Extraction, purification, structural characterisation, and anti-glycolipid metabolism disorder activities of Alpinia officinarum Hance polysaccharide

Alpinia officinarum Hance is a traditional medicinal and edible plant, but research on its polysaccharides has been limited. In this study, a purified polysaccharide, named AOP-1-1, was successfully extracted. Its structure was meticulously analysed through techniques, such as NMR and HPLC. AOP-1-1 was determined to be an acidic heteropolysaccharide with high purity and uniformity. To further explore its potential medicinal value, its activity against glycolipid metabolism disorders was investigated. The results showed that AOP-1-1 could inhibit key enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and improve the abnormal levels of total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) in oleic acid-induced HepG2 cells. Additionally, it demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the further development and utilisation of A. officinarum Hance, opening up new possibilities for its application in the fields of medicine and health.