Abstract: Objective: To study the extraction and antifatigue effect of polyphenols from the fruits of Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem. Methods: The effects of number of extraction cycles, extraction time and liquid to solid ratio on the extraction yield of polyphenols were investigated by orthogonal array design. The antifatigue effect was tested using a mouse weight-loaded swimming model. Results: Extraction time was found to be the factor with the greatest influence on the extraction yield of polyphenols followed by liquid to solid ratio and number of extraction cycles. The optimum extraction conditions were found as follows: liquid to solid ratio 20:1 (mL/g), extraction time 60 min, and two extraction cycles. The extraction yield of polyphenols under these conditions was 1.426%. The in vivo results showed that the extracted polyphenols could significantly prolong the exhausting swimming time, increase the levels of liver glycogen and muscle glycogen, enhance glutathione peroxidase activity, and reduced the levels of lactic acid and creatine kinase activity. Conclusion: Polyphenols from the fruits of A. sessiliflorus showed an antifatigue effect in mice.

Key words: Acanthopanax sessiliflorus (Rupr. et Maxim.) Seem, polyphenols, extraction, antifatigue, antioxidant