Polysaccharides from Polygonatum odoratum   strengthen antioxidant defense system and attenuate lipid peroxidation against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress in mice

Purpose: To investigate the potential effects of polysaccharides isolated from Polygonatum odoratum (PPO) on oxidative stress induced by forced swimming exercise in mice.
Methods: Mice were randomly divided into four groups: one control group and three PPO groups. The mice in the control group were administered with only distilled water, whereas the mice in the PPO groups were treated with different doses (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) of PPO, respectively. The treatments were performed by oral gavage once daily for 28 days, and were followed by forced swimming test to determine exhaustive swimming. Furthermore, various biochemical parameters, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assessed.
Results: PPO significantly (p < 0.05) prolonged exhaustive swimming time. It also significantly (p < 0.05) lowered LDH and CK levels in serum, as well as MDA levels in serum, liver and muscle, and also significantly (p < 0.05) improved SOD, GPx and CAT levels in serum, liver, and muscle.
Conclusion: PPO protects against oxidative stress induced by forced swimming exercise by strengthening antioxidant defense system and reducing lipid peroxidation. PPO may be suitable as a supplement for athletes and other physically active individuals for the improvement of exercise endurance and alleviation of fatigue.

Keywords
Polygonatum odoratum, Polysaccharides, Forced swimming test, Oxidative stress, Biochemical parameters