Preparation and Anti-fatigue Activity of Lycium barbarum Glycopeptide Complex Chewable Tablets

This study aimed to optimize the preparation of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide complex chewable tablets and investigate their potential anti-fatigue properties. Using single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, optimal manufacturing parameters were identified based on tablets' appearance, flavor, taste and texture as a function of L. barbarum glycopeptide. The male KM mice were randomly divided into a blank group, model group, ginsenoside group (10 mg·kg^-1), excipient group (400 mg·kg^-1), low-dose Lycium barbarum glycopeptide compound chewable tablet group, and high-dose Lycium barbarum glycopeptide compound chewable tablet group (400, 1200 mg·kg^-1). A fatigue model was established by restraint combined with forced swimming for 35 consecutive days, during which the samples were administered intragastrically. After 35 days of continuous administration, a forced swimming test was conducted, and the serum levels of urea nitrogen (BUN), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase (CK) as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in gastrocnemius muscle and brain tissues were determined. Results showed that, the optimal tablet formulation was constituted of 29% L. barbarum glycopeptide, 17% raspberry fruit powder (sweetener), 1% sea buckthorn fruit powder (acidulant), and 1.5% magnesium stearate (lubricant). Under these conditions, the comprehensive score of the chewable tablets was 85.87±0.76 points, the average tablet weight was 0.345±0.006 g, and the weight variation limit was within5%; The average hardness was 79.364±2.83 N, all above 75 N, with moderate hardness; The friability of the chewable tablets was less than 1%. Mouse experimental results indicated that, compared with the model group, high formulation dose significantly reduced the immobility time during forced swimming (P<0.01), decreased serum BUN, LDH and CK and tissue MDA levels (P<0.01), increased serum 5-HT level, and boosted SOD and GSH-Px activities in both muscle and brain tissues (P<0.01). L. barbarum glycopeptide complex chewable tablets alleviated physical fatigue induced by strenuous exercise through reduction of oxidative stress in muscle and brain tissues, modulation of neurotransmitters, and improvement of energy metabolism.