Anti-fatigue Effects of Cordyceps militaris Polysaccharide in Mice

A polysaccharide fraction obtained from Cordyceps militaris fruit bodies by hot water extraction(100 ℃,3h),protein removal using the Sevag method,and ethanol precipitation was evaluated for antifatigue effects.Male ICR mice(96)were randomly divided into four equal groups,three of which were administered different doses(low dosage,75 mg/kg BW;medium dosage 150 mg/kg BW;high dosage450mg/kg BW)of polysaccharide daily for 40 days,and a control group given distilled water.At this point,the fatigue model was established by transferring the mice to a tank of water,and the effects of the polysaccharide fraction on the exhaustive swimming time,liver and muscle glycogen levels,blood lactic acid level,and serum lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activities were determined.High dosages of C.militaris polysaccharide prolonged the exhaustive swimming time,and resulted in increased liver and muscle glycogen levels. However,lactic acid production was inhibited in mice administered both medium and high dosages.Lactate scavenging ability and LDH activity increased in low dosage mice,while increased SOD activity was recorded in mice of all three experimental groups.