Structural Characterisation of Ophiopogon japonicus Polysaccharides with Hypoglycaemic Activity

Diabetes ranks first among non-communicable chronic diseases worldwide, with its incidence rising year on year; this makes the search for safer and more effective drugs an effective strategy. Ophiopogon japonicus (OJ) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used to nourish yin, and Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides (OJPS) are one of its primary active components. Currently, research into the hypoglycaemic effects of OJPS, particularly in vivo studies of its mechanisms of action, remains limited. This paper provides a systematic review of the structural characteristics of Ophiopogon japonicus polysaccharides and their hypoglycaemic mechanisms in a zebrafish hyperglycaemia model. Structural studies indicate that OJPS (3.929 kDa) is a highly homogeneous, highly soluble, and compact polysaccharide, primarily composed of glucose (91.85%) and galacturonic acid (3.41%). Following treatment with OJPS, hyperglycaemic zebrafish exhibited improvements in both glucose and lipid metabolism parameters. Concurrently, OJPS suppressed oxidative stress in the zebrafish, reducing hepatic lipid accumulation and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, OJPS significantly increased the expression of GLP-1, cAMP, PKA and phosphorylated CREB (P-CREB) proteins, thereby promoting insulin secretion. In summary, this study demonstrates the dual potential of OJPS in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries.