Polygala tenuifolia Willd. has been widely used in the treatment of cancer, forgetfulness, depression and other diseases.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the sleep-enhancing effect and mechanism of P. tenuifolia saponins (PTS).
The total saponin (YZ-I) and purified saponin (YZ-II) fractions were extracted and ICR mice model of insomnia was established by p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA) induction to observe anxiety and depression behaviors. Effects of YZ-I and YZ-II on the levels of neurotransmitters, hormones, and inflammation cytokines were detected by ELISA, RT-qPCR and western blotting.
The results showed that YZ-I and YZ-II reduced the immobility time of mice and prolonged the sleep time of mice and significantly increased the concentrations of 5-HT, NE, PGD, IL-1β and TNF-α. YZ-I and YZ-II regulated GABARα2, GABARα3, GAD65/67, 5-HT and 5-HT, while regulated the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as DPR, PGD, iNOS and TNF-α to exert sedative and hypnotic effects.
PTS are mainly achieved sedative and hypnotic effects by altering serotonergic, GABAergic and immune systems, but the effects and mechanisms of action of YZ-I were different from YZ-II.
Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.
