Engineering nature's defense: Phosphorylated Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide rescue mitochondrial dysfunction and hepatic damage in DHAV-1-infected ducklings.

This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi polysaccharide (SBPS) and phosphorylated SBPS (P-SBPS) against duck hepatitis A virus type 1 (DHAV-1)-induced hepatitis. Mitochondrial protective effects were also evaluated. SBPS was extracted via water extraction-alcohol precipitation, with P-SBPS synthesized through phosphorylation. Structural characterization of both compounds was performed using infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. CCK8 assays quantified hepatocytes cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of polysaccharides, while fluorescent probes with qRT-PCR assessed mitochondrial dynamics. In vivo evaluations included mortality rates, hepatic histopathology/function, and mitochondrial ultrastructure/function. Results indicated SBPS and P-SBPS possessed uronic acid and pyranose ring structures. SBPS additionally contained α-glycosidic bonds and exhibited porous honeycomb-like morphology with blocky aggregates. P-SBPS displayed PO bond vibrations, dense surfaces with spherical phosphate protrusions, and lamellar stacking. Both compounds suppressed viral replication, apoptosis/necrosis, ROS accumulation, and mitochondrial fission, while enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential, mtDNA content, and biogenesis in hepatocytes. In infected ducklings, treatment reduced mortality, preserved hepatic/mitochondrial morphology, normalized liver function indices, and maintained ATP levels. Collectively, SBPS and P-SBPS effectively alleviated DHAV-1-induced hepatitis and protected mitochondrial function, representing an economically viable strategy for enhanced Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi resource exploitation.