Astragalus Polysaccharide Exerts a Neuroprotective Effect in a Demyelination Model by Alleviating Oxidative Stress

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by progressive demyelination and neurodegenerative damage. The accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the resulting oxidative stress are considered key contributors to myelin injury and disease progression. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), a water-soluble polysaccharide, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of APS in MS and to explore its potential mechanisms. In vivo, APS was administered intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg/day in a cuprizone-induced demyelinating mouse model, and its effects were evaluated by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting. In vitro, the regulatory effects of APS on oxidative stress in oligodendrocytes were assessed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting in an H₂O₂-induced oligodendrocyte injury model. APS significantly ameliorated myelin damage and apoptosis in vivo by inhibiting oxidative stress and attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis in oligodendrocytes in vitro, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects. These findings indicate that APS alleviates demyelination by regulating oxidative stress, suggesting that it may represent a promising therapeutic option for the treatment of multiple sclerosis.