Structural characterization and anti-aging activity investigation of a polysaccharide from Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge

Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. (AAB), a traditional medicinal herb, has a long history of delaying the aging process. Yet, the anti-aging effects of its polysaccharides have not been thoroughly investigated. This study marks the first exploration of the anti-aging activity of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bge. polysaccharides (AABP). The MW of AABP-1a was determined to be 210.062 kDa, with a composition consisting predominantly of glucose and mannose in a molar ratio of approximately 4:1. The backbone of AABP-1a was mainly composed of →4)-2Ac-β-Man(1→ and →4)-β-Glc(1→ and a small amount of branched →4,6)-β-Glc(1→ and →3,4)-β-Glc(1→, the branching part was composed of →6)-β-Glc(1→ and t-α-Glc(1→. AABP-1a has antioxidant capacity and can improve cell cycle arrest mediated by senescence markers such as p53, p21, p16 and SASP, and reduce the accumulation of damaged DNA. In addition, it could reduce the activity of SA-β-Gal in zebrafish, prolong the lifespan of C. elegans and reduce the expression of lipofuscin. This study found a glucomannan and demonstrated its anti-aging activity in various aging models. These results provide a theoretical basis for further study of the anti-aging effect of AAB.