Antidiabetic effects of Agaricus bisporus polysaccharide in HFD/STZ-induced mice.

Fungal polysaccharides have garnered attention for their antidiabetic potential. Here, we evaluated five edible fungal polysaccharides-Agaricus bisporus (ABP), Pleurotus eryngii (PEP), Boletus spp. (BP), Lentinus edodes (LEP), and Pleurotus ostreatus (POP) in type 2 diabetic mice. All alleviated diabetic symptoms to varying degrees, with ABP showing the most pronounced effects. ABP improved body weight, reduced hyperphagia and polydipsia, lowered fasting glucose, and enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Histological analysis showed that ABP better preserved pancreatic islets and reduced hepatic steatosis and inflammation. Mechanistically, ABP activated insulin signaling (IRS1/PI3K/Akt) and energy-sensing (AMPK) pathways. Liver metabolomics further revealed that ABP most effectively reversed diabetes-related metabolic disturbances. These findings suggest that ABP has the strongest antidiabetic activity among the five polysaccharides tested and holds considerable potential as a naturally derived intervention for managing T2DM.