Investigation of the anti-cirrhotic effects and mechanisms of Rhizoma Amorphophalli polysaccharide GM-1.

Liver cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by persistent hepatic injury and progressive fibrosis, accompanied by increased apoptosis and inflammatory responses. Although the polysaccharide GM-1, derived from Rhizoma Amorphophalli, has demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, its role in liver cirrhosis remains poorly understood. In this study, GM-1 was extracted and purified from Rhizoma Amorphophalli, and its structural features were systematically analyzed. Using a comprehensive approach integrating network pharmacology, transcriptomic analysis, a TNF-α-induced AML12 hepatocyte model, and a CCl₄-induced SD rat model, the hepatoprotective effects and potential mechanisms of GM-1 were explored. The results revealed that GM-1 has a molecular weight of 57,520.48 Da and is predominantly composed of mannose and glucuronic acid, with a main chain structure consisting of →4)-β-D-Manp-(1→, →4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→. GM-1 may alleviate liver cirrhosis, potentially through the modulation of key signaling pathways, including IL-17 and NF-κB, thereby suppressing inflammation and apoptosis and reducing hepatocellular damage. This study provides a systematic understanding of the protective effects and potential molecular mechanisms of GM-1 in liver cirrhosis, offering valuable experimental evidence for further evaluation of its therapeutic potential.