Effects of Polysaccharides from the Root of Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) on Physical Fatigue Induced by Forced Swimming

This study investigated the effects of polysaccharides from the root of Codonopsis pilosula (PCP) on physical fatigue induced by forced swimming in mice. The mice were divided into five groups, i.e., one control group and four PCP-treated groups. The control group was given distilled water and four PCP-treated groups were given different doses of PCP (100, 200, 400, 800 mg/kg). After 28 days, anti-fatigue effects of PCP were assessed using the forced swimming test, and the exhaustive swimming times, blood lactic acid (BLA), serum urea nitrogen (SUN), liver glycogen and muscle glycogen were measured. The data showed that PCP could prolong exhaustive swimming time of mice by decreasing BLA and SUN levels, and by improving the liver and muscle glycogen contents. The results clearly demonstrate that PCP had anti-fatigue effects.