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Keywords = Astragalus polysaccharides

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29 pages, 3399 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Mechanisms and Applications of Astragalus Polysaccharides in Liver Cancer Treatment: An Overview
by Wang Wang, Hanting Zhou, Akanksha Sen, Pengxia Zhang, Linhong Yuan and Shaobo Zhou
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2792; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132792 - 28 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1817
Abstract
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), bioactive compounds derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have emerged as promising natural agents in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Preclinical studies indicate that APS exerts significant anti-liver cancer effects through multiple biological actions, including [...] Read more.
Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), bioactive compounds derived from Astragalus membranaceus, have emerged as promising natural agents in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Preclinical studies indicate that APS exerts significant anti-liver cancer effects through multiple biological actions, including the promotion of apoptosis, inhibition of proliferation, suppression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition, regulation of autophagy, and modulation of immune responses. These therapeutic effects are closely associated with the regulation of critical signalling pathways, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, JAK/STAT, and TGF-β/Smad. APS also reshapes the tumour microenvironment by enhancing macrophage activity, reducing the regulatory T cell function, and improving host immune response. In addition, APS exhibits synergistic effects when combined with conventional chemotherapeutics and interventional treatments such as transarterial chemoembolisation, improving efficacy and reducing toxicity. Despite the robust experimental evidence, limitations such as low bioavailability and a lack of large-scale clinical trials remain challenges for clinical translation. This review summarises the recent advances in understanding the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma activities of APS, their molecular targets and potential applications, aiming to provide a scientific basis for future studies and the development of APS-based therapeutic strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Functional Foods and Dietary Bioactives on Human Health)
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17 pages, 2766 KiB  
Article
Dietary Astragalus Polysaccharides Can Improve the Immune Capacity and Reproductive Performance of the Lined Seahorse (Hippocampus erectus)
by Siping Li, Xin Liu, Tingting Lin, Yuanhao Ren, Dong Zhang and Keji Jiang
Biology 2025, 14(7), 767; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14070767 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) is popular in the markets of traditional Chinese medicine, aquarium, and curio. In order to protect wild stocks and still meet the market demand, China attempted the large-scale cultivation of seahorses in the early 21st century and achieved it [...] Read more.
Seahorse (Hippocampus spp.) is popular in the markets of traditional Chinese medicine, aquarium, and curio. In order to protect wild stocks and still meet the market demand, China attempted the large-scale cultivation of seahorses in the early 21st century and achieved it in the 2010s. However, in recent years, two new issues have gradually emerged in Chinese seahorse cultivation. One is that the juveniles are prone to disease during diet conversion, and the other is that the reproductive performance of broodstocks is significantly reduced. With the aim to provide some measures that can alleviate these issues, in the present study, we used lined seahorse (Hippocampus erectus, a species widely cultured in China) as the experimental subject and Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) as the immunostimulant to test whether APSs could improve the immune-health status and reproductive performance of seahorses. The measured indices for reproductive performance included ovarian lipid content, assessment time required before mating for paired male and female seahorses, mating success rate, brood size, and newborn body height. The results showed that for juveniles during diet conversion, their body weight, survival rate, plasma immunocytokine contents (interleukin-2, interferon-α, and immunoglobulin M), and alpha diversity indices (Simpson and Pielou’s-e) of the intestinal microbiota were significantly higher than those of the control group after dietary APSs. For broodstocks, compared with the control group, the expression of lipid substances in the ovary was significantly upregulated, the assessment time was significantly shortened, and the body height of their newborns was significantly increased in the APS group. These results demonstrate that APSs could indeed improve the immune-health status and reproductive performance of seahorses, providing guidance for addressing existing issues in seahorse cultivation. Full article
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9 pages, 660 KiB  
Article
Dietary Supplementation of Astragalus Polysaccharides Modulates Growth Physiology, Metabolic Homeostasis, and Innate Immune Responses in Rice Field Eels (Monopterus albus)
by Chengcheng Wu, Hang Yang, Yutong Yang, Quan Yuan, Weiwei Lv, Gelana Urgesa Ayana, Mingyou Li, Di Su, Wenzong Zhou and Qinghua Zhang
Fishes 2025, 10(5), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/fishes10050213 - 6 May 2025
Viewed by 1050
Abstract
To investigate the dietary effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immunity of Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) during the domestication stage, fish were randomly allocated into quadruplicate groups receiving Tenebrio molitor-based [...] Read more.
To investigate the dietary effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity, and non-specific immunity of Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) during the domestication stage, fish were randomly allocated into quadruplicate groups receiving Tenebrio molitor-based diets supplemented with Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs) at graded concentrations of 0 (CON), 700 (APS1), 1400 (APS2), and 2100 (APS3) mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The results showed that dietary APSs at 700–1400 mg/kg·bw significantly enhanced the weight gain rate (WG) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of M. albus (p < 0.05). Concurrently, hematological analysis revealed that hemoglobin levels increased by 19.9% and 23.0% in the 700 and 1400 mg/kg APS groups, respectively (p < 0.05). In terms of lipid metabolism, supplementation with APSs significantly increased the serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) content in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). Lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels were found in the APS2 group (p < 0.05), and decreased triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were displayed in the APS3 group (p < 0.05). Among the antioxidant parameters, the supplementation with 700 mg/kg·bw APSs significantly increased the glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activity levels of M. albus (p < 0.05). The APS2 group had a significantly increased total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and CAT activity levels (p < 0.05), and the APS3 group had significantly increased CAT activity levels (p < 0.05). In addition, the APS1 and APS3 groups had significantly reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels (p < 0.05). In terms of non-specific immunity, the APS1 and APS2 groups showed significantly increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lysozyme (LZM) activity levels of M. albus (p < 0.05), and the addition of 700 mg/kg·bw APSs significantly increased the levels of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of acid phosphatase (ACP) activity were significantly increased in all experimental groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal APS addition for T. molitor as biocarrier bait is 700 mg/kg, corresponding to 352 mg/kg, which elicits improvements in the growth parameters, lipid homeostasis regulation, oxidative stress mitigation, and innate immune potentiation of M. albus during the domestication stage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Aquaculture Feed Additives)
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21 pages, 4834 KiB  
Article
A Multifunctional PEEK Composite Scaffold with Immunomodulatory, Angiogenic, and Osteogenic Properties for Enhanced Bone Regeneration
by Mengen Zhao, Han Yang, Qianwen Yang, Chao Zhang, Jie Liu, Zhaoying Wu, Lijun Wang, Wei Zhang, Bing Wang and Wenliang Liu
Polymers 2025, 17(9), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17091206 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 547
Abstract
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a widely used material in bone tissue engineering due to its favorable mechanical properties and radiolucency. However, its bioinert nature and lack of osteogenic activity restrict its ability to support effective bone regeneration. In this study, a novel APS-coated plasma-treated [...] Read more.
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a widely used material in bone tissue engineering due to its favorable mechanical properties and radiolucency. However, its bioinert nature and lack of osteogenic activity restrict its ability to support effective bone regeneration. In this study, a novel APS-coated plasma-treated sulfonated bioactive PEEK scaffold (APS/PSBPK) was developed to overcome these limitations. The scaffold integrates strontium-doped bioactive glass (SrBG) to enhance biocompatibility and osteogenic potential, while astragalus polysaccharide (APS) was incorporated via plasma cleaning to modulate immune responses and promote vascularization. In vitro studies demonstrated that the APS/PSBPK scaffold facilitates M2 macrophage polarization, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, and enhances the secretion of anti-inflammatory factors. It also promotes endothelial cell migration and angiogenesis while supporting the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of rBMSCs. In vivo experiments revealed that the scaffold effectively regulates the immune microenvironment, promotes vascularization, and accelerates bone regeneration. Thus, the APS/PSBPK composite scaffold serves as a multifunctional biomaterial with significant potential for applications in bone repair and regeneration by combining immunomodulation, angiogenesis, and osteogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Polymer Applications)
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16 pages, 3661 KiB  
Article
Mechanism of Astragalus Polysaccharide in Alleviating Bovine Mammary Fibrosis Through ROS/NLRP3 Inhibition and EMT Regulation
by Jiang Zhang, Kejiang Liu, Tingji Yang, Hongwei Duan, Longfei Xiao, Quanwei Zhang, Yong Zhang, Weitao Dong and Xingxu Zhao
Antioxidants 2025, 14(5), 503; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14050503 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
Mastitis in dairy cows, typically caused by bacterial infection, is a common inflammatory condition of the mammary tissue that leads to fibrosis, adversely affecting cow health, milk production, and dairy product quality. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has shown effectiveness in alleviating inflammation and fibrosis [...] Read more.
Mastitis in dairy cows, typically caused by bacterial infection, is a common inflammatory condition of the mammary tissue that leads to fibrosis, adversely affecting cow health, milk production, and dairy product quality. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) has shown effectiveness in alleviating inflammation and fibrosis in various organs. The study employed lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce fibrotic conditions in two experimental systems: MAC-T bovine mammary epithelial cells and Kunming mouse models. Key parameters, including relative gene mRNA expression, protein levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, were assessed using RT-qPCR, Western blotting (WB), and 2’,7’-Dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) techniques, while histological analysis of mammary tissue was performed using H&E and Masson trichrome staining. Measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, assessing the enzyme activities of catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were two methods of assessing oxidative stress. These methods were also tested in mouse mammary glands. APS significantly decreased ROS concentrations (p < 0.01), restored oxidative stress balance in mice (p < 0.05), and reduced fibrosis and inflammation, as demonstrated by histological observations and analysis. It also exerted regulatory effects on fibrosis markers (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, α-SMA) and inflammation markers (NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β), as demonstrated by changes in their mRNA and protein expression. These findings endorse APS’s viability as an alternative therapeutic agent for mammary fibrosis therapy by demonstrating its ability to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and mammary fibrosis in vivo, while also mitigating ROS production and reducing inflammation. Full article
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29 pages, 1269 KiB  
Review
Astragalus Membranaceus—Can It Delay Cellular Aging?
by Kinga K. Borowicz and Monika E. Jach
Nutrients 2025, 17(8), 1299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17081299 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 3189
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus, a plant that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, is widely regarded as one of the most valuable herbs in this medicinal tradition. It is commonly referred to as the “yellow leader”, a designation that stems from [...] Read more.
Astragalus membranaceus, a plant that has been utilized in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, is widely regarded as one of the most valuable herbs in this medicinal tradition. It is commonly referred to as the “yellow leader”, a designation that stems from the yellow hue of its most significant organ, the root, and its adaptogenic properties. The plant Astragalus is renowned for its abundance of active components, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, saponins, and an array of trace elements. It has been demonstrated that the administration of Astragalus can prevent cellular aging, owing to its diverse range of actions that provide protection to the body from both external and internal factors. The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative properties of this plant contribute to the maintenance of good skin condition, preventing atrophy of subcutaneous tissue and degeneration of facial bones. Systemic actions encompass the maintenance of function and protection of the cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory, digestive, excretory, immune, and endocrine systems. This article reviews the composition of Astragalus membranaceus and the beneficial effects of its root extract and its active substances on the whole body, with a particular focus on the anti-aging effects on the skin. Full article
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22 pages, 3903 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction, Characterization, and Antioxidant Activities of the Polysaccharides from Fermented Astragalus membranaceus
by Jingyan Zhang, Zijing Liang, Kang Zhang, Xi Tang, Lei Wang, Xueyan Gu, Huub F. J. Savelkoul and Jianxi Li
Molecules 2025, 30(5), 1159; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30051159 - 4 Mar 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1640
Abstract
This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides from fermented Astragalus membranaceus (FAPS) and to investigate the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the extracted polysaccharides. Using a combination of single-factor experiments and response surface methodology based on a Box–Behnken [...] Read more.
This study aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of polysaccharides from fermented Astragalus membranaceus (FAPS) and to investigate the physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of the extracted polysaccharides. Using a combination of single-factor experiments and response surface methodology based on a Box–Behnken design, we improved the extraction of crude FAPS without deproteinization. Under optimal conditions (50 °C, 60 min, 8 mL/g, 480 W), the yield of crude FAPS obtained by UAE (7.35% ± 0.08) exceeded the yield from convectional hot water extraction (6.95% ± 0.24). After protein removal, the FAPS was subjected to comprehensive chemical analyses, including HPLC, HPGPC, FT-IR, UV spectroscopy, and a Congo red assay. The results showed that FAPS had a significantly higher carbohydrate content compared to the non-fermented group (95.38% ± 6.20% vs. 90.938% ± 3.80%), while the protein content was significantly lower than that of the non-fermented Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) group (1.26% ± 0.34% vs. 6.76% ± 0.87%). In addition, FAPS had a higher average molecular weight and a lower Mw/Mn ratio compared to APS. The primary monosaccharides in FAPS were identified as Glc, Ara, Gal and GalA, with a molar ratio of 379.72:13.26:7.75:6.78, and FAPS lacked a triple helix structure. In vitro, antioxidant assays showed that FAPS possessed superior antioxidant properties compared to APS. These results emphasize the significant potential of FAPS as an antioxidant, possibly superior to that of APS. The results of this study suggest that fermentation and UAE offer promising applications for the development and utilization of Astragalus membranaceus for human and animal health. Full article
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21 pages, 6214 KiB  
Article
Astragalus Mongholicus Polysaccharides Alleviate Kidney Injury in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes Through Modulation of Oxidation, Inflammation, and Gut Microbiota
by Guoquan Xu, Haisheng Yuan, Jingran Liu, Xianjue Wang, Li Ma, Yuzhen Wang and Guicheng Dong
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(4), 1470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26041470 - 10 Feb 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1252
Abstract
We aimed to uncover the underlying mechanisms contributing to the therapeutic efficacy of Astragalus mongholicus Polysaccharides (mAPS) in alleviating diabetic nephropathy (DN). The rat model of DN was subjected to a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSHFD) coupled with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Our findings [...] Read more.
We aimed to uncover the underlying mechanisms contributing to the therapeutic efficacy of Astragalus mongholicus Polysaccharides (mAPS) in alleviating diabetic nephropathy (DN). The rat model of DN was subjected to a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSHFD) coupled with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. Our findings revealed that mAPS administration decreased fasting blood glucose (FBG), BUN, SCR, UA, and MDA levels, while elevating serum GSH, GSH-PX, and SOD activities in DN rats (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a notable rise in the mRNA and protein expression of renal Nrf-2, GCLC, NQO1, and HO-1 post mAPS treatment (p < 0.05). Additionally, mAPS supplementation led to reduced protein expression of TLR4, NLRP3, p-NF-κB, TGF-β, and Smad4. Concurrently, mAPS exerted a modulatory effect on gut microbiota, as evidenced by the increased abundance of Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcus_1, Phascolarctobacterium, and Lachnoclostridium-related genera. Spearman correlation analysis illustrated a negative association between the abundance of microbiota (Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136, Ruminococcus_1, Clostridiales) and the levels of serum parameters (BUN, CR, UA, TC, TG). In summary, our data robustly attests to the potential of mAPS in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota, ultimately resulting in improved renal function in DN rats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Bioactives and Nutraceuticals)
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31 pages, 1932 KiB  
Review
Renal Health Through Medicine–Food Homology: A Comprehensive Review of Botanical Micronutrients and Their Mechanisms
by Yi Zhao, Jian-Ye Song, Ru Feng, Jia-Chun Hu, Hui Xu, Meng-Liang Ye, Jian-Dong Jiang, Li-Meng Chen and Yan Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3530; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203530 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3267
Abstract
Background: As an ancient concept and practice, “food as medicine” or “medicine–food homology” is receiving more and more attention these days. It is a tradition in many regions to intake medicinal herbal food for potential health benefits to various organs and systems including [...] Read more.
Background: As an ancient concept and practice, “food as medicine” or “medicine–food homology” is receiving more and more attention these days. It is a tradition in many regions to intake medicinal herbal food for potential health benefits to various organs and systems including the kidney. Kidney diseases usually lack targeted therapy and face irreversible loss of function, leading to dialysis dependence. As the most important organ for endogenous metabolite and exogenous nutrient excretion, the status of the kidney could be closely related to daily diet. Therefore, medicinal herbal food rich in antioxidative, anti-inflammation micronutrients are ideal supplements for kidney protection. Recent studies have also discovered its impact on the “gut–kidney” axis. Methods: Here, we review and highlight the kidney-protective effects of botanicals with medicine–food homology including the most frequently used Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, concerning their micronutrients and mechanism, offering a basis and perspective for utilizing and exploring the key substances in medicinal herbal food to protect the kidney. Results: The index for medicine–food homology in China contains mostly botanicals while many of them are also consumed by people in other regions. Micronutrients including flavonoids, polysaccharides and others present powerful activities towards renal diseases. Conclusions: Botanicals with medicine–food homology are widely speeded over multiple regions and incorporating these natural compounds into dietary habits or as supplements shows promising future for renal health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Selenium and Other Micronutrient Intake on Human Health)
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15 pages, 3734 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Responses, Immunological Parameters, and Intestinal Microbiota of Coral Trout (Plectropomus leopardus)
by Xiaoqi Hao, Heizhao Lin, Ziyang Lin, Keng Yang, Jing Hu, Zhenhua Ma and Wei Yu
Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 1980; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12101980 - 30 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1431
Abstract
The potential effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) were evaluated in coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus). Five APS levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) were added to the diet of coral trout, and a 56-day growth trial (initial weight 18.62 ± 0.05 [...] Read more.
The potential effects of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) were evaluated in coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus). Five APS levels (0%, 0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, and 0.20%) were added to the diet of coral trout, and a 56-day growth trial (initial weight 18.62 ± 0.05 g) was conducted. Dietary APS enhanced growth performance, with the highest improvement observed in fish fed the 0.15% APS diet. This concentration also enhanced the antioxidant capacity and immunomodulation of the fish by regulating the expression of genes associated with antioxidant enzymes and immune responses. Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that APS supplementation significantly increased the Chao1 index and relative abundance of beneficial bacteria (Firmicutes and Bacillus). A high level of APS (0.20%) did not provide additional benefits for growth and health compared to a moderate level (0.15%). These findings indicate that an optimal APS dose promotes growth, enhances antioxidant activity, supports immune function, and improves intestinal microbiota in coral trout. Based on a cubic regression analysis of the specific growth rate, the optimal APS level for the maximal growth of coral trout was determined to be 0.1455%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Aquatic Microorganisms and Their Application in Aquaculture)
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18 pages, 7010 KiB  
Article
Quality Evaluation and Heat and Mass Transfer Mechanism of Microwave Vacuum Drying of Astragalus Roots
by Yuanman Yue, Qian Zhang, Guojun Ma, Fangxin Wan, Zepeng Zang, Yanrui Xu, Futai Kang and Xiaopeng Huang
Foods 2024, 13(19), 3075; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13193075 - 26 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1228
Abstract
In this research, the objective was to optimize the drying process of Astragalus by investigating the effects of microwave vacuum drying parameters, including temperature (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 °C) and slice thickness (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm). In addition, [...] Read more.
In this research, the objective was to optimize the drying process of Astragalus by investigating the effects of microwave vacuum drying parameters, including temperature (30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 °C) and slice thickness (2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm). In addition, utilizing COMSOL 6.0 finite element analysis software, we delved into the distribution of heat and moisture during the drying process. The results revealed that drying temperature played a significantly greater role than slice thickness in determining the drying dynamics. The thermal and mass transfer mechanism indicated that the whole drying process conforms to the microwave radiation mechanism and the basic principle of electromagnetic heating. In the case of low temperatures and thinner slice sizes, the more polysaccharide content was retained; The total phenol content peaked when the slice thickness was 5 mm; The increase of slice thickness was not conducive to the retention of total flavonoids content. The potent antioxidant capacity was detected at a temperature of 40 °C, with slice thickness having a negligible effect on this capacity; Low temperatures were beneficial for the preservation of active ingredients. Compared with the scanning electron microscope, the structure appeared more uniform at a temperature of 50 °C. Based on the analysis of the kinetic characteristics of microwave vacuum drying of Astragalus and the quality achieved under various drying conditions, the results of the study can provide valuable guidance for controlling the quality of microwave vacuum drying of Astragalus under different drying requirements. Full article
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17 pages, 6627 KiB  
Article
An Optimization Study of 3D Printing Technology Utilizing a Hybrid Gel System Based on Astragalus Polysaccharide and Wheat Starch
by Guofeng Xia, Lilulu Tao, Shiying Zhang, Xiangyang Hao and Shengyang Ou
Processes 2024, 12(9), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12091898 - 4 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1580
Abstract
This study utilizes a lab-developed pneumatic-extrusion condensing 3D food printer to prepare astragalus–starch mixed gels by blending different ratios of astragalus polysaccharide and wheat starch and applies these gels to 3D printing experiments. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impacts [...] Read more.
This study utilizes a lab-developed pneumatic-extrusion condensing 3D food printer to prepare astragalus–starch mixed gels by blending different ratios of astragalus polysaccharide and wheat starch and applies these gels to 3D printing experiments. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impacts of mixed-gel concentrations on printing outcomes in order to identify the optimal blending ratio. Under this rationale, the effects of printing layer height and nozzle diameter on print quality were studied. Single-factor analysis and response surface methodology were employed to optimize the experiments and determine the optimal printing process parameters for the astragalus–starch mixed gels. The results indicate that an increase in astragalus polysaccharide content leads to a decrease in the sedimentation rate of the mixed gels and a tendency towards a more fluid consistency. After storage of samples in a sealed space for equal durations, it was found that an increase in astragalus polysaccharide content enhances the textural properties of the mixed gels, with optimal printing effects achieved at a 2% polysaccharide content. The optimal print quality is achieved when the ratio of nozzle diameter to layer height is between 0.5 and 0.55. The influence order of printing process parameters on the overall completion rate of the samples is nozzle diameter > printing speed > fill rate. The predicted optimal printing parameters are a nozzle diameter of 0.6 mm, a printing speed of 767 mm/min, and a fill rate of 83%, with a predicted overall completion rate of the printed samples at 99.45%. Experimental validation revealed an actual overall completion rate of the printed samples at 99.52%, slightly higher than the predicted value. This discrepancy was attributed to the precision of the measurement methods and the variability in the printing process. The study demonstrates that the addition of astragalus polysaccharide significantly improves the 3D printing molding effect of wheat starch, and the printing parameter settings obtained by response surface optimization effectively enhance printing accuracy. This research provides experimental evidence and parameter optimization references for the application of non-starch polysaccharides in starch-based 3D food printing. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Optimization of Food Processing Technology)
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13 pages, 2544 KiB  
Article
Astragalus Polysaccharides and Metformin May Have Synergistic Effects on the Apoptosis and Ferroptosis of Lung Adenocarcinoma A549 Cells
by I-Yun Lee, Ting-Chung Wang, Yu-Jen Kuo, Wei-Tai Shih, Pei-Rung Yang, Cheng-Ming Hsu, Yu-Shih Lin, Ren-Shyang Kuo and Ching-Yuan Wu
Curr. Issues Mol. Biol. 2024, 46(8), 7782-7794; https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb46080461 - 23 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1506
Abstract
Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs), the compounds extracted from the common herb Astragalus membranaceus, have been extensively studied for their antitumor properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of APS on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The effects of APS and the anti-diabetic drug metformin [...] Read more.
Astragalus polysaccharides (APSs), the compounds extracted from the common herb Astragalus membranaceus, have been extensively studied for their antitumor properties. In this study, we investigated the effect of APS on lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The effects of APS and the anti-diabetic drug metformin on apoptosis and ferroptosis were compared. Furthermore, the combination treatment of APS and metformin was also investigated. We found that APS not only reduced the growth of lung cancer cells but also had a synergistic effect with metformin on A549 cells. The study results showed that it may be promising to use APS and metformin as a combination therapy for the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Plant Sciences)
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18 pages, 5042 KiB  
Article
Astragalus Polysaccharide Modulates the Gut Microbiota and Metabolites of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in an In Vitro Fermentation Model
by Xin Zhang, Lina Jia, Qian Ma, Xiaoyuan Zhang, Mian Chen, Fei Liu, Tongcun Zhang, Weiguo Jia, Liying Zhu, Wei Qi and Nan Wang
Nutrients 2024, 16(11), 1698; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16111698 - 30 May 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2326
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of astragalus polysaccharide (APS, an ingredient with hypoglycemic function in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) on gut microbiota and metabolites of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients using a simulated fermentation model in vitro. The main components of [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of astragalus polysaccharide (APS, an ingredient with hypoglycemic function in a traditional Chinese herbal medicine) on gut microbiota and metabolites of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients using a simulated fermentation model in vitro. The main components of APS were isolated, purified, and structure characterized. APS fermentation was found to increase the abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium and decrease the Escherichia-Shigella level in the fecal microbiota of T2DM patients. Apart from increasing propionic acid, APS also caused an increase in all-trans-retinoic acid and thiamine (both have antioxidant properties), with their enrichment in the KEGG pathway associated with thiamine metabolism, etc. Notably, APS could also enhance fecal antioxidant properties. Correlation analysis confirmed a significant positive correlation of Lactobacillus with thiamine and DPPH-clearance rate, suggesting the antioxidant activity of APS was related to its ability to enrich some specific bacteria and upregulate their metabolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nutrition and Diabetes)
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18 pages, 4047 KiB  
Article
Effects of Plant Polysaccharides Combined with Boric Acid on Digestive Function, Immune Function, Harmful Gas and Heavy Metal Contents in Faeces of Fatteners
by Juan Deng, Feng Zhang, Haoran Fan, Yuxuan Zheng, Chunfang Zhao, Man Ren, Erhui Jin and Youfang Gu
Animals 2024, 14(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14111515 - 21 May 2024
Viewed by 1549
Abstract
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of plant polysaccharides combined with boric acid on digestive function, immune function and harmful gas and heavy metal contents in the faeces of fatteners. For this study, 90 healthy crossbred fatteners were selected and randomly divided [...] Read more.
The experiment aimed to investigate the effects of plant polysaccharides combined with boric acid on digestive function, immune function and harmful gas and heavy metal contents in the faeces of fatteners. For this study, 90 healthy crossbred fatteners were selected and randomly divided into five groups: the control group was fed with a basal diet (Con); experimental group I was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid (BA); experimental group II was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 400 mg/kg Astragalus polysaccharides (BA+APS); experimental group III was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 200 mg/kg Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (BA+GLP); and experimental group IV was fed with basal diet + 40 mg/kg boric acid + 500 mg/kg Echinacea polysaccharides (BA+EPS). Compared with Con, the average daily gain (ADG), the trypsin activities in the duodenum and jejunum, the IL-2 levels in the spleen, the T-AOC activities and GSH-Px contents in the lymph node of fattening were increased in the BA group (p < 0.05), but malondialdehyde content in the lymph and spleen, and the contents of NH3, H2S, Hg, Cu, Fe and Zn in the feces and urine were decreased (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, gain-to-feed ratio (G/F), the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum and jejunum were increased in the BA+APS (p < 0.05), and the T-SOD activities in the spleen and T-AOC activities in the lymph node were also increased (p < 0.05), but the H2S level was decreased in the feces and urine (p < 0.05). Compared with the BA, the ADG, G/F and the trypsin and maltase activities in the duodenum were increased in the BA+GLP and BA+EPS (p < 0.05), the activities of maltase and lipase in the duodenum of fatteners in the BA+GLP and the activities of trypsin, maltase and lipase in the BA+EPS were increased (p < 0.05). Gathering everything together, our findings reveal that the combined addition of boric acid and plant polysaccharides in the diet of fatteners synergistically improved their growth performance and immune status. That may be achieved by regulating the activity of intestinal digestive enzymes, improving the antioxidant function and then promoting the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Furthermore, the above results reduce the emission of harmful gases and heavy metals in feces and urine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Pigs)
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