Purified C. pilosula polysaccharides attenuate streptozotocin-induced oxidative stress and restore gut microbiota in T2DM mice.

As the primary bioactive component of the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Codonopsis pilosula (C. pilosula), C. pilosula polysaccharides (CPPs) have garnered considerable attention due to their diverse biological activities. This study investigated the physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of CPPs, as well as their effects on hypoglycemia, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota in diabetic mice induced by high-sugar/high-fat (HS/HF) feeding combined with streptozotocin (STZ) administration. The ameliorative effects of CPPs on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were evaluated by measuring mouse blood glucose and other relevant indicators. Gavage administration of medium- and low-dose CPPs exerted beneficial effects in T2DM mice, as evidenced by reduced body weight, decreased blood glucose and lipid levels, restored blood biochemical parameters, lowered organ indices, and ameliorated oxidative stress in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining revealed improved pathological changes in the liver and kidneys, characterized by neatly arranged organ cells with enlarged, oval nuclei. 16S rRNA gene sequencing demonstrated that CPP gavage modulated the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in mice. Collectively, these findings indicate that CPPs-an active component of the medicinal plant C. pilosula-not only regulate gut microbiota but also hold potential as a supplementary agent for T2DM management.