The Anti-Digestive Characteristics, Effects of Prebiotic Properties on NC and T2DM Mice of Achyranthes bidentata Polysaccharide, and the Hypoglycemic Effect of Its Fermentation Products

Background/Objectives: Achyranthes bidentata (AB), recognized as a food and traditional Chinese medicine, exhibits notable biological activity. Our previous study showed the hypoglycemic effect of Achyrantha bidentata polysaccharide (ABP). The properties and digestion process of polysaccharides affect their pharmacological activities. The digestion characteristics of ABP are unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the characteristics of ABP’s simulated digestion and its prebiotic properties and hypoglycemic effects. Methods: We used simulated digestion methods to investigate the alterations in ABP levels in the process of digestion and fermentation. Animal experiments were used to compare the effects of the prebiotic properties of ABP on normal control (NC) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice. Then, in order to further verify the hypoglycemic effect of ABP after fermentation (ABPF), α-glucosidase activity and glucose uptake in Caco-2 cells were examined. Results: The results showed that ABP was anti-digestive and mainly degraded by the intestinal flora. Moreover, ABP showed a stronger promoting advantage against beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria in the T2DM mice. Compared with NC mice, after ABP treatment, T2DM mice showed a higher increase in levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Additionally, the glucose uptake and α-glucosidase activity of Caco-2 cells were significantly decreased after treatment with ABPF. Conclusions: These results underscore the potential of ABP as a prebiotic candidate for gut health promotion and T2DM alleviation.