In vivo absorption and utilization of polysaccharides from Cordyceps militaris subspecies and their protective effects against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice

Cordyceps militaris, a medicinal and edible fungus, has garnered significant interest for its polysaccharides, known for their diverse physiological activities and health benefits. The active polysaccharide, CM-1, was isolated using hot water extraction and column chromatography, yielding a pure substance. Its structure was determined through various spectral and chemical techniques. CM-1 antioxidant capabilities were confirmed through in vitro assays. Additionally, its impact on iodine absorption and its hepatoprotective properties were investigated, particularly against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in mice. The study found that CM-1 displayed a 5.71% absorption rate in the bloodstream, with a peak concentration of 1.24 mg in the liver. Notably, CM-1 effectively mitigated acute liver damage caused by CCl4 in mice. This was evidenced by reduced levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, along with enhanced expression of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in liver tissues. CM-1 also reduced malondialdehyde expression, further protecting against acute liver injury. These results indicate CM-1 promising potential as a dietary supplement for liver injury prevention and treatment.

虫草花，作为一种药用及可食用真菌，因其多糖成分而备受关注，这些多糖以其多样的生理活性和健康益处而闻名。通过热水提取和柱层析技术成功分离出活性多糖CM-1，并得到纯净物质。其结构通过多种光谱和化学技术得以确定。CM-1的抗氧化能力通过体外实验得到证实。此外，其对碘吸收的影响及其护肝特性得到了研究，尤其是在小鼠模型中针对四氯化碳（CCl4）诱导的肝脏损伤。研究显示，CM-1在血液中的吸收率为5.71%，在肝脏中的峰值浓度为1.24 mg。值得注意的是，CM-1能有效减轻由CCl4引起的小鼠急性肝脏损伤。这一效果体现在降低血清天冬氨酸转氨酶和丙氨酸转氨酶水平，以及增强肝脏组织中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化氢酶的表达。CM-1还降低了丙二醛的表达，进一步保护肝脏免受急性损伤。这些结果表明CM-1在预防和治疗肝脏损伤方面具有作为膳食补充剂的巨大潜力。