Antidiabetic Activity of Acidic Polysaccharide From Schisandra chinensis in STZ-Induced Diabetic Mice

Abstract

Polysaccharide, one of the main components in Schisandra chinensis, has been discovered to have an antidiabetic effect. In this study, we further observed the effect of the secondary component of Schisandra polysaccharide, acidic polysaccharide, on diabetes induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in mice and H 2 O 2 -induced MIN6 cell injury model and investigated the underlying mechanisms at the same time. The results showed that S. chinensis acidic polysaccharide (SCAP) could increase the content of fasting blood insulin and the activity of superoxide dismutase, lower the level of fasting blood glucose and malondialdehyde, and improve the pathological changes in the pancreatic islet in STZ-induced diabetic mice. SCAP decreased the percent of apoptotic cells and increased Cleaved Caspase-3 activity in H 2 O 2 -incubated cells. Furthermore, SCAP treatment inhibited the upregulation of phospho C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), BAX, and Cleaved Caspase-3 protein expressions, and increased the expression of Bcl-2. These results indicate that SCAP has a therapeutic effect on STZ-induced diabetic mouse, and this protective effect may be mediated through preventing the apoptosis of β-cells via inhibiting the expression of JNK and related apoptotic proteins.

Schisandra chinensis, Five Flavor Berry, a Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Super-Fruit from North Eastern China

“…S. Chinensis polysaccharide (SCAP) has a therapeutic impact on streptozotocin (STZ) and this protective influence maybe mediated via preventing the apoptosis of β-cells by inhibiting the expression of phosphor C-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and related apoptotic proteins. 81 Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that most of the biological actions and pharmacological effects of Wuweizi can be attributed to its lignan constituents, particularly the dibenzocyclooctadiene-type lignans, which can lower the serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) level, inhibit platelet aggregation and show antioxidative, calcium antagonism, antitumor-promoting and anti-HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) effects. 82 Rybnikar et al 83 found that their activity has been investigated in hundreds of studies that have confirmed adaptogenic effects, central nervous system stimulation, hepatoprotective effects and potential anticancer potential.…”

Natural Compounds for the Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…This polysaccharide also prevented apoptosis of pancreatic β-cells through the up-regulation of factors such as BAX and Bcl-2, suggesting a possible mechanism for its antidiabetic activity. [ 75 ].…”