Abstract

Astragalus membranaceus is a famous Chinese medicinal herb. Polysaccharides are the most important functional constituent in Astragalus membranaceus. In the present study, the effects of Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides (APS) on exercise endurance capacity were evaluated in mice using swimming exercise. The antioxidant properties of APS were also investigated through the 1,1- diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. The results showed that APS supplementation could prolong swimming times of mice, and enhance exercise endurance capacity. APS possess the ability to retard and lower the production of blood lactate, and prevent the increase of serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) after exercise. In addition, APS possess effective antioxidant potential.

Key words: Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides, exercise endurance capacity, antioxidant, swimming exercise, DPPH.