Anti-fatigue activity of a Lachnum polysaccharide and its carboxymethylated derivative in mice

O/W nanoemulsions encapsulated octacosanol: Preparation, characterization and anti-fatigue activity

Octacosanol has various biological effects such as antioxidant, hypolipidemic and anti-fatigue. However, poor solubility has limited the application of octacosanol in food. The aim of this study was to prepare octacosanol nanoemulsions with better solubility, stability and safety and to investigate in vivo anti-fatigue effect. The food-grade formulation of the octacosanol nanoemulsions consisted of octacosanol, olive oil, Tween 80, glycerol and water with 0.1 %, 1.67 %, 23.75 %, 7.92 % and 66.65 % (w/w), respectively. The nanoemulsions had an average particle size of 12.26 ± 0.76 nm and polydispersity index of 0.164 ± 0.12, and showed good stability under different pH, cold, heat, ionic stress and long-term storage conditions. The results of animal experiments showed that the octacosanol nanoemulsions significantly prolonged the fatigue tolerance time, alleviated the fatigue-related biochemical indicators, and weakened the oxidative stress. Meanwhile, octacosanol nanoemulsions upregulated hepatic glycogen levels. Taken together, these findings suggested that octacosanol nanoemulsions have promising applications as anti-fatigue functional foods.

A review of the polysaccharides against fatigue and the underlying mechanism

Fatigue is a common physiological state that affects normal human activities. Prolonged fatigue induces a variety of diseases and seriously affects human health, so it is imperative to discover nutritional dietary supplements and treatments without side effects, among which natural anti-fatigue polysaccharides have shown great potential. Polysaccharides, a class of biomolecules produced by a variety of organisms such as plants, animals, bacteria and algae, have attracted much attention in recent years due to their anti-fatigue activity and fewer side effects. This review summarizes the classification, dosage and experimental models of polysaccharides with anti-fatigue activity obtained from different natural sources. We also review the fatigue-relieving effects of these polysaccharides through mechanisms such as modulating oxidative damage, regulating energy metabolism and influencing intestinal flora, as well as the effects of molecular weights, monosaccharide compositions, structural features and chemical modifications of the polysaccharides on their anti-fatigue activities to support their potential application value in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. New valuable insights for future research on natural polysaccharides are also presented in the field of natural production of bio-based functional materials, functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Antifatigue effects and antioxidant activity in polysaccharide fractions from Chinese yam bulbils

Polysaccharides are the principal component in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) bulbils. The properties and antifatigue of polysaccharides from yam bulbils (PYB) were identified and compared. Their molecular weights (PYB-1 and PYB-2) were approximately 145 and 11 kDa, respectively, with active β-configurations. Meanwhile, the antifatigue activities of PYBs were tested in mice via exhaustive swimming tests (EST). The EST results indicated that PYB-1 and PYB-2 significantly prolonged swimming time in mice (p < .05). Associated with this increase was a rise in hepatic glycogen content and antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) activity, along with a decline in blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid, and malondialdehyde levels. The results showed that molecular weight might contribute to the antifatigue effects of PYBs. Additionally, antioxidant tests showed that PYB-1 had stronger free-radical scavenging activity than PYB-2. Taken together, the findings indicated that PYBs exhibited effective antifatigue and antioxidant activities providing additional evidence supporting the use of PYBs as functional food ingredients for relieving fatigue.

Chaenomeles sinensis polysaccharide and its carboxymethylated derivative alleviate dextran sulfate sodium-induced ulcerative colitis via suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress

Chaenomeles sinensis fruit polysaccharide (CSP) and carboxymethylated CSP (CSP-M) were prepared using ultrasound extraction and the sodium hydroxide-chloroacetic acid method. Structural analysis revealed that both CSP and CSP-M mainly consisted of glucose, arabinose, rhamnose, glucuronic acid, galactose, and xylose, and the introduction of carboxymethyl did not damage the polymer chain of CSP. In vivo studies verified that both CSP and CSP-M could remarkably alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis (UC) mice and reduce intestinal epithelial cell depletion, along with the infiltration of inflammatory cells in colon tissue, by mediating the expression of myeloperoxidase (MPO), inflammatory factors [tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6], and oxidative stress factors [malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and nitric oxide (NO)]. Most importantly, the introduction of carboxymethyl significantly enhanced the anti-UC activity of CSP, confirming the efficacy of carboxymethylation as a method to enhance the biological activities of CSP, thereby suggesting the potential of CSP-M as a therapeutic option for UC.

Structure, anti-fatigue activity and regulation on gut microflora in vivo of ethanol-fractional polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale

This study was to investigate the antifatigue, prebiotic effects and their relationships to the structure properties of three ethanol precipitated polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale (EPDO), as EPDO-40, EPDO-60 and EPDO-80. EPDOs with anti-fatigue activity were screened out by forced swimming test, and blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), superoxide dismutase (SOD), liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, and intestinal microflora were investigated. Results showed that purified EPDO-60, 277.3 kDa, with a backbone consisted of 4-Manp and 4-Glcp. EPDO-60 had the best anti-fatigue activity, because it could significantly prolong the forced swimming time, as well as down-regulating the levels of BLA and BUN, increasing SOD. Proportions of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes and abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in gut microflora increased after treated with EPDO-60. Accordingly, EPDO-60 could affect the community structure of gut microflora, leading to promote the balance of oxidation and antioxidation, and accelerated the fatigue metabolism in vivo.

Structure characterization and anti-fatigue activity of an acidic polysaccharide from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, which has been used in China for more than 2000 years. Its traditional effect of "invigorating vitality" is mainly reflected in anti-fatigue. However, due to the difficulty of identification of polysaccharide structure, there are few reports on homogeneous ginseng polysaccharide, and the molecular mechanism of its anti-fatigue effect remains to be further explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In order to find the homogenous ginseng polysaccharide with the most anti-fatigue effect, this study is for the first time extracted, isolated and structurally identified polysaccharide monomer from Mountain Cultivated Ginseng (MCG). Then the anti-fatigue activity and molecular mechanism were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The structure of ginseng acidic polysaccharide APS-1 prepared by high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) was determined by acid hydrolysis/HPLC, methylation/GC-MS and NMR analysis. Anti-fatigue effect was evaluated by exhaustive swimming model, and AMPK axis-related proteins were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

APS-1 significantly prolonged fatigue tolerance time, alleviated accumulation of BLA, LDH and BUN, increased activities of SOD and CAT, alleviated oxidative damage caused by MDA, increased activity of CK, regulated glycolysis, and alleviated muscle fiber contraction. The expressions of LKB1, p-AMPK, PGC-1α and Glut4 in muscle were significantly up-regulated.

CONCLUSIONS

The anti-fatigue effect of APS-1 was significantly, and the molecular mechanism may be related to the activation of AMPK axis signaling pathway to improve glucose uptake and mitochondrial function.

A Comparative Study on Relieving Exercise-Induced Fatigue by Inhalation of Different Citrus Essential Oils

Citrus essential oils (CEOs) possess physiological functions due to diverse aroma components. However, evidence for the effects of CEOs on exercise performance and exercise-induced fatigue is limited. The CEOs with discrepancies in components may exert different effects on the amelioration of exercise-induced fatigue. In this study, sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) essential oil (SEO), lemon (Citrus limon Osbeck) essential oil (LEO), and bergamot (Citrus bergamia Risso and Poit) essential oil (BEO) were chosen to explore the effect on amelioration of exercise-induced fatigue. Our results demonstrated that SEO and LEO increased the swimming time by 276% and 46.5%, while BEO did not. Moreover, the three CEOs exerted varying effects on mitigating exercise-induced fatigue via inhibiting oxidative stress, protecting muscle injury, and promoting glucose-dependent energy supply. Accordingly, BEO showed the best efficiency. Moreover, the GC-MS and Pearson correlation analysis of BEO showed that the contents of the major components, such as (±)-limonene (32.9%), linalyl butyrate (17.8%), and linalool (7.7%), were significantly positively correlated with relieving exercise-induced fatigue.

Comparative Study of the Components and Anti-Fatigue Effect of Schisandra chinensis Polysaccharides from China and Russia

Schisandra chinensis Bail. polysaccharides from China (CSP) and Russia (RSP) were separated by DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography. The content of neutral polysaccharide was determined by the phenol concentrated sulfuric acid method, the content of acid polysaccharide by the hydroxybiphenyl method, and the monosaccharide composition and molecular weight arrangement of CSP and RSP by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) pre-column derivatization HPLC. The effects of CSP and RSP on the exercise endurance of mice were compared by the forelimb grip strength test, rota-rod test and weight-bearing swimming. The results showed that one neutral polysaccharide and three acidic polysaccharides could be eluted from a DEAE-52 cellulose column from CSP and RSP, respectively. The content of acidic and neutral polysaccharides in RSP was higher than that in CSP, and the anti-fatigue effect of RSP was more significant than that of CSP.

Anti-fatigue effect of Auxis thazard oligopeptide via modulation of AMPK/ PGC-1α pathway in mice

In this study, the anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of Auxis thazard oligopeptide (ATO) were studied by exhaustive swimming in mice. The results showed that ATO could significantly prolong the exhaustive...

Characteristics and antifatigue activity of graded polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum separated by cascade membrane technology

In this paper, cascade membrane technology was utilized to classify polysaccharides from Ganoderma lucidum (GLPs). The properties and antifatigue activity of graded polysaccharides were identified and compared. GLPs were separated using cascade ultrafiltration membranes of 100 kDa, 10 kDa and 1 kDa in sequence. The molecular weights of polysaccharides in these GLP fractions were approximately 322.0 kDa, 18.8 kDa and 6.4 kDa, and all polysaccharides were in active β-configurations. This showed that all graded GLPs could elongate swimming time, improve endurance and promote fatigue recovery, especially polysaccharides with molecular weights above 10 kDa. This demonstrated that GLPs could decrease the activities of SUN and CK and the levels of MDA and BLA. They also increased the level of Gly, accelerated fat transformation, and improved the activities of GPx, SOD and LDH in all treated mice. Accordingly, GLPs above 10 kDa might be potential agents with antifatigue activity.

Synthesis of Icariin-Zinc and its Protective Effect on Exercise Fatigue and Reproductive System Related Glands in Male Rats

Background: Icariin, a traditional Chinese medicine, plays a protective role in the treatment of exercise fatigue. Zinc, a trace element, plays an important role in the reproductive system. Therefore, we aimed to synthesize an Icariin-Zinc complex (by chemical means) and verify its protective effect on exercise fatigue and the reproductive system using animal experiments.

Methods: The icariin-zinc complex was prepared by the reaction of icariin carbonyl and zinc ions (molar ratio 1:3). The molecular formula and structural formula of the complex were identified and tested. Fifty-six rats selected by swimming training were randomly divided into six groups: static control, exercise control, icariin, gluconate zinc (G-Zn group), icariin glucose zinc and icariin-zinc exercise ( low, high dose/L-E group, H-E group) groups. These groups respectively received the following doses: 1 ml/100 g, daily gavage with NS (for the first two groups), 45 mg/kg icariin, 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc, Icariin glucose zinc (45 mg/kg Icariin and 110 mg/kg Gluconate Zinc), 60 mg/kg icariin zinc and 180 mg/kg icariin zinc. After 3 weeks of gavage, we conducted 6 weeks of exhaustive swimming training. Test indices such as exhaustive swimming time of rats and body weight were evaluated after the last training exercise. The seminal vesicles, testes, and prostate gland were weighed, and their indices were calculated. The levels of testosterone (in the plasma) and glycogen (in the liver and muscle homogenates) were also evaluated using ELISA.

Results: Compared with the static control group, the exhaustive swimming time of the rats in each group was prolonged. Compared with the other groups, the exhaustive swimming time of the L-E and H-E groups was significantly longer (p < 0.01); the Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the exhaustive swimming time of the rats. Compared with the static control group, the plasma testosterone content of the L-E and H-E groups increased significantly (p < 0.05). Compared with the exercise control group and G-Zn group, the plasma testosterone content of the H-E group also increased significantly (p < 0.01). The Icariin-Zinc complex significantly increased the serum levels of testosterone in rats. Compared with the control group, the muscle glycogen reserves of each group decreased, indicating that the muscle glycogen reserves of the rats decreased after swimming. Compared with other groups, the Icariin-Zinc complex can reduce the level of glycogen in the muscles, indicating that it can increase the utilization efficiency of glycogen in muscles. Compared with the static control and exercise control groups, the testicular weight of rats in the administration groups increased slightly. The Icariin-Zinc complex increased the testicular weight, indicating that the function of the reproductive system was improved to some extent.

Conclusion: Icariin-Zinc can significantly prolong the exhaustive swimming time, improve exercise ability, and increase the plasma testosterone level (which is beneficial for improving the reproductive ability of male rats). Moreover, the beneficial effect of Icariin-Zinc on the glycogen content, testis index, and other reproductive system glands is dose-dependent.

Gut modulation based anti-diabetic effects of carboxymethylated wheat bran dietary fiber in high-fat diet/streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and their potential mechanisms

We explored the effect of carboxymethylated wheat bran dietary fibers (DFs) on mice with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (induced by HFD combined with STZ) and their possible hypoglycemic mechanism. After feeding the diabetic mice with modified DFs for four weeks, the DFs had lipid lowering and anti-hyperglycemic effect, via increasing the levels of insulin, GLP-1, PYY, and SCFAs in diabetic mice, and improving the histopathology of liver and pancreas. qRT-PCR results showed that the intake of DFs up-regulated the expression levels of G6Pase and Prkce, and down regulated the expression levels of Glut2 and InsR in the liver of diabetic mice. It is suggested that DFs may play a role by inhibiting 1,2-DAG-PKCε pathway, improving insulin receptor activity and insulin signal transduction. 16 S rDNA high-throughput sequencing results showed that the DFs significantly improved the relative abundance of Akkermansia muciniphila, increased the diversity of gut microbiota and reduced the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes, thus promoting the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect on diabetic mice. Our study can foster the further understanding of the gut modulatory biomarkers and related metabolites, and may extend the basis for DFs as a potential dietary intervention to prevent or treat the T2D.

Consumption of OLL1073R-1 yogurt improves psychological quality of life in women healthcare workers: secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Background

We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of consumption of yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 in women healthcare workers. In a previous study we used these data to investigate hypothesized preventive effects against flu, however any effects on improving mental quality of life were not analyzed at that time. In the present study, we focus on that aspect.

Methods

The participants (961 women; mainly nurses, aged 20–71 years) were randomly allocated to either the yogurt group (n = 479) or the control group (n = 482). Participants in the yogurt group drank 112 mL of OLL1073R-1 yogurt for 16 weeks, while those in the control group did not consume any yogurt. All participants were prohibited from consuming other yogurt or fermented dairy products during the study period. The participants answered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Short Form-8 Health Survey (SF-8), and Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) questionnaires at baseline and after 16 weeks.

Results

The PSQI score showed significant improvement after the intake of yogurt (p < 0.01). SF-8 results showed significant intervention effects in the General Health and Vitality scores (p = 0.02 and p = 0.01, respectively). In other subscales of SF-8, we did not observe significant effects of the yogurt. In the GSRS, daily intake of yogurt exerted a preventive effect on constipation (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Consumption of yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 enhances subjective psychological quality of life by improving quality of sleep and gastrointestinal condition among women healthcare workers.

Synthesis, stability and anti-fatigue activity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Lycium barbarum polysaccharides

Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) with different molecular weights (LBP1, LBP2 and LBP3) of 92,441 Da, 7714 Da, and 3188 Da were used as stabilizers and capping agents to prepare uniformly dispersed selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), and determined the storage stability. In addition, the anti-fatigue activity of LBP-decorated SeNPs with the best stability (LBP1-SeNPs) was estimated by using forced swimming test. The results showed that LBP1-SeNPs exhibited smaller particle size and more excellent stability than those of LBP2-SeNPs and LBP3-SeNPs when the storage time was extended to 30 days, and the average particle size was maintained at about 105.4 nm. The exhaustion swimming time of all tested dose groups of LBP1-SeNPs was significantly longer than the control group (p < 0.05), and the high-dose group among them was even obviously longer than the positive group (p < 0.05). The results of glycogen, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), blood lactic acid (BLA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were further confirmed that LBP1-SeNPs could relieve fatigue by increasing the reserve of glycogen, enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels and regulating metabolic mechanism. These results demonstrated that LBP1-SeNPs could be developed as a potential anti-fatigue nutritional supplement.

Schisantherin A improves learning and memory abilities partly through regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway in chronic fatigue mice

Chronic fatigue is frequently accompanied by decreased learning and memory capabilities. Schizantherin A (SCA) is one of the main active monomer components in Schisandra chinensis lignans. In the present study, a chronic fatigue mouse model was established using the exhausted swimming approach to investigate the effects of SCA on learning and memory and its associated mechanism of action. Learning and memory abilities were tested by step through tests and water maze methods. Levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in hippocampal tissue were measured by corresponding assays. The effect of SCA on the expression of kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), Bcl2, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 were determined by western blot. The present results showed that SCA can improve the learning and memory capabilities of chronic fatigue mice. SCA was found to increase the activities of SOD and CAT in addition to increasing the levels of GSH but reduced the levels of MDA in hippocampus tissues. Furthermore, SCA treatment downregulated the protein expression levels of Keap1, Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and upregulated the protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO1 and Bcl2 in the hippocampus. These results suggested that modulations in the Nrf2-Keap1-antioxidant response element pathway, anti-oxidative and anti-apoptosis effects are the causes underlying the improvements from SCA treatment on the learning and memory abilities of chronic fatigue mice.

Carboxymethylation of polysaccharides: Synthesis and bioactivities

Polysaccharides are a structurally diverse class of biomolecules with a wide variety of bioactivities. Natural polysaccharides isolated from plants and fungi are used as raw materials in food and pharmaceutical industries due to their therapeutic properties, non-toxicity, and negligible side effects, but many natural polysaccharides possess low bioactivities when compared to synthetic medicines due to their structure and physicochemical properties. Literature studies revealed that carboxymethylation of polysaccharides enhances the bioactivities and water solubility of native polysaccharides significantly, and provide structural diversity and even the addition of new bioactivities. This review article mainly focuses on the recent research on carboxymethylation of polysaccharides including preparation, characterization, and bioactivities. This article also throws light on future directions and scope to develop new carboxymethylated polysaccharide derivatives for many industries such as food processing, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pharmaceutical industry.

Anti-fatigue effect of anwulignan via the NRF2 and PGC-1α signaling pathway in mice

OBJECTIVE

To examine the anti-fatigue function of anwulignan from Schisandra and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS

After an excessive fatigue mouse model was created, anwulignan was administered to the mice, and its effect on exercise tolerance was studied by the weight-bearing swimming test, rotarod test, grip strength test, and tail suspension test. The biochemical indicators closely related to fatigue, including blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lactic acid (LD), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) in the serum; liver glycogen (LG) in the liver tissue; muscle glycogen (MG); inorganic phosphate (Pi) and Annexin V in the gastrocnemius; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities; malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS); and the 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) content in both serum and the gastrocnemius were detected. Morphological changes were also observed. The anti-fatigue-related proteins of the NRF2/ARE, Bcl2, and PGC-1α pathways in the gastrocnemius of the mice were detected by western blot.

RESULTS

Anwulignan significantly increased the exercise tolerance by decreasing BUN, LD, LDH, CK, Pi, MDA, TBARS, 8-OHdG, ROS, and Annexin V levels and increasing LG, MG, SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels, significantly upregulated the expression of NRF2 and Bcl2 proteins, which are anti-oxidation and anti-apoptosis regulators, and also activated the p38MAPK-PGC-1α pathway.

CONCLUSION

Anwulignan can increase exercise tolerance and relieve fatigue in an excessive fatigue mouse model. The underlying mechanism may be through its regulatory effect on the NRF2 and PGC-1α signaling pathway. This study will provide scientific data for anwulignan to be developed as a novel and efficient component in anti-oxidant or anti-fatigue health food.

Carboxymethylated Sulfated Heteroexopolysaccharide from a Haloarchaeal Strain as Potential Biomolecule for Harmless Adjuvant Therapy in Cancer Treatment

This study explored the possible use of a microbial carboxymethylated sulfated heteroexopolysaccharide (CS-hEPS) as a potential anticancer agent. The investigation was carried out through antioxidant, antifatigue, and antiproliferative activities. Antioxidant potential including scavenging DPPH and hydroxyl radical activities and reducing power was evaluated. Antifatigue activity was determined by assessing the endurance of mice using the forced swimming test. Following 30 days of CS-hEPS oral treatment at different doses, biochemical parameters related to fatigue such as lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), and hepatic glycogen (HG) contents were measured. Antitumor activities were investigated against human cancer liver and myelogenous leukemia cells. Results showed that CS-hEPS possesses notable antioxidant, antifatigue, and antitumor effects. CS-hEPS significantly inhibited the proliferation of leukemia (86.6 ± 0.32%) and cancer liver (58.6 ± 0.43%) cells. CS-hEPS are promising natural antioxidant, antifatigue, and antitumor harmless adjuvant materials that could be applied in human cancer therapy.

Analysis of the anti-fatigue activity of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis: role of central 5-hydroxytryptamine mechanisms

This study evaluated the effects of polysaccharides from Spirulina platensis (PSP) on endurance during treadmill exercise; levels of some biochemical indicators and expressions of serotonin related genes in the caudate putamen of exercising rats.

Anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant activities of oyster (Ostrea rivularis) hydrolysate prepared by compound protease

Oyster, which is rich in protein and widely used as a marine traditional Chinese medicine, was believed to have good curative effects in health care and on chronic diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant effects of oyster hydrolysate. Oyster meat (OM) was hydrolyzed with a complex protease, and oyster hydrolysate (OH) was separated by a 6 kDa ultrafiltration membrane into two fractions, OH-I (<6 kDa) and OH-II (≥6 kDa). The anti-fatigue effects of OM, OH, OH-I and OH-II groups were first investigated, and then the antioxidant activities of OH-I and OH-II were further analyzed. Anti-fatigue experimental results showed that OH-I displayed the strongest activity among the four groups. Compared to the control group, OH-I significantly prolonged swimming time (67.79%), increased the content of muscle glycogen (45.65%) and liver glycogen (49.01%), and reduced the content of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (18.44%) (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, OH-I showed excellent chemical and cellular antioxidant activities, especially when the concentration increased; its antioxidant activity was significantly better than that of OH-II (P < 0.05). Results of an amino acid analysis showed that OH-I was rich in branched-chain amino acids (10.84 g per 100 g), Glu (8.63 g per 100 g), Tau (1.68 g per 100 g), Asp (5.02 g per 100 g) and Arg (3.61 g per 100 g), which were expected to contribute to its antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities.

Two macamide extracts relieve physical fatigue by attenuating muscle damage in mice

BACKGROUND

Macamides, the main active components contained in maca, have attracted increasing attention due to their various bioactivities. In this study, crude macamide extract (CME) and purified macamide extract (PME) were prepared by enzyme-assisted extraction and macroporous resin separation, and the anti-fatigue effects of CME and PME were evaluated in a forced swimming model.

RESULTS

The composition analysis results revealed that both CME and PME mainly contain eight kinds of macamide. Based on the results of a weight-loaded forced swimming test, compared with a control group, CME and and PME groups could prolong exhaustive swimming time, increase levels of liver glycogen (LG) and muscle glycogen (MG), accelerate fatty acid oxidation in serum to provide energy, eliminate the accumulation of blood lactic acid (BLA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and decrease the serum biomarkers for muscle damage, such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK). Histological analysis also indicated that CME and PME attenuated damage to skeletal muscle and the myocardium in mice during exercise.

CONCLUSION

Two macamide extracts have a beneficial effect on relieving physical fatigue by attenuating the damage of skeletal muscle and myocardium during exercise, and a better effect was observed in the PME group. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Protective effects of a Lachnum polysaccharide against liver and kidney injury induced by lead exposure in mice

This study was designed to investigate the liver and kidney protective efficacy of a Lachnum polysaccharide (LEP) against Pb-induced toxicity in mice. The results showed that LEP decreased the Pb-induced bodyweight loss and organ index. Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that treatment of LEP could improve antioxidant status (CAT, GSH-Px and MDA) and the injury of tissues (liver and kidney). In addition, the histopathological observations indicated that LEP could attenuate liver and kidney cell injury induced by Pb. For further studies, key proteins involved in hepatic and kidney apoptosis, including cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, TGF-β1 and α-SMA, were quantified. The present findings demonstrated that LEP is strongly effective in protecting against the liver and kidney injury induced by Pb. We hope this research can offer a theoretical base for development of polysaccharide based on nutraceutical food in future.

Anti-exercise-fatigue and promotion of sexual interest activity of total flavonoids from wasps drone-pupae in male mice

The aim of this research was to evaluate the anti-exercise-fatigue and promotion of sexual interest of total flavonoids from drone pupae of wasps. DPTF was prepared by ethanol extracting and its extraction conditions were optimized by response surface methodology. Then, anti-exercise-fatigue and promotion of sexual interest of DPTF were evaluated. The optimums extraction conditions by RSM were ethanol concentration 65%, extraction time 3 h and solid-to-liquid 20:1(mL/g). No mortality and general symptoms of toxicity were observed in the DPTF treated mice(1 g/kg,3 g/kg,5 g/kg body weight) the body weight and food consumption were not significantly changed compared with the normal control group. The relative weights of main organ did not markedly change. DPTF can significantly extend the duration of the swimming time to exhaustion and the times of capture the female in mice, decrease BUN, LAC and Cr levels, increase LG, GG and T activities in the DPTF treated mice. The dose of 5 g/kg body weight is the optimal dose for anti-exercise-fatigue activity and promotion of sexual interest in male mice. In conclusion, DPTF is promising traditional natural-based therapeutic remedy for relieving exercise-fatigue with high safety.

Anti-Fatigue Effects of Yogurt Fermented with Lactobacillus delbureckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 in Healthy People Suffering from Summer Heat Fatigue: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Fatigue caused by summer heat is a typical indefinite complaint along with anorexia, loss of sleep, stress, lack of motivation and, in some cases, catching a cold. Yogurt fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 has been shown to stimulate the immune system and reduce the risk of catching colds. Here, we conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to investigate whether ingesting this yogurt could ameliorate summer heat fatigue in 49 healthy males (median age 40.0 ± 6.0 years; 30⁻49 years) who felt fatigued every summer. Fatigue was evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) and the balance of sympathetic/parasympathetic nervous systems. After 12 weeks of ingestion in early autumn, the VAS fatigue scores in the yogurt group were lower than those of the placebo group. These results indicate that yogurt fermented with L. bulgaricus OLL1073R-1 can ameliorate summer heat fatigue lasting up to early autumn.