Exploring the active components of hypoglycemic effect in different polar fractions of Inonotus obliquus based on spectrum-effect relationship

Inonotus obliquus (IO) is a kind of precious medicinal and edible fungi parasitized on birch trees in the cold zone, is widely recognized for its hypoglycemic properties. However, the material basis of its efficacy is unclear. This study investigated the hypoglycemic potential of polar fractions from IO and identified key active components. Using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, we analyzed chemical compositions and evaluated the effects in a T2DM mouse model. IO-treated groups reduced FBG, OGTT-AUC, GSP, INS, HOMA-IR, TC, TG, LDL-c, ALT, and AST levels, and increased HDL-c. The IO-J fraction demonstrated a relatively prominent effect and liver protection in T2DM mice. Spectrum-effect relationship analysis revealed seven compounds correlated with hypoglycemia: Osmundacetone, Inonotusol A, Inonotusol C, Inonotusol F, Protocatechuic acid, Inonotusane F, and Inonotusone A. This research establishes the spectrum-effect relationship of IO fractions and provides a theoretical foundation for exploring the potential of IO as a hypoglycemic medicinal and edible fungi. • Different polar fractions of Inonotus obliquus exert differing degrees of hypoglycemic effects. • Inonotusol A and six other components may be the active ingredients in the hypoglycemic effect. • GRA and BCA method were used to establish the spectrum-effect relationship. • This study was the first to establish the spectrum-effect relationship of different polar fractions of Inonotus obliquus .