wild and Cultivated Environments on the Antioxidant and Medicinal Components of Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss

Rhodiola sachalinensis A. Boriss., recognized for its significant medicinal potential, is increasingly threatened by overharvesting in wild habitats. This study aims to elucidate the phytochemical and pharmacological distinctions between wild and cultivated R. sachalinensis to support sustainable cultivation practices. Utilizing UPLC and GC-MS, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of primary metabolites (e.g., soluble sugars, amino acids) and secondary metabolites (e.g., phenolic compounds, flavonoids) in both root and aboveground tissues from wild and cultivated sources. Results revealed that habitat plays a critical role in metabolite composition, with wild R. sachalinensis roots showing notably higher antioxidant properties and concentrations of key secondary metabolites, including epigallocatechin, which are linked to the plant's medicinal efficacy. Conversely, cultivated plants demonstrated elevated levels of primary metabolites, reflecting adaptation to nutrient-rich, soil-based growth environments. These findings underscore the pharmacological importance of environmental factors in optimizing R. sachalinensis for medicinal use and highlight essential considerations for its sustainable cultivation strategies.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization, and bioactivities of the genus Rhodiola L. polysaccharides: A review

The genus Rhodiola L., an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine in China, exhibits a broad spectrum of applications. This genus contains key compounds such as ginsenosides, polysaccharides, and flavonoids, which possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic, immune-enhancing, and anti-hypoxic properties. As a vital raw material, Rhodiola L. contributes to twenty-four kinds of Chinese patent medicines and 481 health food products in China, finding extensive application in the health food sector. Recently, polysaccharides have emerged as a focal point in natural product research, with applications spanning the medicine, food, and materials sectors. Despite this, a comprehensive and systematic review of polysaccharides from the genus Rhodiola L. polysaccharides (TGRPs) is warranted. This study undertakes a systematic review of both domestic and international literature, assessing the research advancements and chemical functional values of polysaccharides derived from Rhodiola rosea. It involves the isolation, purification, and identification of a variety of homogeneous polysaccharides, followed by a detailed analysis of their chemical structures, pharmacological activities, and molecular mechanisms, structure-activity relationship (SAR) of TGRPs. The discussion includes the influence of molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic bonds on their biological activities, such as sulfation and carboxymethylation et al. Such analyses are crucial for deepening the understanding of Rhodiola rosea and for fostering the development and exploitation of TGRPs, offering a reference point for further investigations into TGRPs and their resource utilization.

Bioguided isolation, identification and bioactivity evaluation of anti-fatigue constituents from Schizophyllum commune

This study aims to clarify the specific anti-fatigue components of Schizophyllum commune (S.commune) and analyze its potential anti-fatigue mechanism. The main anti-fatigue active ingredient of S.commune was locked in n-butanol extract (SPE-n) by activity evaluation. Twelve compounds were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS). The anti-fatigue effect of morusin is the most predominant among these 12 ingredients. The determination of biochemical indices showed that morusin could increase liver glycogen reserves, improve the activity of antioxidant enzymes in liver, and reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in muscle tissue, thereby reducing myocyte damage. Further studies revealed that morusin could reduce the level of oxidative stress by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thus alleviating the fatigue of mice caused by exhaustive exercise. The current findings provide a theoretical basis for the development of natural anti-fatigue functional food.

Effects of ultra-high pressure assisted extraction on the structure, antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities of Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides

Porphyra haitanensis polysaccharides (PHPs) have potential antioxidant and hypolipidemic activities, but still need improvement. Therefore, ultra-high pressure (UHP) assisted extraction was applied to modify the structure, antioxidant, and hypolipidemic activities of PHPs. UHP assisted extraction increased the total sugar, uronic acid, and 3,6-anhydro-ʟ-galactose contents of PHP, which increased by 15.85 %-16.12 %, 18.95 %-24.32 %, 20.54 %-23.66 % with 500-600 MPa UHP, respectively. Meanwhile, UHP modified PHP became more rough and porous than native PHP. Besides, UHP assisted extracted PHP showed better in vitro antioxidant and hypolipidemic abilities. Especially, 500-600 MPa UHP increased 72.43 %-86.42 % 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacities, 12.32 %-12.82 % pancreatic lipase inhibitory ability, and 14.93 %-15.23 % glycocholate binding abilities of PHP (p < 0.05). Moreover, UHP assisted extracted PHP greatly decreased the lipid droplet and triglyceride contents of 3T3-L1 adipocytes (p < 0.05). Our findings can provide the theoretical basis for the high value utilization of Porphyra haitanensis and its polysaccharides with UHP modification.

Isolation, Purification, Fractionation, and Hepatoprotective Activity of Polygonatum Polysaccharides

In this study, three homogeneous fractions, PSP-N-b-1, PSP-N-b-2, and PSP-N-c-1, were obtained from an aqueous extract of Polygonatum using DEAE cellulose column chromatography, CL-6B agarose gel chromatography, and Sephadex G100 chromatography. Their monosaccharide compositions and molecular weights were analyzed. The results revealed that PSP-N-b-1, PSP-N-b-2, and PSP-N-c-1 are primarily composed of six monosaccharides: Man (mannose), GlcA (glucuronic acid), Rha (rhamnose), GalA (galacturonic acid), Glc (glucose), and Ara (arabinose), with molecular weights of 6.3 KDa, 5.78 KDa, and 3.45 KDa, respectively. Furthermore, we observed that Polygonatum polysaccharides exhibited protective effects against CCL4-induced liver damage in HepG2 cells in vitro, operating through both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Our research findings suggest that Polygonatum polysaccharides may emerge as a promising option in the development of hepatoprotective drugs or functional foods with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Sulfated polysaccharides as multi target molecules to fight COVID 19 and comorbidities

The majority of research to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection exploits the adaptive immune system, but innate immunity, the first line of defense against pathogenic microbes, is equally important in understanding and controlling infectious diseases. Various cellular mechanisms provide physiochemical barriers to microbe infection in mucosal membranes and epithelia, with extracellular polysaccharides, particularly sulfated polysaccharides, being among the most widespread and potent extracellular and secreted molecules blocking and deactivating bacteria, fungi, and viruses. New research reveals that a range of polysaccharides effectively inhibits COV-2 infection of mammalian cells in culture. This review provides an overview of sulfated polysaccharides nomenclature, its significance as immunomodulators, antioxidants, antitumors, anticoagulants, antibacterial, and as potent antivirals. It summarizes current research on various interactions of sulfated polysaccharide with a range of viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and their application for potential treatments for COVID-19. These molecules interact with biochemical signaling in immune cell responses, by actions in oxidative reactions, cytokine signaling, receptor binding, and through antiviral and antibacterial toxicity. These properties provide the potential for the development of novel therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases from modified polysaccharides.

Cordyceps militaris acidic polysaccharides improve learning and memory impairment in mice with exercise fatigue through the PI3K/NRF2/HO-1 signalling pathway

Excessive exercise leads to body fatigue and destroys the balance of the oxidation/oxidation resistance system in the body, thus damaging the central nervous system and reducing learning and memory ability. Nrf2 is an important transcription factor that regulates the cell oxidative stress response. Therefore, the research and development of natural antioxidants with the effect of regulating Nrf2-related signalling pathways to improve central fatigue caused by body fatigue has application value. Methods and results: Cordyceps militaris polysaccharides were extracted, isolated and purified via DEAE-cellulose 52 and Sepharose CL-6B columns to obtain two saccharides, Cordyceps militaris acidic polysaccharides (CMPB) and CMPB-b. The results of behavioural tests showed that compared with the model group, the learning and memory abilities of the CMPB-H group (800 mg/kg) mice were remarkably improved in the dark avoidance and Morris water maze tasks (p < 0.01), and the levels of fatigue metabolites and oxidative stress in the body were obviously decreased (p < 0.01). The expression level of BDNF, PI3K, Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins in the hippocampus were significantly increased (p < 0.01). In vitro experiments, compared with the PC12 oxidative stress model group, CMPB-b high-dose group (100 μg/mL) had remarkably improved oxidative stress. CMPB-b also obviously promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT proteins (p < 0.01) and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 (p < 0.01), and significantly increased the expression of HO-1 (p < 0.01). Conclusion: CMPB can alleviate the fatigue state of high-intensity swimming mice and improve the learning and memory impairment of exercise-fatigue mice by regulating the Nrf2-related signalling pathway. Its antioxidant active component CMPB-b exerts in vitro antioxidative neurological damage by the same mechanism. Our systematic studies provide strong supporting evidence for the future use of Cordyceps militaris acidic polysaccharides in health products to improve resistance to fatigue.

The study of single‐cell dynamics contributes to the evaluation of food‐derived antioxidant capacity

Exploring potential food‐derived bioactive substances that relieve oxidative stress is considered an important goal for antioxidant research. We first used the long‐pair electron index and orbital fingerprint to predict the molecular interactions in a range of polyphenols and polypeptides. We found Rutin and peptide PW5 had the highest LPE index values. Subsequently, by D‐galactose (D‐gal)‐induced oxidative NIH3T3 cell model, we proved both Rutin and PW5 could effectively protect cells against D‐gal‐induced damage, through enhancement in cell proliferation and reduction in β‐galactosidase activity. Although Rutin displayed better performance than PW5 in the oxidative stress model, we confirmed Rutin stimulated obvious changes in the morphology and motility of normal NIH3T3 cells based on the real‐time dynamic images. Taken together, combined computational and typical model experiment methods, proved useful in efficiently screening food‐derived antioxidants. Moreover, the analytical results of cell morphology and movement may provide novel insights for the safety evaluation of antioxidants.

Effects of an Armillaria mellea Polysaccharide on Learning and Memory of D-Galactose-Induced Aging Mice

Arm illaria mellea has been known and used in traditional medicine in East Asia for hundreds of years. It has already been reported that A. mellea extracts have various pharmacological effects, and the polysaccharides of A. mellea exhibit antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (AMP-N-a-1), with an average molecular weight of 17 kD, was isolated and purified from the water extract of A. mellea using DEAE-52, Sepharose CL-4B, and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. AMP-N-a-1 was mainly composed of Man (1.65%), Glca (1.64%), Rha (1.82%), Gala (2.49%), Glc (90.48%), Gal (0.89%), Xyl (0.42%), and Ara (0.61%). AMP-N-a-1 was used to study the effect on the learning and memory of mice and its underlying mechanisms. The results showed that AMP-N-a-1 could significantly increase the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduce the content of nitric oxide (NO) in mouse brain tissue. Meanwhile, AMP-N-a-1 could reduce the contents of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) but could increase the content of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in mouse brain tissue. In addition, the immunofluorescence experiment showed that AMP-N-a-1 could promote the proliferation of hippocampal dentate gyrus neurons. The above results indicate that AMP-N-a-1 can significantly improve the learning and memory of mice, and the mechanism may be that AMP-N-a-1 can participate in the regulation of learning and memory through a variety of ways.

Sulfated Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide inhibits the formation of kidney stones by inhibiting HK-2 cell damage and reducing the adhesion of nano‑calcium oxalate crystals

OBJECTIVE

The formation of kidney stone is closely related to cell injury and crystal adhesion.

METHOD

The sulfur trioxide-pyridine method was used to sulfate raw Undaria pinnatifida polysaccharide (UPP) with a molecular weight (Mw) of 8.33 kDa. Four polysaccharides with the sulfate group (-OSO3-) contents of 1.59% (UPP0), 6.03% (UPP1), 20.83% (UPP2), and 36.39% (UPP3) were obtained. The antioxidant activity of the four UPPs, the difference in oxidative damage inflicted by nano-CaOx monohydrate (nano-COM) on human proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells before and after protection by UPPs, and the inhibitory effect on nano-COM adhesion were explored.

RESULTS

Structural characterization showed that sulfation was successful. As the -OSO3- content in the UPPs was increased, the antioxidant activity and capability of the UPPs to regulate the growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals gradually increased. The damage caused by nano-COM crystals to HK-2 cells under protection by UPPs was weakened. This effect enhanced cell viability, enabled the maintenance of good cell morphology, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, as well as decreased the eversion of phosphatidylserine (PS) and the expression of the adhesion proteins osteopontin (OPN), heat shock protein (HSP 90), and Annexin A1 (ANXA1). The adhesion of nano-COM to HK-2 cells was inhibited under the protection by UPPs.

CONCLUSION

UPP3 with the highest content of -OSO3- presented the best antioxidant activity and crystal regulation ability, while UPP2 with the second highest -OSO3- content showed optimal cell protection ability and crystal adhesion inhibition ability. The biological activity of UPPs was regulated by Mw and -OSO3- content. UPP2 with moderate -OSO3- content may become a potential drug for preventing CaOx stones.

Rhodiola rosea: A Therapeutic Candidate on Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases, also known as circulatory diseases, are diseases of the heart and blood vessels, and its etiology is hyperlipidemia, thick blood, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Due to its high prevalence, disability, and mortality, it seriously threatens human health. According to reports, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is still on the rise. Rhodiola rosea is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, which has the effects of antimyocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, lowering blood fat, antithrombosis, and antiarrhythmia. Rhodiola rosea has various chemical components, and different chemical elements have the same pharmacological effects and medicinal values for various cardiovascular diseases. This article reviews the research on the pharmacological effects of Rhodiola rosea on cardiovascular diseases and provides references for the clinical treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Multi-Pharmaceutical Activities of Chinese Herbal Polysaccharides in the Treatment of Pulmonary Fibrosis: Concept and Future Prospects

Pulmonary fibrosis is a fatal chronic progressive respiratory disease, characterized by continuous scarring of the lung parenchyma, leading to respiratory failure and death. The incidence of PF has increased over time. There are drugs, yet, there are some limitations. Hence, it is of importance to find new therapies and new drugs to replace the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. In recent years, there have been a great number of research reports on the treatment of traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides in various system fields. Among them, the treatment of PF has also gained extensive attention. This review summarized the source of polysaccharides, the drug activity of traditional Chinese medicine, and the protective effects on targets of Pulmonary fibrosis. We hope it can inspire researchers to design and develop polysaccharides, serving as a reference for potential clinical therapeutic drugs.

The Application of Seaweed Polysaccharides and Their Derived Products with Potential for the Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease

Neurodegenerative diseases are among the most widespread diseases affecting humans, and the number of patients is only rising. Seaweed polysaccharide extracts show significant neuroprotective and reparative activities. Seaweed polysaccharides might provide the next big breakthrough in neurodegenerative disease treatment. This paper reviews the applications of seaweed polysaccharides as potential treatments of neurodegenerative diseases. The particular focus is on fucoidan, ulvan, and their derivatives as potential agents to treat Alzheimer's disease. This review provides a critical update on the progress in this important research area.