Effects of <em>Astragalus</em> polysaccharides on memory impairment in a diabetic rat model

Abstract

ObjectiveAstragalus polysaccharides (APS) are active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of APS on memory impairment in a diabetic rat model and their mechanisms.MethodsA diabetic model was established in 50 male Wistar rats with streptozotocin intra-peritoneal injection. A blood glucose level higher than 16.7 mmol/L obtained 72 hours after the injection was regarded as a successful diabetic model. The modeled rats were divided into model group, high, medium, and low doses of APS, and piracetam groups (positive control). A group of ten rats without streptozotocin-induced diabetes were used as a normal control. After respective consecutive 8-week treatments, the levels of blood fasting plasma glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, memory performance, hippocampal malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase were determined.ResultsAfter the 8-week APS treatment, serum fasting plasma glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and insulin levels were decreased compared with those of the model group (P<0.05). Importantly, memory impairment in the diabetic model was reversed by APS treatments. In addition, hippocampal malondialdehyde concentration was lowered, whereas that of superoxide dismutase was higher after APS treatments.ConclusionAPS are important active components responsible for memory improvement in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. The potential mechanism of action is associated with the effects of APS on glucose and lipid metabolism, and antioxidative and insulin resistance. APS are constituents of A. membranaceus that are potential candidate therapeutic agents for the treatment of memory deficit in diabetes.

Antidiabetic activities of polysaccharides separated from Inonotus obliquus via the modulation of oxidative stress in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes

“…Evaluation of the effects of polysaccharides with antidiabetic properties has emerged as an important research field [9]. Our group successfully confirmed the antidiabetic effects of polysaccharide-enriched extractions of Cordyceps militaris , Paecilomyces hepiali , and P .…”

Astragalus polysaccharides suppresses high glucose-induced metabolic memory in retinal pigment epithelial cells through inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction-induced apoptosis by regulating miR-195

“…This vicious cycle continues to self-propagate and doesn’t turn off even after the condition is changed to the normal glucose. APS is a Chinese traditional medicine which can suppress the mitochondrial damage and prevent the diabetes (Liu et al 2013; Dun et al 2016). In the current study, we found APS suppressed high glucose-induced metabolic memory in retinal pigment epithelial cells through inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction-induced apoptosis by regulating miR-195.…”

Astragalus membranaceus-Polysaccharides Ameliorates Obesity, Hepatic Steatosis, Neuroinflammation and Cognition Impairment without Affecting Amyloid Deposition in Metabolically Stressed APPswe/PS1dE9 Mice

“…The increased leptin level and increased body weight might implicate that leptin resistance was induced by HFZTZ treatment (4). Recent study indicated that APS altered glucose metabolism and decreased insulin resistance in rat with STZ-induced diabetes [ 20 ]. In that work, the potential mechanism of APS on glucose and lipid metabolism, anti-oxidative, insulin resistance and memory deficit in diabetes was studied.…”