Stimulatory Effects of Ferulic Acid on Endurance Exercise Capacity in Mice

Effects of 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic Acid on Enhancing Grip Strength and Inhibiting Protein Catabolism Induced by Exhaustive Exercise

3-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)propionic acid (HMPA), also known as dihydroferulic acid, is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative that can be derived from the microbial transformation of dietary polyphenols or naturally obtained from fermented foods. Although numerous studies have documented its antioxidant and anti-obesity effects, the effect of HMPA on muscle function remains unknown. This study investigated the effects of HMPA on muscle strength and exercise endurance capacity. Mice were orally administered low and high doses of HMPA for 14 days and subjected to grip force and treadmill exhaustion tests to evaluate muscle function. Our results showed that HMPA-administered groups significantly enhanced absolute grip strength (p = 0.0256) and relative grip strength (p = 0.0209), and low-dose HMPA decreased the plasma level of blood urea nitrogen after exercise (p = 0.0183), but HMPA did not affect endurance performance. Low-dose HMPA administration increased Myf5 expression in sedentary mice (p = 0.0106), suggesting that low-dose HMPA may promote muscle development. Additionally, HMPA improved hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, and inhibited muscular lipid metabolism and protein catabolism, as indicated by changes in mRNA expression levels of related genes. These findings suggest that HMPA may be a promising dietary supplement for muscle health and performance.

Dietary Ferulic Acid Increases Endurance Capacity by Promoting Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Phenotype, Mitochondrial Function, and Antioxidant Capacity

SCOPE

Endurance capacity is essential for endurance athletes' achievement and individuals' health. Nutritional supplements are a proven way to enhance endurance capacity. Previous studies have shown that ferulic acid (FA) enhances endurance capacity, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. The study is aimed to investigate the mechanism by which FA increases endurance capacity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty mice are divided into control and 0.5% FA-supplemented groups, and an exhaustive swimming test demonstrates increased endurance capacity with FA supplementation. This study investigates the underlying mechanism for this effect of FA. Firstly, RT-PCR and western blot analysis find that FA increases the transformation from fast to slow muscle fiber. Additionally, adenosine triphosphate concentration, metabolic enzyme activity, and mitochondrial DNA analysis find that FA increases mitochondrial biogenesis and activates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (NRF)1 signaling pathway in muscle. Besides, through antioxidant capacity analysis, this study finds that FA activates NRF2 signaling pathway and improves the antioxidant capacity in muscle. Moreover, inhibiting NRF2 eliminates FA's effect on muscle fiber transformation in C2C12 cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that FA increases endurance capacity by promoting skeletal muscle oxidative phenotype, mitochondrial function, and antioxidant capacity, which may be related to the NRF1 and NRF2 signaling pathways.

Regular exercise combined with ferulic acid exhibits antiobesity effect and regulates metabolic profiles in high-fat diet-induced mice

Exercise (Ex) has been recognized as an effective way of obesity prevention, but it shows a dual effect on the body's antioxidant system. Ferulic acid (FA) is a kind of phenolic acid with well-known antioxidant capacity and numerous health benefits. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare the antiobesity effect of Ex, FA, and Ex combined with FA (Ex-FA) in vivo and to illustrate the potential mechanisms. Mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) with or without administration of Ex, FA, and Ex-FA for 13 weeks. The body weight, antioxidant ability, Ex performance, and lipid profiles in the serum, liver, and skeletal muscle were compared among the groups, and serum metabolomics analysis was conducted. The results showed that Ex, FA, and Ex-FA exhibited a similar effect on body weight management. Ex had a more beneficial function by alleviating HFD-induced dyslipidemia than FA, while FA exerted a more efficient effect in mitigating lipid deposition in the liver and skeletal muscle. Ex-FA showed comprehensive effects in the regulation of the lipid contents in serum, liver, and skeletal muscle, and provoked enhancement effects on antioxidant ability and Ex capacity. Mice administered with Ex, FA, and Ex-FA showed different metabolic profiles, which might be achieved through different metabolic pathways. The findings of this research implied that Ex coupled with FA could become an effective and safe remedy for the management of dietary-induced obesity.

Chinese herbal decoction (Danggui Buxue Tang) supplementation augments physical performance and facilitates physiological adaptations in swimming rats

Context: Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), one of the popular Danggui (DG) decoctions, has traditionally been used to nourish 'qi' (vital energy) and enrich 'blood' (body circulation). DBT may possess performance-enhancing effects.Objective: This work determines whether DBT can improve physical capacity and alter energy expenditure under exercise training.Materials and methods: Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: sedentary (SE), exercise training (ET), ET supplemented with 0.3 g/kg rat/d DG extract, and ET supplemented with 1.8 g/kg rat/d DBT extract. The supplementations were administered via oral gavage. During the 21-day treatment period, the exercised groups were subjected to a protocol of swimming training with a gradually increased load. Physical performance evaluation was assessed using the forelimb grip strength test and an exhaustive swimming test. Muscle glycogen contents and exercise-related biochemical parameters were analysed.Results: Both herbal supplementations remarkably increased the grip strength (DG by 49.7% and DBT by 85.7%) and prolonged the swimming time (DG by 48.4% and DBT by 72.7%) compared with SE. DBT spared a certain amount of glycogen in the muscle cells under exercise training. Regarding the regulation of fuel usage, DBT had a positive impact alongside ET on promoting aerobic glycolysis via significantly decreasing serum lactate by 31.6% and lactic dehydrogenase levels by 61.8%.Conclusions: This study found that DBT could be considered a promising sports ergogenic aid for athletic population or fitness enthusiasts. Future work focussing on isolating the bioactive components that truly provide the ergogenic effects would be of interest.

First ethnobotanical inventory and phytochemical analysis of plant species used by indigenous people living in the Maromizaha forest, Madagascar

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Characterized by one of the highest rates of endemism and biodiversity in the world, Madagascar provides a wide variety of medicinal plants, that could represent a potential source of new drugs. The main aim of this study was to investigate the potential medicinal properties of the plant species used by indigenous people in Maromizaha forest and to provide the first ethnobotanical inventory of the area.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected through open semi-structured interviews with local informants, the reported plants were collected and identified to create a specimen herbarium. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) was calculated for each ailment category mentioned in the use-reports. A selection of seven medicinal plants was submitted to phytochemical and antimicrobial analysis. The results were discussed and compared with those described in ethnobotanical and pharmacological literature.

RESULTS

One hundred and three villagers were interviewed and a total of 509 use-reports were recorded. Information on 117 plant species belonging to 57 botanical families were provided. 12 categories of indigenous uses were recognized, among them the higher ICF values were recorded for cardiovascular complaints (0.75), general and unspecific diseases (0.74), digestive disorders (0.69), and diseases of the skin (0.55). The traditional medicinal uses of 18 species (15 endemic) were described for the first time. In total, 22 different bioactive compounds were identified; polyphenols, monoterpenes, organic acids, and vitamin C were observed in the chemical composition of all the analyzed samples. Macaranga perrieri showed the highest values of both total polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activity. Antimicrobial activity was observed in leaf and bark extracts of Dilobeia thouarsii.

CONCLUSION

These results confirmed the importance of investigating the traditional use of plant species, suggesting the crucial role of ethnobotanical studies for rural development, biodiversity conservation, and the sustainable use of plant resources in the studied area.

An Acute Dose of Specific Grape and Apple Polyphenols Improves Endurance Performance: A Randomized, Crossover, Double-Blind versus Placebo Controlled Study

Polyphenols are thought to be an interesting ergogenic aid for exercise and recovery. However, most studies regarding the effects of polyphenols investigated several days of supplementations. The present work aimed to study the effects of an acute intake of grape and apple polyphenols on the capacity to maintain intense exercise, here named endurance performance. Forty-eight physically active men (31 ± 6 years) were included in this study. During the two testing sessions, volunteers completed an endurance test at a high percentage of their maximal aerobic power and time to exhaustion was measured. Respiratory and pain parameters were also monitored. The preceding evening and 1 h before testing, volunteers had to absorb either 500 mg of polyphenols or placebo according to randomization. In comparison with the placebo, the mean duration of the maximal endurance test was significantly increased with polyphenols (+9.7% ± 6.0%, p < 0.05). The maximal perceived exertion was reached later with polyphenols (+12.8% ± 6.8%, p < 0.05). Practically, the present study showed the beneficial effects of grape and apple polyphenols for athletes looking for endurance performance improvements. The specifically designed profile of polyphenols appeared to enhance the capacity to maintain intensive efforts and delay perceived exertion.

Lignans-rich extract from Herpetospermum caudigerum alleviate physical fatigue in mice

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain anti-fatigue constituents and mechanisms of Herpetospermum caudigerum.

METHODS

The 80% ethanol extracts of Herpetospermum caudigerum were partitioned with chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol, respectively. Male Kunming mice were divided into 13 groups with 16 mice in each group: a control group fed with water, 9 groups treated with 3 fractions of Herpetospermum caudigerum (chloroform fraction, ethyl acetate fraction and n-butanol fraction) at dose of 80, 160 and 320 mg/kg for the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group, 3 herpetrione (HPE) treated groups fed with HPE at dose of 15, 30, and 60 mg/kg for the low-dose group, medium-dose group and high-dose group. All animals were treated once per day for 30 days. Anti-fatigue activity was assessed through the forced swimming test and serum biochemical parameters including blood lactic acid (BLA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic glycogen (HG), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) determined following the recommended procedures provided by the commercial kits.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the lignans extract (ethyl acetate fraction) of Herpetospermum caudigerum and HPE could signifificantly prolonged the exhaustive swimming time (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and also increased the HG levels (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx and LDH, P<0.05 or P<0.01); BLA and MDA levels were decreased considerably in lignans extract and HPE treated groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01). HPE also could significantly decrease the BUN contents compared with the control group (P<0.05). The chloroform and n-butanol fraction showed no effect on swimming time and biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The lignans extract had antifatigue activities and HPE may be partly responsible for the anti-fatigue effects of Herpetospermum caudigerum. The possible mechanisms of anti-fatigue activity were related to the decrease of BUN and BLA, the increase of the HG storage and protecting corpuscular membrane by preventing lipid oxidation via modifying several enzyme activities.

Effects of super-hard rice bread blended with black rice bran on amyloid β peptide production and abrupt increase in postprandial blood glucose levels in mice

Alzheimer's disease and type 2 diabetes are very serious diseases with the latter having been suggested to cause the former. We prepared super-hard rice bread blended with black rice bran (SRBBB), which contained a high amount of resistant starch that showed strong inhibitory activities against β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase even after heating. Black rice bran showed greater β-secretase inhibitory activity (3.6-fold) than Koshihikari rice. The bran contained more oleic acid and anthocyanin, meaning that it is potentially a biofunctional food with a high antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, aged mice, which were fed a SRBBB diet for four weeks, showed lower amyloid β 40 peptide in the blood than mice fed a commercial diet (p < 0.01). Additionally, their initial blood glucose levels (BGLs) after 12 weeks of being fed SRBBB were significantly lower than those in the control group. Taken together, our results indicate SRBBB shows promise for inhibiting not only amyloid β production, but also abrupt increases in postprandial BGLs.

Cytoprotective mechanism of ferulic acid against high glucose-induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes

Background

Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic acid, is a potential therapy for diabetes mellitus. FA has been shown to protect against hepatic and myocardial injury and oxidative stress in obese rats with late-stage diabetes, but the mechanism of the antioxidative activity of FA is still unclear.

Objective

The aim of this study was to elucidate whether FA can prevent damage to cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes caused by high glucose (HG)-induced oxidative stress and whether the protection effects of FA on these cells are related to the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathways.

Design

Cells were divided into four groups: a control group (cultured with normal medium), an HG group (medium containing 80 mmol/L glucose), an FA+HG group (medium containing 80 mmol/L glucose and 1, 5, or 10 µg/mL FA), and a dimethylbiguanide (DMBG)+HG group (medium containing 80 mmol/L glucose and 50 µg/mL DMBG).

Results

FA treatment significantly increased cell viability and significantly decreased cell apoptosis compared with the HG-treated group. Moreover, FA down-regulated the expression of Keap1 protein and up-regulated the expression of Nrf2 protein and gene transcription of HO-1 and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

FA alleviated the HG-induced oxidative stress and decreased cell apoptosis in hepatocytes and cardiomyocytes. These effects were associated with the Keap1-Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

Ferulic acid prevents liver injury and increases the anti-tumor effect of diosbulbin B in vivo

The present study is designed to investigate the protection by ferulic acid against the hepatotoxicity induced by diosbulbin B and its possible mechanism, and further observe whether ferulic acid augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity. The results show that ferulic acid decreases diosbulbin B-increased serum alanine transaminase/aspartate transaminase (ALT/AST) levels. Ferulic acid also decreases lipid peroxide (LPO) levels which are elevated in diosbulbin B-treated mice. Histological evaluation of the liver demonstrates hydropic degeneration in diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses this injury. Moreover, the activities of copper- and zinc-containing superoxide dismutase (CuZn-SOD) and catalase (CAT) are decreased in the livers of diosbulbin B-treated mice, while ferulic acid reverses these decreases. Further results demonstrate that the mRNA expressions of CuZn-SOD and CAT in diosbulbin B-treated mouse liver are significantly decreased, while ferulic acid prevents this decrease. In addition, ferulic acid also augments diosbulbin B-induced tumor growth inhibition compared with diosbulbin B alone. Taken together, the present study shows that ferulic acid prevents diosbulbin B-induced liver injury via ameliorating diosbulbin B-induced liver oxidative stress injury and augments diosbulbin B-induced anti-tumor activity.

Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Aegle marmelos fruit on radical scavenging activity and exercise-endurance capacity in mice

CONTEXT

Aegle marmelos L. Corr (Rutaceae) is an important Indian Ayurvedic medicinal plant used for the treatment of various ailments. However, little information is available on the anti-fatigue properties of its fruit.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of the physical endurance and exercise-induced oxidative stress modulating properties of A. marmelos fruit in mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Radical scavenging activity of the fruit hydroalcoholic extract was evaluated using in vitro systems. The extract was further evaluated for its endurance-enhancing properties at three oral doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt) in BALB/c mice for 21 d using a swimming test.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The extract exhibited significant scavenging activity against DPPH (IC₅₀, 351 ± 37 µg/ml) and ABTS radicals (IC₅₀, 228 ± 25 µg/ml), respectively, with the polyphenol content of 95 µg/mg extract. It also inhibited AAPH radical-induced oxidation of biomolecules such as BSA protein (63%), plasmid DNA (81%) and lipids (80.5%). Administration of extract resulted in an increase in the duration of swimming time to exhaustion by 23.4 and 47.5% for medium and higher doses, respectively. The extract significantly normalized the fatigue-related biochemical parameters and also down-regulated the swim stress-induced over-expression of heat shock protein-70 and up-regulated the skeletal muscle metabolic regulators (GLUT-4 and AMPK1-α) by 2- and 3-fold, respectively, at the higher dose in muscle tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates the anti-fatigue properties of A. marmelos fruit, most probably manifested by delaying the accumulation of serum lactic acid, increasing the fat utilization and up-regulating the skeletal muscle metabolic regulators.

Angelica sinensis improves exercise performance and protects against physical fatigue in trained mice

Angelica sinensis (AS) is a well-known medicinal herb and food material with antioxidative and multifunctional pharmacological activities. However, we lack evidence of the effect of AS on exercise performance and physical fatigue. We aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of AS on ergogenic and anti-fatigue functions after physiological challenge. Male ICR strain mice were randomly assigned to four groups (n=10 per group) for treatment: (1) sedentary control and vehicle treatment (vehicle control); (2) exercise training with vehicle treatment (exercise control); (3) exercise training with AS treatment at 0.41 g/kg/day (Ex-AS1); and (4) 2.05 g/kg/day (Ex-AS5); both the vehicle and AS were orally administered for 6 weeks. Exercise performance and anti-fatigue function were evaluated by forelimb grip strength, exhaustive swimming time, and levels of serum lactate, ammonia, glucose, and creatine kinase (CK) after a 15-min swimming exercise. Trend analysis revealed that AS treatments significantly increased endurance swimming time and blood glucose level, and decreased serum lactate, ammonia and CK levels. Liver and muscle glycogen contents were higher for Ex-AS1 and Ex-AS5 groups than the exercise control. Therefore, AS supplementation improved exercise performance and had anti-fatigue properties in mice and may be an effective ergogenic aid in exercise training.

Whole grains, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension: links to the aleurone preferred over indigestible fiber

Higher whole grain cereal intakes are associated with substantially lower risks of type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. These reduced risks have been established in large prospective studies that now include millions of person-years of follow-up. We analyze the results of 11 major prospective studies to provide recommendations about whole grain consumption. The following review establishes the amount of whole grains that should ideally be consumed based on prospective evidence; defines the nature of whole grains; identifies that the whole grain evidence is robust and not due to confounding; and provides a detailed assessment of several potential mechanisms for the effect of whole grains on health. We draw the following conclusions. Firstly, to maintain health, 40 grams or more of whole grains should be consumed daily. This is about a bowl of whole grain breakfast cereal daily, but 80% of the population does not achieve this. Secondly, aleurone in bran is a critical grain component generally overlooked in favor of indigestible fiber. Live aleurone cells constitute 50% of millers' bran. They store minerals, protein, and the antioxidant ferulic acid, and are clearly more than just indigestible fiber. Finally, we suggest potential roles for magnesium, zinc, and ferulic acid in the development of chronic disease. If the results of prospective studies were applied to the life-style practices of modern societies there exists the potential for enormous personal health and public financial benefits.

Hepatoprotective potential of Lavandula coronopifolia extracts against ethanol induced oxidative stress-mediated cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells

The present investigations were carried out to study the protective potential of four extracts (namely petroleum ether extract (LCR), chloroform extract (LCM), ethyl acetate extract (LCE), and alcoholic extract (LCL)) of Lavandula coronopifolia on oxidative stress-mediated cell death induced by ethanol, a known hepatotoxin in human hapatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. Cells were pretreated with LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts (10-50 μg/ml) of L. coronopifolia for 24 h and then ethanol was added and incubated further for 24 h. After the exposure, cell viability using (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and neutral red uptake assays and morphological changes in HepG2 cells were studied. Pretreatment with various extracts of L. coronpifolia was found to be significantly effective in countering the cytotoxic responses of ethanol. Antioxidant properties of these L. coronopifolia extracts against reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and glutathione (GSH) levels induced by ethanol were investigated. Results show that pretreatment with these extracts for 24 h significantly inhibited ROS generation and LPO induced and increased the GSH levels reduced by ethanol. The data from the study suggests that LCR, LCM, LCE, and LCL extracts of L. coronopifolia showed hepatoprotective activity against ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells. However, a comparative study revealed that the LCE extract was found to be the most effective and LCL the least effective. The hepatoprotective effects observed in the study could be associated with the antioxidant properties of these extracts of L. coronopifolia.

In vitro and in vivo hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract from Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcohol-induced oxidative stress

The protective effects of Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) root against alcoholic liver damage were investigated in HepG2/2E1 cells and ICR mice. When an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species was induced by 300 mM ethanol in vitro, cell viability was drastically decreased by 39%. However, in the presence of hot water extract (TOH) from T. officinale root, no hepatocytic damage was observed in the cells treated with ethanol, while ethanol-extract (TOE) did not show potent hepatoprotective activity. Mice, which received TOH (1 g/kg bw/day) with ethanol revealed complete prevention of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity as evidenced by the significant reductions of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities compared to ethanol-alone administered mice. When compared to the ethanol-alone treated group, the mice receiving ethanol plus TOH exhibited significant increases in hepatic antioxidant activities, including catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione. Furthermore, the amelioration of malondialdehyde levels indicated TOH's protective effects against liver damage mediated by alcohol in vivo. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of T. officinale root has protective action against alcohol-induced toxicity in the liver by elevating antioxidative potentials and decreasing lipid peroxidation.