Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the effects of polysaccharides fromPseudostellaria heterophylla (PPH) on exercise endurance capacity and oxidative stress in forced swimming rats. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups:a control group and three PPH treated groups. The rats of control group received 2 mlphysiological saline solution; while the rats of PPH treated groups received the same volume of PFP of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body wt, respectively. Animals were administered orally and daily for 28 days, followed by being forced to undergo swimming endurance tests, with measure-ments taken of various biochemical parameters, including blood lactate, urea nitrogen (BUN), muscle glycogen, antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GPx) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results showed that PPH administration significantly extended the swimming time of rats and displayed a lower level of blood lactate and BUN. Meanwhile, a higher level of muscleglycogen was displayed also. Furthermore, PPH could augment the level of antioxidant enzymes and effectively decrease the MDA content in the Muscle. Results of the study suggested that PPH could enhance exercise endurance and possessed protective effects against oxidative stress in rats undergoing strenuous exercise.

Key words: Polysaccharides from Pseudostellaria heterophylla, exercise endurance capacity, oxidative stress, rats.