Structural characterization and hypolipidemic activity of polysaccharides from finger citron

In this study, the structural characterization and hypolipidemic activity in vivo of finger citron polysaccharide (FCP) were investigated. The FCP consisted of [→t)-Ara(f)-(1→], [→5)-Ara(f)-(1→], and [→4)-Gal(p)-UA-(1→] with the molecular weight of 46.35 KDa. FCP significantly decreased the levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density cholesterol (LDL-C), phenylpropionate aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and increased the level of high density cholesterol (HDL C) in the serum of mice ( P < 0.05). Besides, FCP could significantly improve the antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased the liver lipid metabolism indexes ( P < 0.05). AMPK/ACC and PPARα/LXRα were used to investigate the hypolipidemic mechanism of FCP, which indicated that FCP could up-regulate the protein and gene levels of AMPK, acetyl-CoA carboxylase(ACC), PPARα and LXRα. This study provides an important basis of FCP for inhibiting the occurrence of metabolic disorders such as hyperlipemia and complications. • Finger Citron polysaccharide (FCP-N2) emerges as a potent hypolipidemic functional food with well-defined structural features. • FCP-N2 effectively normalizes serum lipid profiles and alleviates liver injury in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice. • It enhances hepatic antioxidant capacity and regulates key enzymes involved in lipid synthesis and catabolism. • FCP-N2 exerts hypolipidemic effects through synergistic regulation of AMPK/ACC and PPARα/LXRα signaling pathways.