Unlocking the potential of Polygonatum odoratum protein hydrolysate: identification, characterization, and antidiabetic activity in HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mice

-cell injury, hepatic steatosis, and renal damage. POP also attenuated hepatic oxidative stress, as indicated by lower ROS and MDA levels and higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px). Consistently, immunofluorescence indicated activation of the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway, with enhanced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased HO-1 expression. Therefore, POP improves glucose and lipid homeostasis and tissue damage in diabetic mice by enhancing Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense mechanisms. These findings highlight the underexplored value of the P. odoratum protein fraction and support POP as a promising functional food ingredient for T2DM management.