The antioxidant activities effect of neutral and acidic polysaccharides from Epimedium acuminatum Franch. on Caenorhabditis elegans

Plant polysaccharides extracted by high pressure: A review on yields, physicochemical, structure properties, and bioactivities

Polysaccharides are biologically essential macromolecules, widely exist in plants, which are used in food, medicine, bioactives' encapsulation, targeted delivery and other fields. Suitable extraction technology can not only improve the yield, but also regulate the physicochemical, improve the functional property, and is the basis for the research and application of polysaccharide. High pressure (HP) extraction (HPE) induces the breakage of raw material cells and tissues through rapid changes in pressure, increases extraction yield, reduces extraction time, and modifies structure of polysaccharides. However, thus far, literature review on the mechanism of extraction, improved yield and modified structure of HPE polysaccharide is lacking. Therefore, the present work reviews the mechanism of HPE polysaccharide, increasing extraction yield, regulating physicochemical and functional properties, modifying structure and improving activity. This review contributes to a full understanding of the HPE or development of polysaccharide production and modification methods and promotes the application of HP technology in polysaccharide production.

Anti-aging activities of neutral and acidic polysaccharides from Polygonum multiflorum Thunb in Caenorhabditis elegans

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb (PM) is used to slow the aging process. Although polysaccharides are a major constituent of PM, their anti-aging properties have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the anti-aging effects of polysaccharides extracted from PM using the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model. Two types of water-soluble heteropolysaccharides, namely a neutral polysaccharide (RPMP-N) and an acidic polysaccharide (RPMP-A), were obtained from PM. Their structures were elucidated by various methods. The effects of these polysaccharides on the lifespan, levels of antioxidants, and activities of antioxidant-related enzymes in C. elegans were also evaluated. The results showed that RPMP-A had higher GalA content compared with RPMP-N. The average molecular weights of RPMP-N and RPMP-A were 245.30 and 28.45 kDa, respectively. RPMP-N is a α-1,4-linked dextran as the main chain, and contains a small amount of branched dextran with O-6 as the branched linkage site；RPMP-A may be a complex of α-1,4-linked dextran, HG and RG-I. Treatment with RPMP-N and RPMP-A increased the mean lifespan of C. elegans, and significantly regulated oxidative stress. RPMP-A exhibited stronger anti-aging effects compared with RPMP-N. These findings suggest that RPMP-A may be a potent antioxidant and anti-aging component that can be used for developing functional food products and effective dietary supplements.

Physicochemical properties and biological activities of Tremella hydrocolloids

In this paper, the physicochemical properties, antioxidant and anti-aging abilities of three new Tremella hydrocolloids were studied. The physicochemical properties were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimeter, X-ray diffractometry etc. The antioxidant activities of Tremella hydrocolloids were determined by ABTS radical, DPPH radical scavenging activity. The anti-aging ability of Tremella hydrocolloids was also investigated by using the organism model of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The results showed that the ES-THD displayed the highest radical scavenging capacity and the best anti-aging abilities. The ability of ES-THD to scavenge ABTS radicals reached 100 % at 2 mg/mL, the ability of ES-THD to scavenge DPPH radicals reached 45.55 %. Compared with the control group, the average lifespan was 29.17 % longer fed with ES-THD. These results provide the evidence basis for the use of Tremella hydrocolloids as food texture modifiers, antioxidants, and anti-aging agents in the food industries.

Research progress on the extraction technology and activity study of Epimedium polysaccharides

More pharmacological effects of polysaccharides from traditional Chinese medicines have been discovered in recent years. Epimedium has been used for thousands of years as a traditional Chinese medicine in China. Water-soluble Epimedium polysaccharides is one of the main ingredients of Epimedium, which is one of the main active ingredients of Epimedium, mainly composed of mannose, rhamnose, galacturonic acid, glucose, and galactose. The extraction methods of Epimedium polysaccharides including hot water extraction, cellulase extraction, ultrasonic extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound compound enzyme and ultra-high pressure extraction, they affect the yield of Epimedium polysaccharides. The characteristics of deproteinization including enzyme deproteinization, macroporous resin deproteinization and Sevag methods are introduced respectively. Some chemical modification methods of Epimedium polysaccharides are also involved such as phosphorylation, sulfation, selenization, and lipids encapsulated. Epimedium polysaccharides have a variety of pharmacological activities, including immune promotion, reproduction promotion, anti-osteoporosis, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-fatigue and antivirus, also beneficial to nervous and hematopoietic systems. At present, the research of Epimedium polysaccharides has been in depth. In this paper, the research progress on extraction, purification, chemical modification methods and pharmacological activity of Epimedium polysaccharides summarized. The aim is to provide reference for further research and development of Epimedium polysaccharides.

Cremastra appendiculata polysaccharides improve stress resistance and prolong the lifespan of Caenorhabditis elegans via daf-16 in the insulin signaling pathway

Cremastra appendiculata polysaccharide (CAP) exhibits potential anti-aging and stress resistance effects. In this study, we investigated the structure, antioxidant properties, and mechanism of action of CAP in Caenorhabditis elegans. The results showed that CAP primarily comprises mannose and glucose and exerts antioxidant activity in vitro. In vivo, CAP prolonged the lifespan of C. elegans in a concentration-dependent manner, with 2.0 mg/mL CAP prolonging the lifespan by 39.97 %. Compared with the control, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) antioxidant enzymes increased by 46 % and 57 %, respectively. However, the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents decreased by 38 % and 19.92 %, respectively, at the same CAP concentration, oxidative and heat stress resistance increased. The target genes of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway, daf-16, sod-3, ctl-1, and hsp-16.2, were activated by CAP; their mRNA expression levels were upregulated by 7.23 %, 69.78 %, 43.62 %, and 58.62 %, respectively. A transgenic worm assay indicated that CAP regulates the lifespan of C. elegans through daf-16. These results suggest that CAP improves stress resistance and prolongs the lifespan of C. elegans through daf-16 in the insulin/IGF signaling pathway.

Longevity-promoting properties of ginger extract in Caenorhabditis elegans via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway

Ginger is a traditional medicinal and edible plant with multiple health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the effects and potential mechanism of ginger on antiaging remain unknown. The aim of this study was to comprehend the antiaging effects and potential mechanism of ginger in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The current findings showed that the lifespan of C. elegans was prolonged by 23.16% with the supplementation of 60 μg mL-1 ginger extract (GE), and the extension of lifespan was mainly attributed to the major bioactive compounds in GE, 6-, 8-, 10-gingerol and 6-, 8-, 10-shogaol. Subsequently, GE promoted healthy aging by improving nematode movement and attenuating lipofuscin accumulation, and enhanced stress tolerance by up-regulating the expression of stress-related genes and activating DAF-16 and SKN-1. Moreover, lifespan assays of relative mutants revealed that GE mediated extension of lifespan via the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway. In summary, GE endowed nematodes (C. elegans) with longevity and stress resistance in an IIS pathway dependent manner.

Differential responses of polysaccharides and antioxidant enzymes in alleviating cadmium toxicity of tuber traditional Chinese medicinal materials

Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua (PC) and Bletilla striata (BS) are widely used and planted as tuber traditional Chinese medicinal materials (TCMMs). Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major causes of soil pollution and challenge to the quality and safety of TCMMs. Understanding the absorption and distribution of Cd is important for addressing the risks posed by its residues. As a result, the higher Cd translocation factor (TF) results in the lower Cd bioconcentration factor (BCF) in the PC tuber than that of BS attributed to a lower Cd concentration in the PC tuber, which guaranteed its safe utilization and edible safety under 1 mg·kg^-1 Cd soil. Cd stress overall activated peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and water-extractable polysaccharides in PC (PCP1) to exhibit better antioxidation, while the superoxide dismutase (SOD) in BS increased by approximately 206-277% to alleviate more severe oxidative damage. Particularly, Cd induced an increase in PCP1 higher than that of water-extractable polysaccharides of BS (BSP1) by approximately 335% to 1351%. PC exhibited effective strategies for alleviating Cd toxicity, including transferring Cd to nonmedicinal parts, increasing polysaccharides, and synergistically activating the enzymatic antioxidant system. This study expands the application for the safe utilization of low-Cd contaminated soil and provides novel insights for tuber TCMMs to alleviate Cd toxicity.

An acidic polysaccharide from Oxalis corniculata L. and the preliminary study on its antioxidant activity

It has been reported that the aqueous extract from Oxalis corniculate has excellent pharmacological effects, but its polysaccharide as the major ingredient in the aqueous extract has not been reported. When the temperature of 50°C, ultrasonic power of 270 W, time of 25 min, solid to liquid ratio of 30 ml·g^-1 , the optimal O. corniculate polysaccharide (OCP) yield was 9.45%. The physicochemical properties indicated that OCP-3, as the major fraction of OCP, was an acidic polysaccharide with 31.5 kDa, and it mainly consisted of arabinose (47.83%), galacturonic acid (17.81%), and galactose (14.25%). In addition, OCP-3 displayed an excellent antioxidant activity in vitro, including scavenging free radical, anti-lipid peroxidation, and protecting plasmid DNA from oxidative damage. Meanwhile, OCP-3 significantly reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl by significantly increasing the activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, which protected the HEK 293 cell and Caenorhabditis elegans from oxidative damage. All the results suggested that OCP-3 might be the major active ingredient of the aqueous extract from O. corniculate, and OCP-3 might be a potent antioxidant supplement in the food, cosmetics, and medical industries. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Oxalis corniculate is a kind of wild vegetable and ethnomedicine, and it is widely distributed in temperate zones. Unfortunately, its utilization rate is low compared to its yield. Our research suggested that the polysaccharide of OCP-3 from O corniculate might be used as a potent antioxidant supplement in the food, cosmetics, and medical industries.

The Composition and Anti-Aging Activities of Polyphenol Extract from Phyllanthus emblica L. Fruit

Phyllanthus emblica L. (PE) is commonly known as a medicine and food homologous plant, which is abundant in natural products polyphenols. In the present study, polyphenols were extracted from PE fruit by response surface method, and the anti-aging ability was determined. PE fruit polyphenols exhibited strong antioxidant capacities in scavenging free radicals, and anti-cholinesterase ability by inhibition of AChE (IC50 0.2186 ± 0.0416 mg/mL) and BuChE (IC50 0.0542 ± 0.0054 mg/mL) in vitro. Moreover, PE fruit polyphenols showed strong protective effect against the aging process in Caenorhabditis elegans model, including increased thermal resistance, extended lifespan by 18.53% (p < 0.05), reduced activity of AChE by 34.71% and BuChE by 45.38% (p < 0.01). This was accompanied by the enhancement in antioxidant enzymes activity of SOD by 30.74% (p < 0.05) and CAT by 8.42% (p > 0.05), while decrease in MDA level by 36.25% (p < 0.05). These properties might be interrelated with the presence of abundant flavonols and phenolic acids identified by UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, such as quercetin, myricetin, ellagic, gallic, and chlorogenic acids, together with their glycosides. The remarkable antioxidant and anti-aging potential of PE fruit polyphenols could be implemented in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Relevance of bioassay of biologically active substances (BAS) with geroprotective properties in the model of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans in experiments in vivo

Aging is a process global in nature. The age of living organisms contributes to the appearance of chronic diseases, which not only reduce the quality of life, but also significantly damage it. Modern medicines can successfully fight multiple diseases and prolong life. At the same time, medications have a large number of side effects. New research indicates that bioactive phytochemicals have great potential for treating even the most severe diseases and can become an alternative to medicines. Despite many studies in this area, the effects of many plant ingredients on living organisms are poorly understood. Analysis of the mechanisms through which herbal preparations influence the aging process helps to select the right active substances, determine the optimal doses to obtain the maximum positive effect. It is preferable to check the effectiveness of plant extracts and biologically active components with geroprotective properties in vivo. For these purposes, live model systems such as Rattus rattus, Mus musculus, Drosophila melanogaster, and Caenorhabditis elegans are used. These models help to comprehensively study the impact of the developed new drugs on the aging process. The model organism C. elegans is gaining increasing popularity in these studies because of its many advantages. This review article discusses the advantages of the nematode C. elegans as a model organism for studying the processes associated with aging. The influence of various BAS and plant extracts on the increase in the life span of the nematode, on the increase in its stress resistance and on other markers of aging is also considered. The review showed that the nematode C. elegans has a number of advantages over other organisms and is a promising model system for studying the geroprotective properties of BAS.

Prebiotic, Antioxidant, and Immunomodulatory Properties of Acidic Exopolysaccharide From Marine Rhodotorula RY1801

In this study, an extracellular acidic polysaccharide (EAPS) from marine Rhodotorula sp. RY1801 was extracted, and its biological properties were investigated. EAPS is mainly composed of monosaccharides, including mannose, rhamnose, glucose, galactose, and fucose, had an average molecular weight of 5.902 × 107 Da. The results indicated that EAPS can promote the growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. acidophilus plantarum. EAPS is capable of scavenging both superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals in vitro. The highest scavenging rate of superoxide anion and hydroxyl radicals is 29 and 84%, respectively. Using in vivo model, we found that the EAPS can expand the lifespan and increase the disease resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans against Klebsiella pneumoniae infection via the DAF-2/DAF-16 pathway. These results suggested that EAPS from marine Rhodotorula sp. RY1801 could promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and can be used as an antioxidant and immunomodulator, which had considerable potential in the food and health industry.

Inhibition of Calcium Oxalate Formation and Antioxidant Activity of Carboxymethylated Poria cocos Polysaccharides

Three carboxymethylated Poria cocos polysaccharides (PCP-C1, PCP-C2, and PCP-C3) with -COOH contents of 6.13%, 10.24%, and 16.22%, respectively, were obtained by carboxymethylation of the original polysaccharide (PCP-C0), which has a molecular weight of 4 kDa and a carboxyl (-COOH) content of 2.54%. The structure of the PCP-Cs was characterized by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, and ¹³C NMR spectra. The four PCP-Cs exhibited antioxidant activity, and their ability to scavenge radicals (hydroxyl and DPPH) and chelate ferrous ions was positively correlated with the degree of carboxymethylation. As the content of -COOH groups in the PCP-Cs increases, their ability to regulate the growth of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals was enhanced, thus inhibiting the growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals and inducing the formation of more calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) crystals. The formed CaOx crystal was more round and blunt, the absolute value of the Zeta potential on the crystal surface increased, and the aggregation between crystals was inhibited. Thermogravimetric analysis curves showed that the proportions of PCP-C0, PCP-C1, PCP-C2, and PCP-C3 incorporated into the crystal were 20.52%, 15.60%, 10.65%, and 9.78%, respectively, in the presence of 0.4 g/L PCP-Cs. PCP-C protection resisted oxidative damages of human kidney proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) caused by oxalate, resulting in increased cell viability and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased reactive oxygen species levels, malondialdehyde content, and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine expression. Hence, PCP-Cs, especially PCP-C3, can inhibit the formation of CaOx crystals and may have the potential to be an alternative antistone drug.

Effects of extraction methods on antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides from superfine powder Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino

BACKGROUP

Superfine grinding (SG) technology has attracted considerable attention in food and medicine researcher fields.

METHODS

Polysaccharides in superfine powder of Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino (GPP) were extracted using three methods, including hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasound-assisted hot extraction (UAE), and microwave-assisted hot extraction (MAE), and the purified polysaccharides were specially denoted as GPWP, GPUP, and GPMP, respectively. The possible structures of polysaccharides were investigated by FT-IR, HPLC and SEM. In addition, the antioxidative and immunomodulatory activities were evaluated by in vitro radical-scavenging activity assay and immune cell functional evaluation.

RESULTS

We observed that the yield of GPUP (20.31%) was relatively higher than that of GPWP (15.34%) and GPMP (16.96%). Among all products, GPWP exhibited the highest antioxidative activities against DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. GPWP could also preferably chelate Fe²⁺ and protect against the oxidative damage by increasing the cellular levels of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GSH-PX) and decreasing the content of oxidation product (MDA). Three polysaccharides presented some extent of immunoregulatory activity by promoting the phagocytosis of mononuclear macrophages and elevating the levels of NO, TNF-ɑ, and IL-6, and among which GPWP showed the best.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate that the HWE method is an excellent technique for extracting GPP with high bioactivities that would be suitable for various industrial applications. Graphical Abstract.

Extraction, purification, and determination of the gastroprotective activity of glucomannan from Bletilla striata

In this study, a water-soluble polysaccharide (BSP) was extracted and purified from pseudobulb of Bletilla striata. The preliminary structure and gastroprotective activity of BSP were analyzed. Results indicate that BSP is a glucomannan with a molar ratio of 7.45:2.55 (Man:Glc), and its molecular weight is approximately 1.7 × 10⁵ Da. BSP displayed outstanding protective action against ethanol-induced GES-1 cell injury in vitro, as well as, excellent gastroprotective activity in vivo. Especially, a high-dose of BSP (100 mg/kg) could reduce the ulcer index of the gastric mucosa and increase the percentage of ulcer inhibition, which possibly caused by enhancing the antioxidant capacity and inhibiting the apoptotic pathway in gastric tissue. Interestingly, BSP exhibited a comparative gastroprotective activity to that of positive control (omeprazole). In summary, our results indicated that BSP could be considered as a potential supplement for the prevention of gastric injury.

Epimedium Polysaccharide Ameliorates Benzene-Induced Aplastic Anemia in Mice

Benzene (BZ) is an important occupational and environmental pollutant. Exposure to BZ may cause aplastic anemia which is characterized as bone marrow hematopoietic failure. In order to reduce the harmful effects of this pollutant, it is necessary to identify additional preventative measures. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of epimedium polysaccharide (EPS), a natural compound with antioxidant and immune-enhancing potency, on aplastic anemia induced by benzene exposure in mice. Male CD-1 mice were randomly divided into five groups including control, BZ (880 mg/kg), LE (EPS low-dose, 20 mg/kg + BZ), ME (EPS middle-dose, 100 mg/kg + BZ), and HE (EPS high-dose, 200 mg/kg + BZ) groups. Animals were exposed to BZ by subcutaneous injection in the presence or absence of EPS via oral administration. All mice were treated 3 times a week for 8 consecutive weeks to develop a mouse model of benzene-induced aplastic anemia (BIAA). Results showed that BZ induced a significant decrease in both white and red blood cells, platelet counts, and hemoglobin level compared with that in the control group (p < 0.01). Treatment of EPS led to a protective effect against these changes particularly in the highest-dose group (HE, p < 0.01). EPS also recovered the decreased number of nucleated cells in peripheral blood cell smears and femur biopsies by BZ exposure. The increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMNCs) in mice from the BZ group was significantly lower (p < 0.01) in the mice from the highest concentration of EPS (HE) group when compared with that from the control group. In addition, BZ exposure led to a significant increase in the apoptosis rate in BMMNCs which was prevented by EPS in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The antiapoptosis effect of EPS was through reversing apoptotic proteins such as BAX, Caspase-9 and Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Finally, EPS treatment partially restored the levels of T cells and the different subtypes except CD80⁺ and CD86⁺ compared with the BZ group (HE, p < 0.05). These results suggest that EPS has protective effects against BIAA via antioxidative stress, immune modulation, and antiapoptosis mechanisms.

Characterization and Antioxidant Activity Determination of Neutral and Acidic Polysaccharides from Panax Ginseng C. A. Meyer

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is the most widely consumed herbal plant in Asia and is well-known for its various pharmacological properties. Many studies have been devoted to this natural product. However, polysaccharide’s components of ginseng and their biological effects have not been widely studied. In this study, white ginseng neutral polysaccharide (WGNP) and white ginseng acidic polysaccharide (WGAP) fractions were purified from P. ginseng roots. The chemical properties of WGNP and WGAP were investigated using various chromatography and spectroscopy techniques, including high-performance gel permeation chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and high-performance liquid chromatography with an ultra-violet detector. The antioxidant, anti-radical, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model organism. Our in vitro data by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), reducing power, ferrous ion chelating, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity suggested that the WGAP with significantly higher uronic acid content and higher molecular weight exhibits a much stronger antioxidant effect as compared to that of WGNP. Similar antioxidant activity of WGAP was also confirmed in vivo by evaluating internal reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, WGAP may be used as a natural antioxidant with potent scavenging and metal chelation properties.

Structural characterization and antioxidant activity of oligosaccharides from Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer

The purpose of present work was to investigate the antioxidant activity of oligosaccharides from mountain-cultivated ginseng (MCG) and cultivated ginseng (CG). The antioxidant activity of total oligosaccharides from MCG and CG were compared preliminary. And then, the total oligosaccharides of MCG, which displayed stronger activity than that of CG, were separated by Carbon-Celite column and eluted with water and ethanol of different concentrations (30%, 50%, 70%, 95%, v/v). Five fractions, MCGOS-H₂O, MCGOS-30, MCGOS-50, MCGOS-70, MCGOS-95, were obtained. Seven oligosaccharides were purified from MCGOS-30-MCGOS-95. The structure features of oligosaccharides (MCGO-1-MCGO-7) were characterized using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), methylation and gas chromatography-mass (GC-MS), as well as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. ABTS radical scavenging assay, DPPH radical scavenging assay as well as ferric reducing antioxidant power assay were adopted for antioxidant activity of all the different oligosaccharides sub-fraction. The result showed that the fractions of MCGOS-70 and MCGOS-95 exhibited significant radical scavenging activity with DPPH and ABTS. In conclusion, the oligosaccharides from MCG possessed the significant antioxidant activity. Therefore, we propose that the oligosaccharides from Panax ginseng can be developed as natural antioxidants in food and pharmaceutical fields.

Characterization, antioxidant, and anticancer activities of a neutral polysaccharide from Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke

A neutral polysaccharide (DIP-1) from Duchesnea indica (Andr.) Focke was obtained by hot water extraction, ethanol precipitation and chromatographic separation (DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange column and Sephadex G-100 gel column). The physicochemical properties of DIP-1 were elucidated by gel permeation chromatography, monosaccharide composition, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, UV-visible spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscope and Congo red test. The results indicated that DIP-1 was consisted of mannose, glucosamine, glucose, galactose and arabinose in a ratio of 1.00:0.42:18.36:14.17:0.81, and its molecular weight was 218.3 kDa. Meanwhile, DIP-1 presented a straight hexahedron structure, but no triple-helical conformation. In antioxidant activity tests, DIP-1 exhibited powerful scavenging activities on hydroxyl, DPPH, ABTS radicals and reducing power in a dose-dependent manner. Especially, DIP-1 demonstrated high inhibitory activities against SKOV-3 and Hep-G2 cells in vitro, with IC₅₀ values of 1.42 and 1.23 mg/ml, respectively. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: D. indica has been used for a long time as a Chinese medicine for therapy of many diseases, including cancer, inflammation, leprosy, fever, bleeding and so on. At present, polysaccharides have attracted comprehensive attention because of a large range of pharmacological and biological properties, including antitumor, antidiabetic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity. In the present study, we purified and characterized a neutral polysaccharide from D. indica for the first time. Moreover, the neutral polysaccharide exhibits significant antioxidant and antitumor activities. Therefore, the present study laid a foundation for the high-value application of D. indica polysaccharides in functional food and pharmaceutical industries.

The glutathione system and the related thiol network in Caenorhabditis elegans

Advances in the field of redox biology have contributed to the understanding of the complexity of the thiol-based system in mediating signal transduction. The redox environment is the overall spatiotemporal balance of oxidation-reduction systems within the integrated compartments of the cell, tissues and whole organisms. The ratio of the reduced to disulfide glutathione redox couple (GSH:GSSG) is a key indicator of the redox environment and its associated cellular health. The reaction mechanisms of glutathione-dependent and related thiol-based enzymes play a fundamental role in the function of GSH as a redox regulator. Glutathione homeostasis is maintained by the balance of GSH synthesis (de novo and salvage pathways) and its utilization through its detoxification, thiol signalling, and antioxidant defence functions via GSH-dependent enzymes and free radical scavenging. As such, GSH acts in concert with the entire redox network to maintain reducing conditions in the cell. Caenorhabditis elegans offers a simple model to facilitate further understanding at the multicellular level of the physiological functions of GSH and the GSH-dependent redox network. This review discusses the C. elegans studies that have investigated glutathione and related systems of the redox network including; orthologs to the protein-encoding genes of GSH synthesis; glutathione peroxidases; glutathione-S-transferases; and the glutaredoxin, thioredoxin and peroxiredoxin systems.

Constituent and effects of polysaccharides isolated from Sophora moorcroftiana seeds on lifespan, reproduction, stress resistance, and antimicrobial capacity in Caenorhabditis elegans

Sophora moorcroftiana (S. moorcroftiana) is an endemic leguminous dwarf shrub in Tibet, China. Decoctions of the seeds have been used in Chinese folk medicine for dephlogistication, detoxication, and infectious diseases. The present study aimed to investigate the constituent and biological effects of polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds (SMpol) were extracted with 60% ethanol and constituent was analyzed by GC-MS. SMpol was composed of glucose, galactose and inositol in the molar ratio of 35.7 : 1.3 : 17.0. Synchronized worms were treated with SMpol and then lifespan, motility, reproduction, stress resistance and antimicrobial activity were examined. Compared with the control group, the lifespan was increased to the average of 27.3 days and the number of laying eggs showed a 1.3-fold increase in nematodes treated with SMpol (4 mg·mL^-1). In SMpol (4 mg·mL^-1) treated worms, there was a 1.1-fold increase in 24-h survival of acute heat stress and a 1.6-fold increase in 2-h survival of oxidative stress The colonization of the bacteria in the SMpol treated nematode was significantly lower than that of the untreated group by 68.3%. In vivo studies showed SMpol significantly extended the life span, improved reproduction, increased stress resistance and antimicrobial capacity of C. elegans. In conclusion, those results indicated that the polysaccharides from S. moorcroftiana seeds were involved in a variety of biological activities leading to its modulatory effects on C. elegans which may be developed as a natural supplement agent.

The chemical structure and anti-aging bioactivity of an acid polysaccharide obtained from rose buds

An acid polysaccharide, named R-PL, was extracted from rose buds by hot water (80 °C) extraction and purified by Sephadex G-200.

Antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides of Chuanminshen violaceum

The water-soluble polysaccharides were extracted and purified from the root of Chuanminshen violaceum (CVPS). The antioxidant activities of the CVPS were evaluated both with in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results of the in vitro antioxidant assay suggested that the CVPS scavenged DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. The oral administration of three different doses of CVPS administered over a period of 6 weeks to D-galactose induced aging mice models, enhanced the activities of T-SOD, Mn-SOD, Cu, Zn-SOD, and CAT, and markedly decreased the content of MDA. Therefore, significant up-regulation of mRNA expression levels of Cu, Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx), thioredoxin 1 (Trx1), and thioredoxin 2 (Trx1) occurred. Finally, the results demonstrated that the CVPS are a novel potential resource for natural antioxidants and anti-aging drugs.

Effects of Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin Decoction on immune cells of the spleen and bone marrow in ovariectomized mice

Osteoimmunology is a new discipline that focuses on the interaction between the bones and the immune system. Immune cells play an important role in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to illustrate the effect of Bu-Shen-Ning-Xin Decoction (BSNXD) on lymphocytes in the spleen and bone marrow to explore the potential role on the bone. C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups: sham, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX+BSNXD, and OVX+ estrogen. The sham and OVX groups were treated with saline, the OVX+BSNXD group was treated with BSNXD, and the OVX+ estrogen group was treated with estrogen. After mice were sacrificed, the spleens and bones were collected, and the lymphocytes in the spleen and bone marrow were analyzed. We found that BSNXD lessened the extent of the increase of CD4⁺ and bone marrow. In contrast, these numbers were both increased in the OVX group. BSNXD had no influence on the percentage of γδ T cells. However, it increased the proportion of NK cells in the spleen and bone marrow. BSNXD lessened the extent of the increase of monocytes by ovariectomy. In vitro experiment, we found Tregs can decrease osteoclastogenesis when co-cultured with osteoclast precursor cells. This study suggests that BSNXD changes the immune environment and immune cells have a role in bone metabolism in OVX mice.