Curcumin prevents muscle damage by regulating NF-κB and Nrf2 pathways and improves performance: an in vivo model

Exceeding the Limits with Nutraceuticals: Looking Towards Parkinson's Disease and Frailty

One of the most pressing challenges facing society today is the rising prevalence of physical and cognitive frailty. This geriatric condition makes older adults more vulnerable to disability, illness, and a heightened risk of mortality. In this scenario, Parkinson's disease (PD) and geriatric frailty, which share several common characteristics, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for innovative strategies. Nutraceuticals are naturally occurring bioactive compounds contained in foods, offering health benefits over and above essential nutrition. By examining the literature from the past decade, this review highlights how nutraceuticals can act as complementary therapies, addressing key processes, such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroprotection. Notably, the antioxidant action of nutraceuticals appears particularly beneficial in regard to PD and geriatric frailty. For instance, antioxidant-rich nutraceuticals may mitigate the oxidative damage linked to levodopa therapy in PD, potentially reducing the side effects and enhancing treatment sustainability. Similarly, the antioxidant effects of nutraceuticals may amplify the benefits of physical activity, enhancing muscle function, cognitive health, and resilience, thereby reducing the risk of frailty. This review proposes a holistic approach integrating nutraceuticals with exercise, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments. It promises to transform the management of ARD, prolong life, and improve the quality of life and well-being of older people.

Ozone treatment regulated the anti-exercise fatigue effect of fresh-cut pitaya polyphenol extracts

The anti-exercise fatigue effect of plant polyphenols is closely related to the content, composition, and extractability of phenolic substances. According to our previous findings, ozone treatment significantly affected the biological effects of fresh-cut pitaya polyphenols. Therefore, this study used C57BL/6 J mice to explore the regulatory mechanism of ozone treatment on the anti-exercise fatigue effect of fresh-cut pitaya polyphenol extract. The result showed that fresh-cut pitaya polyphenols treated with ozone (OP) have a better effect. Compared with the untreated group, the exhaustion time of the OP group was 11.86% longer, the total antioxidant capacity was 54.17% higher, the MDA content was 32.8% lower, and the liver glycogen content was 85.71% higher. The OP group also better regulated substrate metabolism, protecting muscle and visceral weight. The results of RT-PCR were consistent with the results of network pharmacology, and the expression of PI3K and AKT was activated, while SRC and STAT3 were down-regulated. Furthermore, pitaya polyphenols have been demonstrated to exert anti-fatigue effects by increasing the diversity of gut microbiota species. In summary, ozone treatment is a feasible way to improve the nutrition of polyphenols.

Acute supplementation with a curcuminoid-based formulation fails to enhance resting or exercise-induced NRF2 activity in males and females

Purpose: Exercise and (poly)phenols may activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a transcription factor that coordinates antioxidant synthesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether curcuminoid supplementation augments resting and exercise-induced NRF2 activity. Methods: In a double-blinded, randomised, between-subjects design, 14 males and 12 females performed plyometric exercise (100 drop jumps, 50 squat jumps) following 4 d supplementation with a curcuminoid-based formulation (CUR + EX; n = 13; ∼200 mg d-1 curcuminoids) or a placebo (PLA + EX; n = 13). NRF2/DNA binding in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and plasma cytokines (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]) were measured pre-, post-, 1, 2 h post-exercise. Curcuminoid metabolites were measured 0, 1, 2 h post-administration of a single bolus. Results: Total area under the curve for total curcuminoid metabolites was greater in CUR + EX (p < 0.01), with bioavailability peaking at 2 h post administration (CUR + EX: [0 h] 80.9 ± 117 nM [1 h] 76.6 ± 178.5 nM [2 h] 301.1 ± 584.7 nM; PLA + EX: [0 h] 10.4 ± 1.6 [1 h] 8.5 ± 2.6 [2 h] 10.6 ± 2.1). NRF2 activity did not increase in PLA + EX (p = 0.78) or CUR + EX (p = 0.76); however, curcuminoid metabolite concentrations did positively predict NRF2/DNA binding (R2 = 0.39; p = 0.02). Exercise increased IL-6 (p = 0.03) but TNF-α was unresponsive (p = 0.97) and lower across PLA + EX (p = 0.03). GPX activity was higher in CUR + EX (p < 0.01) but not in PLA + EX (p = 0.94). Conclusion: Supplementation with a curcuminoid-based formulation failed to augment resting or exercise-induced NRF2/DNA binding; however, higher concentrations of curcuminoid metabolites predicted NRF2/DNA binding response, suggesting effects may be dependent on bioavailability.

[Sanguinarine alleviates ulcerative colitis in mice by regulating the Nrf2/NF-κB pathway]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of sanguinarine (SA) for alleviating ulcerative colitis (UC) induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mouse models of 3.5% DSS-induced UC were randomized for treatment with 1, 5 and 10 mg/kg SA by gavage, 400 mg/kg sulfasalazine by gavage, or 10 mg/kg SA combined with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg ML385 (a Nrf2 inhibitor). The changes in intestinal inflammation was assessed by monitoring weight changes, disease activity index (DAI) score, colon length measurement, and HE staining. After the treatments, the colon tissues were collected for detection of malondialdehyde (MDA) content using colorimetry, mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors using RT-qPCR, and the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, Keap-1, p-p65, p65, occludin, and ZO-1 proteins were detected using Western blotting.

RESULTS

SA treatment obviously alleviated weight loss, colon length shortening and DAI score increase and ameliorated structural destruction of the colon glands and colonic crypts in mice with DSSinduced UC. SA intervention significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA and lowered ROS and MDA levels in the colon tissue of UC mice. The mouse models receiving SA treatment showed significantly increased expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, occludin and ZO-1 and lowered expressions of Keap-1 and P-P65 in the colon tissue without significant changes of p65 expression, and these changes were SA dose-dependent. Treatment with ML385 obviously attenuated the effect of highdose SA for improving UC in the mouse models.

CONCLUSION

SA can improve UC-like enteritis in mice possibly by activating the Nrf2 pathway and inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in the colon tissue.

Advances in relieving exercise fatigue for curcumin: Molecular targets, bioavailability, and potential mechanism

Intense and prolonged physical activity can lead to a decrease in muscle capacity, making it difficult to maintain the desired exercise intensity and resulting in exercise fatigue. The long-term effects of exercise fatigue can be very damaging to the body, so it is an urgent problem to be addressed. The intervention of foodborne active substances will be an effective measure. There is growing evidence that the molecular structure and function of curcumin have a positive effect on relieving fatigue. In this review, we summarize curcumin's molecular structure, which enables it to bind to a wealth of molecular targets, regulate signaling pathways, and thus alleviate exercise fatigue through a variety of mechanisms, including reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting inflammation, reducing metabolite accumulation, and regulating energy metabolism. The effects of curcumin on fatigue-related markers were analyzed from the perspective of animal models and human models and based on the bidirectional interaction between curcumin and intestinal microbiota: Intestinal microbiota can transform curcumin, and curcumin regulates gut microbiota through metabolic pathways, providing a new perspective for alleviating fatigue. This review contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the possible molecular mechanisms of curcumin in anti-fatigue and provides a new possibility for the development of functional foods in the future.

Impact of curcumin supplementation on exercise performance and muscle damage after a soccer match: a double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study

PURPOSE

Curcumin ingestion can mitigate muscle damage, soreness, and inflammation following a laboratory-based eccentric exercise. Similar effects were observed in recent field-based studies wherein responses were evaluated after a soccer match. However, various potential confounding factors, such as matching opponent skill levels and daily training conditions, may have influenced the outcomes. In the present study, we investigated whether curcumin intake ameliorates changes in muscle damage markers following a soccer match while controlling for the potential confounding factors.

METHODS

Fifteen collegiate athletes were tested in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over manner. They were recruited from the same college soccer team and thus followed the same daily training regimen and competition levels. Furthermore, athletes positioning during matches were counterbalanced. They consumed either 180 mg/day of curcumin or a placebo starting 1 h before the match and continuing for 2 days after a match (two 45-min plays and a 15-min half-time). Muscle soreness, jump performance (including countermovement jump and rebound jump index), and inflammatory and muscle damage markers (high-sensitive C-reactive protein, serum creatine kinase activity, and urinary N-terminal fragment of titin concentration) were evaluated before and after the match. The washout period between matches was set at 1 week.

RESULTS

After the match, all markers showed similarity between the placebo and curcumin conditions (all P > 0.208).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that ingesting 180 mg/day of curcumin may not expedite recovery from muscle damage elicited by soccer matches in collegiate soccer players.

Nature's weapons: Bioactive compounds as anti-cancer agents

Cancer represents a major global health burden, prompting continuous research for effective therapeutic strategies. Natural compounds derived from plants have emerged as potential strategies for preventing cancer and treatment because of their inherent pharmacological properties. This comprehensive review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic potential of five key natural compounds: apigenin, quercetin, piperine, curcumin, and resveratrol in cancer prevention and therapy. By examining their molecular mechanisms and preclinical evidence, this review seeks to elucidate their role as potential adjuvants or stand-alone therapies in cancer management. The exploration of natural compounds as cancer therapeutics offers several advantages, including low toxicity, wide availability, and compatibility with conventional chemotherapeutic agents. We highlighted the current understanding of their anticancer mechanisms and clinical applications for advancing personalized cancer care to improve patient outcomes. We discussed the empirical findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies reporting biological activity and therapeutic efficacy in antioxidant, immunomodulatory, anti-carcinogenic, and chemo-sensitizing modes. Innovative delivery systems and personalized treatment approaches may further enhance their bioavailability and therapeutic utility in a synergistic approach with chemo- and radiotherapeutic disease management. This review underscores the importance of natural compounds in cancer prevention and treatment, promoting a multidisciplinary approach to the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.

Curcumin and its nano-formulations combined with exercise: From molecular mechanisms to clinic

Curcumin is a strong substance derived from turmeric, a popular spice, renowned for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities. The study delved deeply into a thorough examination of various sources to evaluate the impact of both regular curcumin and nano-formulated curcumin on elements that impact physical performance, including muscular strain, discomfort, swelling, and oxidative tension. While engaging in exercise, the body experiences a rise in reactive oxygen species and inflammation. As a result, it is important to ensure a proper balance between internal and external sources of antioxidants to maintain stability in the skeletal muscle. Without this balance, there is a risk of muscle soreness, damage, and ultimately, a decline in exercise performance. Curcumin possesses the ability to enhance physical performance and reduce the symptoms of muscle fatigue and injury by virtue of its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Including curcumin supplements appears to have advantageous effects on various aspects of exercise, such as enhancing performance, assisting with recovery, lessening muscle damage and discomfort, and lowering levels of inflammation and oxidative stress. However, a thorough assessment is necessary to precisely gauge the healing advantages of curcumin in enhancing exercise ability and reducing recovery time.

Longevity and anti-aging effects of curcumin supplementation

Aging is a gradual and irreversible process that is accompanied by an overall decline in cellular function and a significant increase in the risk of age-associated disorders. Generally, delaying aging is a more effective method than treating diseases associated with aging. Currently, researchers are focused on natural compounds and their therapeutic and health benefits. Curcumin is the main active substance that is present in turmeric, a spice that is made up of the roots and rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin demonstrated a positive impact on slowing down the aging process by postponing age-related changes. This compound may have anti-aging properties by changing levels of proteins involved in the aging process, such as sirtuins and AMPK, and inhibiting pro-aging proteins, such as NF-κB and mTOR. In clinical research, this herbal compound has been extensively examined in terms of safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics. There are numerous effects of curcumin on mechanisms related to aging and human diseases, so we discuss many of them in detail in this review.

Emerging Therapeutic Strategies in Sarcopenia: An Updated Review on Pathogenesis and Treatment Advances

Sarcopenia is a prevalent degenerative skeletal muscle condition in the elderly population, posing a tremendous burden on diseased individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Conventionally, sarcopenia is currently managed through nutritional interventions, physical therapy, and lifestyle modification, with no pharmaceutical agents being approved for specific use in this disease. As the pathogenesis of sarcopenia is still poorly understood and there is no treatment recognized as universally effective, recent research efforts have been directed at better comprehending this illness and diversifying treatment strategies. In this respect, this paper overviews the new advances in sarcopenia treatment in correlation with its underlying mechanisms. Specifically, this review creates an updated framework for sarcopenia, describing its etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors, and conventional treatments, further discussing emerging therapeutic approaches like new drug formulations, drug delivery systems, stem cell therapies, and tissue-engineered scaffolds in more detail.

Combined effects of green tea supplementation and eccentric exercise on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 activity

PURPOSE

This study investigated whether combining eccentric exercise and green tea supplementation synergistically increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activity, a transcription factor responsible for coordinating endogenous antioxidant expression.

METHODS

In a double-blinded, randomized, between-subjects design, 24 males (mean [SD]; 23 [3] years, 179.6 [6.1] cm, 78.8 [10.6] kg) performed 100 drop jumps following a 6 days supplementation period with either green tea (poly)phenols (n = 12; 500 mg·d-1) or a placebo (n = 12; inulin). NRF2/antioxidant response element (ARE) binding in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activity, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) excretion, and differential leukocyte counts were measured pre-, post-, 1 h and 24 h post-exercise.

RESULTS

Exercise did not increase NRF2/ARE binding (p = 0.12) (fold change vs rest: green tea = [post] 0.78 ± 0.45, [1 h] 1.17 ± 0.54, [24 h] 1.06 ± 0.56; placebo = [post] 1.40 ± 1.50, [1 h] 2.98 ± 3.70, [24 h] 1.04 ± 0.45). Furthermore, CAT activity (p = 0.12) and 8-OHdG excretion (p = 0.42) were unchanged in response to exercise and were not augmented by green tea supplementation (p > 0.05 for all). Exercise increased GR activity by 30% (p = 0.01), however no differences were found between supplement groups (p = 0.51). Leukocyte and neutrophil concentrations were only elevated post-exercise (p < 0.001 for all).

CONCLUSION

Eccentric exercise, either performed alone or in conjunction with green tea supplementation, did not significantly increase NRF2 activity in PBMCs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

osf.io/kz37g (registered: 15/09/21).

Curcumin-functionalized gold nanoparticles attenuate AAPH-induced acute cardiotoxicity via reduction of lipid peroxidation and modulation of antioxidant parameters in a chicken embryo model

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have gained considerable attention due to their biocompatibility, customizable optical properties and ease of synthesis. In this study, an environmentally friendly method was used for synthesize curcumin-functionalized AuNPs (AuNP-C). AuNP-C exhibited a spherical shape, uniformity, and an average diameter of 6 nm. The in vitro antioxidant activity was analyzed, and cytotoxicity properties of AuNP-C were assessed in fibroblast and macrophage cells. Additionally, the effects of AuNP-C on oxidative stress in chicken embryo liver and hearts were investigated. AuNP-C demonstrated potent free radical scavenging properties without exhibiting cytotoxicity and hepatotoxicity effects. Administration of 300 µg/mL of AuNP-C in chicken embryos, subjected to oxidative damage induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride, significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels in the cardiac tissue. Moreover, the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase were restored, accompanied by an increase in overall antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, at higher concentrations, AuNP-C normalized the reduced glutathione content. AuNP-C preserved the normal structure of blood vessels; however, it resulted in an increase in protein carbonylation. This study provides initial evidence for the modulation of antioxidant defense mechanisms by green-synthesized AuNPs and underscores the importance of investigating the in vivo safety of phytoantioxidant-functionalized nanoparticles.

Sarcopenia in a type 2 diabetic state: Reviewing literature on the pathological consequences of oxidative stress and inflammation beyond the neutralizing effect of intracellular antioxidants

Sarcopenia remains one of the major pathological features of type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially in older individuals. This condition describes gradual loss of muscle mass, strength, and function that reduces the overall vitality and fitness, leading to increased hospitalizations and even fatalities to those affected. Preclinical evidence indicates that dysregulated mitochondrial dynamics, together with impaired activity of the NADPH oxidase system, are the major sources of oxidative stress that drive skeletal muscle damage in T2D. While patients with T2D also display relatively higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers in the serum, including high sensitivity-C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α that are independently linked with the deterioration of muscle function and sarcopenia in T2D. In fact, beyond reporting on the pathological consequences of both oxidative stress and inflammation, the current review highlights the importance of strengthening intracellular antioxidant systems to preserve muscle mass, strength, and function in individuals with T2D.

Recent Advances in Nutraceuticals for the Treatment of Sarcopenic Obesity

Sarcopenic obesity, low muscle mass, and high body fat are growing health concerns in the aging population. This review highlights the need for standardized criteria and explores nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents. Sarcopenic obesity is associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, hormonal changes, and reduced physical activity. These factors lead to impaired muscle activity, intramuscular fat accumulation, and reduced protein synthesis, resulting in muscle catabolism and increased fat mass. Myostatin and irisin are myokines that regulate muscle synthesis and energy expenditure, respectively. Nutritional supplementation with vitamin D and calcium is recommended for increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat content. Testosterone therapy decreases fat mass and improves muscle strength. Vitamin K, specifically menaquinone-4 (MK-4), improves mitochondrial function and reduces muscle damage. Irisin is a hormone secreted during exercise that enhances oxidative metabolism, prevents insulin resistance and obesity, and improves bone quality. Low-glycemic-index diets and green cardamom are potential methods for managing sarcopenic obesity. In conclusion, along with exercise and dietary support, nutraceuticals, such as vitamin D, calcium, vitamin K, and natural agonists of irisin or testosterone, can serve as promising future therapeutic alternatives.

Evaluation of pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium as an alternative protein source to improve muscle protein synthesis in rats

BACKGROUND

A preclinical study reported that the combination of an amylopectin/chromium complex (ACr) of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) significantly enhanced muscle protein synthesis (MPS). This study was conducted to determine the effects of the addition of ACr complex to a pea/rice (PR) protein on MPS, insulin, muslin levels, and the mTOR pathway in exercised rats.

METHODS

Twenty-four rats were divided into three groups: (i) exercise (Ex); (ii) Ex + PR 1:1 blend (0.465 g/kg BW); (iii) Ex + PR + ACr (0.155 g/kg BW). On the day of single-dose administration, after the animals were exercised at 26/m/min for 2 h, the supplement was given by oral gavage. The rats were injected with a bolus dose (250 mg/kg BW, 25 g/L) of deuterium-labeled phenylalanine to determine the protein fractional synthesis rate (FSR) one h after consuming the study product.

RESULTS

The combination of PR and ACr enhanced MPS by 42.55% compared to the Ex group, while Ex + PR alone increased MPS by 30.2% over the Ex group (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Ex + PR plus ACr significantly enhanced phosphorylation of mTOR and S6K1 (p < 0.0001), and 4E-BP1 (p < 0.001) compared to the Ex (p < 0.0001). PR to ACr also significantly increased insulin and musclin levels (p < 0.0001) in exercised rats. Additionally, compared to Ex + PR alone, Ex + PR + ACr enhanced mTOR (p < 0.0001) and S6K1 (p < 0.0001) levels.

CONCLUSION

These data suggested that PR + ACr may provide an alternative to animal proteins for remodeling and repairing muscle by stimulating MPS and mTOR signaling pathways in post-exercised rats. More preclinical and clinical human studies on combining pea/rice and amylopectin/chromium complex are required.

Effect of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory status and muscle damage in competitive female soccer players: a placebo-controlled, singleblind, nonrandomized, crossover pilot study

PURPOSE

Curcumin, a major component of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, which are associated with protective effects against muscle damage. This study examined the effects of dietary curcumin on inflammation and muscle damage in female competitive soccer players.

METHODS

A single-blinded, placebo-controlled, nonrandomized, crossover pilot study was conducted. Six competitive female soccer players (20.0 ± 2.0 yearsold) who participated in a 2-week preseason training program were assigned to two conditions: placebo and curcumin. The participants ingested a placebo or curcumin dosage (270 mg/day) during 2 weeks of preseason training, with 1 week of washout. Fasting blood samples were collected under resting conditions before (day 0) and after (day 15) the training period to examine changes in the concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6), an inflammatory marker, and indices reflective of muscle damage.

RESULTS

Curcumin decreased the concentration of IL-6 released (mean decrease, -30.2 ± 28.1%), whereas no decrease was observed in the placebo condition (13.4 ± 17.4%). Changes in plasma IL-6 concentrations were significantly greater in the curcumin condition than in the placebo condition (p < 0.05). However, curcumin supplementation had no significant effects on muscle damage indices.

CONCLUSION

The present study shows that curcumin supplementation could attenuate inflammation, as indicated by IL-6 concentrations, in competitive female soccer players during the training period.

Curcumin as a Therapeutic Agent for Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and functions as we age. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is underlined by oxidative stress and inflammation. As such, it is reasonable to suggest that a natural compound with both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities could prevent sarcopenia. Curcumin, a natural compound derived from turmeric with both properties, could benefit muscle health. This review aims to summarise the therapeutic effects of curcumin on cellular, animal, and human studies. The available evidence found in the literature showed that curcumin prevents muscle degeneration by upregulating the expression of genes related to protein synthesis and suppressing genes related to muscle degradation. It also protects muscle health by maintaining satellite cell number and function, protecting the mitochondrial function of muscle cells, and suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress. However, it is noted that most studies are preclinical. Evidence from randomised control trials in humans is lacking. In conclusion, curcumin has the potential to be utilised to manage muscle wasting and injury, pending more evidence from carefully planned human clinical trials.

Impacts of turmeric and its principal bioactive curcumin on human health: Pharmaceutical, medicinal, and food applications: A comprehensive review

The yellow polyphenolic pigment known as curcumin, originating from the rhizome of the turmeric plant Curcuma longa L., has been utilized for ages in ancient medicine, as well as in cooking and food coloring. Recently, the biological activities of turmeric and curcumin have been thoroughly investigated. The studies mainly focused on their antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective impacts. This review seeks to provide an in-depth, detailed discussion of curcumin usage within the food processing industries and its effect on health support and disease prevention. Curcumin's bioavailability, bio-efficacy, and bio-safety characteristics, as well as its side effects and quality standards, are also discussed. Finally, curcumin's multifaceted uses, food appeal enhancement, agro-industrial techniques counteracting its instability and low bioavailability, nanotechnology and focused drug delivery systems to increase its bioavailability, and prospective clinical use tactics are all discussed.

Curcumin Attenuates Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness and Muscle Function Deficits Following a Soccer Match in Male Professional Soccer Players

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of acute curcumin (CURC) supplementation on recovery from a soccer match in male professional players.

METHODS

In a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 11 players from the under-23 team of an English Premier League club (age 19 [1] y, body mass 79.4 [7.9] kg, height 180.8 [5.7] cm) consumed 500 mg of CURC or a control (medium-chain triglycerides) immediately and 12 and 36 hours after a 90-minute match. Countermovement jump height (CMJ), reactive strength index (RSI), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS, 0-200 mm), and subjective well-being were measured before and 12, 36, and 60 hours postmatch. Global positioning systems measured external load during matches, and dietary intake was recorded across the testing period.

RESULTS

External load and dietary intake did not differ between conditions (P ≥ .246). CURC attenuated deficits in CMJ (P ≤ .004) and RSI (P ≤ .001) and reduced DOMS (P ≤ .004) at all postmatch time points (except 60 h post for RSI). The greatest difference between control and CURC was 12 hours post for CMJ (P < .001, 1.91 [4.40] cm, 95% CI, 1.25 to 2.57, g = 0.36) and RSI (P = .003, 0.40 [0.41] AU, 95% CI, 0.17 to 0.63, g = 0.90) and 36 hours post for DOMS (P < .001, 47 [23] mm, 95% CI, -67 to -27, g = 2.12).

CONCLUSIONS

CURC intake <36 hours after a soccer match attenuated DOMS and muscle function deficits, suggesting that CURC may aid recovery in professional male soccer players.

TLR4/NFκB-Mediated Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effect of Hexanic and Ethanolic Extracts of Curcuma longa L. in Buffalo Mammary Epithelial Cells

Mastitis is the commonest disease of bovines imposing a great economic setback and a drastic public health concern worldwide. Antibiotic resistance is the preliminary con of excessive antibiotics use for disease treatment. Studies validate an alarming increase in the antibiotic resistance of both humans and animals. For ages, medicinal plants have been used to treat a number of ailments in humans and animals, including mastitis. Curcuma longa, or turmeric, is the prerequisite in Indian cooking and has been used in traditional medicine for its magical properties. The rhizome of C. longa possesses significant anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidative properties. In the current study, we evaluated the hexanic and ethanolic extracts of C. longa for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidative potential against LPS-induced inflammation in buffalo mammary epithelial cells (BuMECs). Pretreatment with the extracts downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokine TNFα via the TLR4/NFκB-mediated signaling pathway. However, IL-6 was downregulated in only the hexanic C. longa-pretreated group. A significant upregulation of NRF2 mRNA expression was seen in both hexanic- and ethanolic-treated groups. A GC-MS/MS study of the extracts revealed the presence of important sesqueterpenoids and phenolics as the main bioactive phytoconstituents in the extracts. Sesqueterpenoids, such as turmerone, ar-turmerone, curlone, and atlantone, and phenols, such as guaiacol (2-Hydroxyanisole phenol, 2-methoxy), and ethyl ferulate/ethyl 4′-hydroxy-3′methoxycinnamate, were found in C. longa extracts. The protective role of C. longa in BuMECs against LPS-induced inflammation and oxidant insult might be due to the presence of bioactive compounds, such as terpenoid and phenolic compounds. However, we further propose the isolation of these phytoconstituents and their analysis using HPLC and NMR studies.

The beneficial therapeutic effects of plant-derived natural products for the treatment of sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is an age-related muscle disorder typically associated with a poor quality of life. Its definition has evolved over time, and several underlying causes of sarcopenia in the elderly have been proposed. However, the exact mechanisms involved in sarcopenia, as well as effective treatments for this condition, are not fully understood. The purpose of this article was to conduct a comprehensive review of previous evidence regarding the definition, diagnosis, risk factors, and efficacy of plant-derived natural products for sarcopenia. The methodological approach for the current narrative review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, as well as Google Scholar (up to March 2021) in order to satisfy our objectives. The substantial beneficial effects along with the safety of some plant-derived natural products including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng on sarcopenia are reported in this review. Based on clinical studies, nutraceuticals and functional foods may have beneficial effects on physical performance, including handgrip and knee-extension strength, weight-lifting capacity, time or distance travelled before feeling fatigued, mitochondrial function, muscle fatigue, mean muscle fibre area, and total number of myonuclei. In preclinical studies, supplementation with herbs and natural bioactive compounds resulted in beneficial effects including increased plantaris mass, skeletal muscle mass and strength production, increased expression of anabolic factors myogenin, Myf5 and MyoD, enhanced mitochondrial capacity, and inhibition of muscle atrophy and sarcopenia. We found that several risk factors such as nutritional status, physical inactivity, inflammation, oxidative stress, endocrine system dysfunction, insulin resistance, history of chronic disease, mental health, and genetic factors are linked or associated with sarcopenia. The substantial beneficial effects of some nutraceuticals and functional foods on sarcopenia, including curcumin, resveratrol, catechin, soy protein, and ginseng, without any significant side effects, are reported in this review. Plant-derived natural products might have a beneficial effect on various components of sarcopenia. Nevertheless, due to limited human trials, the clinical benefits of plant-derived natural products remain inconclusive. It is suggested that comprehensive longitudinal clinical studies to better understand risk factors over time, as well as identifying a treatment strategy for sarcopenia that is based on its pathophysiology, be undertaken in future investigations.

Transcription factor NRF2 as potential therapeutic target for preventing muscle wasting in aging chronic kidney disease patients

Increased muscle protein catabolism leading to muscle wasting is a prominent feature of the syndrome of protein-energy wasting (PEW) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). PEW and muscle wasting are induced by factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress and metabolic acidosis that activate the ubiquitin-proteasome system, the main regulatory mechanism of skeletal muscle degradation. Whether deficiency of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which regulates expression of antioxidant proteins protecting against oxidative damage triggered by inflammation, may exacerbate PEW has yet to be examined in aging patients with CKD. This review focuses on the hypothesis that NRF2 is involved in the maintenance of muscle mass and explores whether sustained activation of NRF2 by non-pharmacological interventions using nutraceutical activators to improve redox homeostasis could be a plausible strategy to prevent skeletal muscle disorders, including muscle wasting, sarcopenia and frailty associated with PEW in aging CKD patients.

Curcumin-Added Whey Protein Positively Modulates Skeletal Muscle Inflammation and Oxidative Damage after Exhaustive Exercise

(1) Background: Exhaustive exercise can induce muscle damage. The consumption of nutritional compounds with the ability to positively influence the oxidative balance and an exacerbated inflammatory process has been previously studied. However, little is known about the nutritional value of curcumin (CCM) when mixed with whey protein concentrate (WPC). This study was developed to evaluate the effect of CCM-added WPC on inflammatory and oxidative process control and histopathological consequences in muscle tissue submitted to an exhaustive swimming test (ET). (2) Methods: 48 animals were randomly allocated to six groups (n = 8). An ET was performed 4 weeks after the start of the diet and animals were euthanized 24 h post ET. (3) Results: WPC + CCM and CCM groups reduced IL-6 and increased IL-10 expression in muscle tissue. CCM reduced carbonyl protein after ET compared to standard AIN-93M ET and WPC + CCM ET diets. Higher nitric oxide concentrations were observed in animals that consumed WPC + CCM and CCM. Consumption of WPC + CCM or isolated CCM reduced areas of inflammatory infiltrate and fibrotic tissue in the muscle. (4) Conclusions: WPC + CCM and isolated CCM contribute to the reduction in inflammation and oxidative damage caused by the exhaustive swimming test.

Phytochemicals and modulation of exercise-induced oxidative stress: a novel overview of antioxidants

The practice of physical exercise induces a series of physiological changes in the body at different levels, either acutely or chronically. During exercise, the increase in oxygen consumption promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), which are necessary to maintain homeostasis. ROS/RNS activate cellular signaling pathways, such as the antioxidant cytoprotective systems, inflammation, and cell proliferation, which are crucial for cell survival. However, in exhaustive-extended physical exercise, workloads can exceed the endogenous antioxidant defenses, which may be related to impairment of muscle contraction, fatigue, and a decrease in athletic performance. This review addresses the role of some antioxidants from plant-derived extracts called phytochemicals that can mediate the response to oxidative stress induced by physical exercise by activating signaling pathways, such as Nrf2/Keap1/ARE, responsible for the endogenous antioxidant response and possibly having an impact on sports performance.

Curcumin: A dietary phytochemical for boosting exercise performance and recovery

Curcumin, as the main natural compound in the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), is a yellowish polyphenol that has been used traditionally in Asian countries as a medicinal herb for various types of disease and pathological conditions caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. In the present review, we conducted a comprehensive literature search for evidence that shows the effect of curcumin on factors influencing exercise performance, including muscle damage, muscle soreness, inflammation, and oxidative stress. During exercise, reactive oxygen species and inflammation are increased. Thus, if there is no balance between endogenous and exogenous antioxidants and increases in oxidative stress and inflammation, which is important for maintaining redox homeostasis in skeletal muscle, it can lead to muscle soreness and muscle damage and ultimately result in reduced exercise performance. Due to the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, it can increase exercise performance and decrease exercise-induced muscle soreness and muscle damage. It appears that curcumin supplementation can have positive effects on exercise performance and recovery, muscle damage and pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress. However, there is still a need to precisely evaluate factors to more accurately assess/quantify the beneficial therapeutic effects of curcumin with regard to enhancing exercise performance and recovery.

Phytochemicals in Skeletal Muscle Health: Effects of Curcumin (from Curcuma longa Linn) and Sulforaphane (from Brassicaceae) on Muscle Function, Recovery and Therapy of Muscle Atrophy

The mobility of the human body depends on, among other things, muscle health, which can be affected by several situations, such as aging, increased oxidative stress, malnutrition, cancer, and the lack or excess of physical exercise, among others. Genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional factors are intricately involved in maintaining the balance that allows proper muscle function and fiber recovery; therefore, the breakdown of the balance among these elements can trigger muscle atrophy. The study from the nutrigenomic perspective of nutritional factors has drawn wide attention recently; one of these is the use of certain compounds derived from foods and plants known as phytochemicals, to which various biological activities have been described and attributed in terms of benefiting health in many respects. This work addresses the effect that the phytochemicals curcumin from Curcuma longa Linn and sulforaphane from Brassicaceae species have shown to exert on muscle function, recovery, and the prevention of muscle atrophy, and describes the impact on muscle health in general. In the same manner, there are future perspectives in research on novel compounds as potential agents in the prevention or treatment of medical conditions that affect muscle health.

Exercise Improves Redox Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Function in White Adipose Tissue

Exercise has beneficial effects on energy balance and also improves metabolic health independently of weight loss. Adipose tissue function is a critical denominator of a healthy metabolism but the adaptation of adipocytes in response to exercise is insufficiently well understood. We have previously shown that one aerobic exercise session was associated with increased expression of antioxidant and cytoprotective genes in white adipose tissue (WAT). In the present study, we evaluate the chronic effects of physical exercise on WAT redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function. Adult male Wistar rats were separated into two groups: a control group that did not exercise and a group that performed running exercise sessions on a treadmill for 30 min, 5 days per week for 9 weeks. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, antioxidant enzyme activities, mitochondrial function, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and proteins related to DNA damage response were analyzed. In WAT from the exercise group, we found higher mitochondrial respiration in states I, II, and III of Complex I and Complex II, followed by an increase in ATP production, and the ROS/ATP ratio when compared to tissues from control rats. Regarding redox homeostasis, NADPH oxidase activity, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation levels were lower in WAT from the exercise group when compared to control tissues. Moreover, antioxidant enzymatic activity, reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and total nuclear factor erythroid-2, like-2 (NFE2L2/NRF2) protein levels were higher in the exercise group compared to control. Finally, we found that exercise reduced the phosphorylation levels of H2AX histone (γH2AX), a central protein that contributes to genome stability through the signaling of DNA damage. In conclusion, our results show that chronic exercise modulates redox homeostasis in WAT, improving antioxidant capacity, and mitochondrial function. This hormetic remodeling of adipocyte redox balance points to improved adipocyte health and seems to be directly associated with the beneficial effects of exercise.

Efficacy and Safety of TurmXTRA® 60N in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Healthy, Recreationally Active Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Background

Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) and its physiological consequences influenced an individual's adherence to an exercise routine.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of TurmXTRA® 60N (WDTE60N) on DOMS compared to placebo in recreationally active healthy subjects.

Methods

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel-group study enrolled 30 healthy and recreationally active subjects (average age: 28.23 ± 4.20 years) and randomized them to receive WDTE60N (WDTE60N group; n = 15) or placebo (placebo group; n = 15). Study treatments were initiated 29 days before the eccentric exercise and were continued for 4 days after the exercise. The primary endpoint was the change in pain intensity measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) at the end of study treatment (at 96 hours after eccentric exercise) from baseline (measured immediately after exercise).

Results

The VAS score indicated that subjects from the WDTE60N group reported significantly less pain after eccentric exercise compared to the placebo group (AUC_0–96h: 286.8 ± 46.7 vs. 460 ± 40.5, respectively; p < 0.0001). Well-being status was assessed using the adapted version of the Hooper and MacKinnon questionnaire and was calculated as individual and cumulative scores of the domains (fatigue, mood, general muscle soreness, sleep quality, and stress) that demonstrated improvement in all domains and in overall well-being in the WDTE60N group compared to the placebo group (p < 0.0001). Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly lower in the WDTE60N group compared to the placebo group (AUC_0–96h: 23623.7 ± 2532.0 vs. 26138.6 ± 3669.5, respectively; p=0.0446).

Conclusion

Intake of WDTE60N before and after eccentric exercise significantly reduced subjective perception of muscle soreness and serum LDH activity and increased the psychological well-being in recreationally active subjects.

Regulation of Gene Expression through Food—Curcumin as a Sirtuin Activity Modulator

The sirtuin family comprises NAD⁺-dependent protein lysine deacylases, mammalian sirtuins being either nuclear (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT6, and SIRT7), mitochondrial (SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5) or cytosolic enzymes (SIRT2 and SIRT5). They are able to catalyze direct metabolic reactions, thus regulating several physiological functions, such as energy metabolism, stress response, inflammation, cell survival, DNA repair, tissue regeneration, neuronal signaling, and even circadian rhythms. Based on these data, recent research was focused on finding molecules that could regulate sirtuins’ expression and/or activity, natural compounds being among the most promising in the field. Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) can induce, through SIRT, modulation of cancer cell senescence, improve endothelial cells protection against atherosclerotic factors, enhance muscle regeneration in atrophy models, and act as a pro-longevity factor counteracting the neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta. Although a plethora of protective effects was reported (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.), its therapeutical use is limited due to its bioavailability issues. However, all the reported effects may be explained via the bioactivation theory, which postulates that curcumin’s observed actions are modulated via its metabolites and/or degradation products. The present article is focused on bringing together the literature data correlating the ability of curcumin and its metabolites to modulate SIRT activity and its consequent beneficial effects.

Downregulated hs-CRP and MAD, upregulated GSH and TAC, and improved metabolic status following combined exercise and turmeric supplementation: a clinical trial in middle-aged women with hyperlipidemic type 2 diabetes

Background

Aerobic training (AT) and Turmeric Supplementation (TS) are known to exert multiple beneficial effects including metabolic status and Oxidative Stress. To our knowledge, data on the effects of AT and TS on metabolic status and oxidative stress biomarkers related to inflammation in subjects with Hyperlipidemic Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (HT2DM) are scarce.

Objectives

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of AT and TS on metabolic status and oxidative stress biomarkers related to inflammation in subjects with HT2DM.

Methods

This randomized single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted among 42 subjects with HT2DM, aged 45-60 years old. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups; AT+TS (n = 11), AT+placebo (AT; n = 10), TS (n = 11), and Control+placebo (C; n = 10). The AT program consisted of 60-75% of Maximum heart rate (HRmax), 20-40 min/day, three days/week for eight weeks. The participants in the TS group consumed three 700 mg capsules/day containing turmeric powder for eight weeks. Metabolic status and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed at baseline and end of treatment. The data were analyzed through paired t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc test at the signification level of P < 0.05.

Results

After eight weeks, significant improvements were observed in metabolic status, oxidative stress biomarkers and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in the AT+TS, TS, and AT compared to C. Additionally, a significant decrease of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) Z scores (p = 0.001; p = 0.011), hs-CRP (p = 0.028; p = 0.041), Malondialdehyde (MAD) (p = 0.023; p = 0.001), and significantly higher Glutathione (GSH) (p = 0.003; p = 0.001), and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) (p = 0.001; p = 0.001) compared to the AT and TS groups. The results also revealed a significant difference in terms of MetS Z scores (p = 0.001), hs-CRP (p = 0.018), MAD (p = 0.011), GSH (p = 0.001) and TAC (p = 0.025) between the AT and TS.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that AT+TS improves metabolic status, oxidative stress biomarkers, and hs-CRP more effectively compared to TS or AT in middle-aged females with T2DM and hyperlipidemia.

Role for Plant-Derived Antioxidants in Attenuating Cancer Cachexia

Cancer cachexia is the progressive muscle wasting and weakness experienced by many cancer patients. It can compromise the response to gold standard cancer therapies, impair functional capacity and reduce overall quality of life. Cancer cachexia accounts for nearly one-third of all cancer-related deaths and has no effective treatment. The pathogenesis of cancer cachexia and its progression is multifactorial and includes increased oxidative stress derived from both the tumor and the host immune response. Antioxidants have therapeutic potential to attenuate cancer-related muscle loss, with polyphenols, a group of plant-derived antioxidants, being the most widely investigated. This review describes the potential of these plant-derived antioxidants for treating cancer cachexia.

Nrf2-Related Therapeutic Effects of Curcumin in Different Disorders

Curcumin is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammation effects. This substance has been shown to affect the activity of Nrf2 signaling, a pathway that is activated in response to stress and decreases levels of reactive oxygen species and electrophilic substances. Nrf2-related effects of curcumin have been investigated in different contexts, including gastrointestinal disorders, ischemia-reperfusion injury, diabetes mellitus, nervous system diseases, renal diseases, pulmonary diseases, cardiovascular diseases as well as cancers. In the current review, we discuss the Nrf2-mediated therapeutic effects of curcumin in these conditions. The data reviewed in the current manuscript indicates curcumin as a potential activator of Nrf2 and a therapeutic substance for the protection of cells in several pathological conditions.

Anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant effects of curcumin supplementation in exhaustive swimming mice via Nrf2/Keap1 signal pathway

Demands for dietary supplements with anti-fatigue effects are growing fast due to increasing societal demands. Moreover, in highly physically active individuals, there are also significant needs for supplements to improve exercise performance. The present study evaluated the potential anti-fatigue and anti-oxidant effects of curcumin in mice using exhaustive swimming test. Male C57BL/6J mice were randomized into six groups: blank control (Rest), swimming control (Con), Vitamin C (Vc), low-dose curcumin (C₅₀), middle-dose curcumin (C₁₀₀), and high-dose curcumin (C₂₀₀). After a 4-week intervention, the mice in all groups except the Rest group were subject to an exhaustive swimming test. Then, mice were sacrificed to examine serum biochemical markers and fatigue-related enzymes. Moreover, the gene and protein expressions of signal transduction factors involved in the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway were measured. The results indicated that curcumin significantly enhanced the exercise tolerance of mice in the exhaustive swimming test. Particularly, the swimming time of mice in the C₁₀₀ group was increased by 273.5% when compared to that of mice in the Con group. The levels of blood urea nitrogen, blood ammonia, lactic acid, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase in the C₁₀₀ group were decreased by 13.3%, 21.0%, 18.6%, 16.7% and 21.9%, respectively, when compared to those of mice in the Con group. Curcumin alleviated exercise-induced oxidative stress and significantly enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase by activating the Nrf2 signaling. These findings indicated that curcumin supplementation exerted remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-fatigue effects in mice, providing additional evidence supporting the use of curcumin as functional food, especially by those engaged in sports-related activities.

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Curcumin exerted remarkable anti-oxidant and anti-fatigue effects in mice.

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Curcumin can activate anti-oxidant response via Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway.

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Curcumin greatly enhanced the exercise tolerance of mice in exhaustive swimming test.

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Curcumin alleviated exercise-induced oxidative stress by its anti-oxidant effects.

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Curcumin can be an anti-fatigue promising candidate improving exercise performance.

Nrf2 Regulation by Curcumin: Molecular Aspects for Therapeutic Prospects

Nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor (2Nrf2) is an essential leucine zipper protein (bZIP) that is primarily located in the cytoplasm under physiological conditions. Nrf2 principally modulates endogenous defense in response to oxidative stress in the brain.In this regard, Nrf2 translocates into the nucleus and heterodimerizes with the tiny Maf or Jun proteins. It then attaches to certain DNA locations in the nucleus, such as electrophile response elements (EpRE) or antioxidant response elements (ARE), to start the transcription of cytoprotective genes. Many neoplasms have been shown to have over activated Nrf2, strongly suggesting that it is responsible for tumors with a poor prognosis. Exactly like curcumin, Zinc-curcumin Zn (II)-curc compound has been shown to induce Nrf2 activation. In the cancer cell lines analyzed, Zinc-curcumin Zn (II)-curc compound can also display anticancer effects via diverse molecular mechanisms, including markedly increasing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) p62/SQSTM1 and the Nrf2 protein levels along with its targets. It also strikingly decreases the levels of Nrf2 inhibitor, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) protein.As a result, the crosstalk between p62/SQSTM1 and Nrf2 could be used to improve cancer patient response to treatments. The interconnected anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of curcumin resulted from its modulatory effects on Nrf2 signaling pathway have been shown to improve insulin resistance. Curcumin exerts its anti-inflammatory impact through suppressing metabolic reactions and proteins such as Keap1 that provoke inflammation and oxidation. A rational amount of curcumin-activated antioxidant Nrf2 HO-1 and Nrf2-Keap1 pathways and upregulated the modifier subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase involved in the production of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione. Enhanced expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a modifier subunit (GLCM), inhibited transcription of glutamate-cysteine ligase, a catalytic subunit (GCLC). A variety of in vivo, in vitro and clinical studies has been done so far to confirm the protective role of curcumin via Nrf2 regulation. This manuscript is designed to provide a comprehensive review on the molecular aspects of curcumin and its derivatives/analogs via regulation of Nrf2 regulation.

Dietary Supplementation for Attenuating Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness in Humans

Dietary supplements are widely used as a nutritional strategy to improve and maintain performance and achieve faster recovery in sports and exercise. Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is caused by mechanical stress and subsequent inflammatory responses including reactive oxygen species and cytokine production. Therefore, dietary supplements with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have the potential to prevent and reduce muscle damage and symptoms characterized by loss of muscle strength and delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). However, only a few supplements are considered to be effective at present. This review focuses on the effects of dietary supplements derived from phytochemicals and listed in the International Olympic Committee consensus statement on muscle damage evaluated by blood myofiber damage markers, muscle soreness, performance, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. In this review, the effects of dietary supplements are also discussed in terms of study design (i.e., parallel and crossover studies), exercise model, and such subject characteristics as physical fitness level. Future perspectives and considerations for the use of dietary supplements to alleviate EIMD and DOMS are also discussed.

Preventing c2c12 muscular cells damage combining magnesium and potassium with vitamin D3 and curcumin

Background and aim

Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles which causes energy consumption; moderate and constant physical activity is known to be beneficial and to slow the muscle loss process associated with aging. The aim of the present study was to test, in an in vitro exercise model, the biological effects of a new formulation composed of magnesium and potassium combined with vitamin D and curcumin created to support muscle activity and to prevent hypercontraction damage.

Experimental procedure

C2C12 cells were treated with vitamin D, buffered magnesium bisglycinate, curcumin, and potassium citrate. Cell viability, morpho-functional changes, calcium and magnesium movements, and the main kinases involved in glucose uptake were analyzed. The glycogen level and lactate were also evaluated.

Results and conclusion

Important results about a positive effect on mitochondrial activity, ATP production, oxygen consumption and in the physiological differentiation of C2C12 cells were obtained. Further experiments were performed under conditions that mimic the biological aspects of strenuous exercise. The combination of magnesium, vitamin D3, curcumin, and potassium citrate revealed beneficial effects on skeletal muscle cells under physiological conditions as well as while mimicking intense activity. In particular, in an in vitro model, they were able to control the hypercontraction, restoring ion fluxes, reducing inflammation signaling and supporting the main mechanism involved on aerobic activity. Our results have indicated for the first time that this new combination could be considered as a new nutraceutical formulation to improve physical performance and muscle recovery.

Next-Generation Ultrasol Curcumin Boosts Muscle Endurance and Reduces Muscle Damage in Treadmill-Exhausted Rats

Curcumin positively affects performance during exercise and subsequent recovery. However, curcumin has limited bioavailability unless consumed in larger doses. In the current study, we examined the impact of a new formulation of curcumin, Next-Generation Ultrasol Curcumin (NGUC), which is relatively more bioavailable than natural curcumin on exhaustion time, grip strength, muscle damage parameters, and serum and muscle proteins. A total of 28 rats were randomly grouped as control (C, non-supplemented), exercise (E, non-supplemented), E+NGUC100 (supplemented with 100 mg/kg BW NGUC), and E+NGUC200 (supplemented with 200 mg/kg NGUC). Grip strength and exhaustion time were increased with NGUC supplementation (p < 0.0001). Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), lactic acid (LA), myoglobin, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were reduced in serum, and muscle tissue in NGUC supplemented groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, NGUC supplementation elevated the antioxidant enzyme levels compared to the non-supplemented exercise group (p < 0.01). Additionally, inflammatory cytokines were inhibited with NGUC administration (p < 0.05). NGUC decreased PGC-1α, p-4E-BP1, p-mTOR, MAFbx, and MuRF1 proteins in muscle tissue (p < 0.05). These results indicate that NGUC boosts exercise performance while reducing muscle damage by targeting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and muscle mass regulatory pathways.

Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers, Muscle Damage, and Sports Performance during Acute Physical Exercise in Sedentary Individuals

Exhaustive and acute unusual physical exercise leads to muscle damage. Curcumin has been widely studied due to the variety of its biological activities, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it has shown positive effects on physical exercise practitioners. However, there is no literature consensus on the beneficial effects of curcumin in acute physical activities performed by sedentary individuals. Therefore, we systematically reviewed evidence from clinical trials on the main effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory markers, sports performance, and muscle damage during acute physical exercises in these individuals. We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, and only original studies were analyzed according to the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies were limited to supplementation of curcumin during acute exercise. A total of 5 studies were selected. Methodological quality assessments were examined using the SYRCLE's risk-of-bias tool. Most studies have shown positive effects of curcumin supplementation in sedentary individuals undergoing acute physical exercise. Overall, participants supplemented with curcumin showed less muscle damage, reduced inflammation, and better muscle performance. The studies showed heterogeneous data and exhibited methodological limitations; therefore, further research is necessary to ensure curcumin supplementation benefits during acute and high-intensity physical exercises. Additionally, mechanistic and highly controlled studies are required to improve the quality of the evidence and to elucidate other possible mechanisms. This study is registered with Prospero number CRD42021262718.

The Effects of Curcumin Supplementation on Muscle Damage, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Markers in Healthy Females with Moderate Physical Activity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation represent major contributors to why athletes use ergogenic aids. Turmeric is used as a spice because of its polyphenol ingredient named curcumin. We assessed the effects of curcumin supplementation on inflammatory, oxidative stress markers, muscle damage, and anthropometric indices in women with moderate physical activity.

METHODS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 women with moderate physical activity levels (defined as walking or swimming for at least 1 h per day) for 8 weeks. Mean ± SD of age (years) all participants was 21 ± 2. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: curcumin (500 mg/day) and placebo (500 mg/day cornstarch). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, body composition, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO2 max) were evaluated before and after an intervention.

RESULTS

Sixty-five subjects completed the 8-week intervention. Within analysis indicated a significant decrease in CRP, LDH, MDA levels, and a significant increase in VO2 max in the curcumin group after an intervention (P < 0.05). There were significant decreases in CRP (P = 0.002), LDH (P = 0.041), and MDA (P = 0.005), no significant increase in TAC, and significant increase in VO2 max (P = 0.0001) levels in the curcumin group compared with placebo group. There were no significant changes in weight, body mass index, body fat, and lean body mass between two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that 8-week curcumin administration could significantly improve CRP, LDH, MDA, and VO2 max. Curcumin supplementation did not elicit significant changes in anthropometric indices in this study.

Curcumin Activates the Nrf2 Pathway and Induces Cellular Protection Against Oxidative Injury

Curcumin is a naturally occurring polyphenol that is isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa (turmeric). This medicinal compound has different biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antineoplastic, and anti-inflammatory. It also has therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative disorders, renal disorders, and diabetes mellitus. Curcumin is safe and well-tolerated at high concentrations without inducing toxicity. It seems that curcumin is capable of targeting the Nrf2 signaling pathway in protecting the cells against oxidative damage. Besides, this strategy is advantageous in cancer therapy. Accumulating data demonstrates that curcumin applies four distinct ways to stimulate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, including inhibition of Keap1, affecting the upstream mediators of Nrf2, influencing the expression of Nrf2 and target genes, and finally, improving the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. In the present review, the effects of curcumin on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to exert its therapeutic and biological activities has been discussed.

Curcumin Attenuates Sarcopenia in Chronic Forced Exercise Executed Aged Mice by Regulating Muscle Degradation and Protein Synthesis with Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects

The aim of the current study is to investigate the effects of spray dry powders of Curcuma longa containing 40% curcumin (CM-SD), as a new aqueous curcumin formula, on sarcopenia in chronic forced exercise executed 10 month old ICR mice. CM-SD (80 and 40 mg/kg) increased calf thicknesses and strengths, total body and calf protein amounts, and muscle weights in both gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. mRNA expressions regarding muscle growth and protein synthesis were induced, while those of muscle degradation significantly declined in CM-SD treatment. CM-SD decreased serum biochemical markers, lipid peroxidation, and reactive oxygen species and increased endogenous antioxidants and enzyme activities. It also reduced immunoreactive myofibers for apoptosis and oxidative stress markers but increased ATPase in myofibers. These results suggest that CM-SD can be an adjunct therapy to exercise-based remedy that prevents muscle disorders including sarcopenia by anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, and antioxidation-mediated modulation of gene expressions related to muscle degradation and protein synthesis.

Protective effects of whey protein concentrate admixtured of curcumin on metabolic control, inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats submitted to exhaustive exercise

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of whey protein concentrate (WPC) admixtured of curcumin on metabolic control, inflammation and oxidative stress in Wistar rats submitted to exhaustive exercise. A total of forty-eight male rats were divided into six experimental groups (n 8): standard diet group (AIN-93M), standard diet submitted to exhaustion test group (AIN-93M ET), WPC admixtured of curcumin group (WPC + CCM), WPC + CCM submitted to exhaustion test group (WPC + CCM ET), CCM group and CCM subjected to exhaustion test group (CCM ET). The swimming exhaustion test was performed after 4 weeks of experiment. The consumption of WPC + CCM as well as isolated CCM did not alter the biometric measurements, the animals' food consumption and the hepatic and kidney function, as well as the protein balance of the animals (P > 0·05), but reduced the glycaemia and the gene expression of TNF-α and IL-6 and increased the expression of IL-10 (P < 0·05). The animals that were submitted to the exhaustion test (AIN-93M ET) showed higher aspartate aminotransferase values when compared to the animals that did not perform the exercise (AIN-93 M) (P < 0·05). WPC + CCM reduced the concentration of nitric oxide, carbonylated protein and increased the concentration of catalase (P < 0·05). Both (WPC + CCM and CCM) were able to increase the concentrations of superoxide dismutase (P < 0·05). We concluded that the WPC admixtured of CCM represents a strategy capable of decreasing blood glucose and oxidative and inflammatory damage caused by exhaustive physical exercise in swimming.

Effects of Exercise Combined with Undenatured Type II Collagen on Endurance Capacity, Antioxidant Status, Muscle Lipogenic Genes and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Rats

The current study aimed to investigate the effect of exercise combined with undenatured type II collagen (UCII) administration on endurance capacity, lipid metabolism, inflammation, and antioxidant status in rats. Twenty-one male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups as follows: (1) Sedentary control, (2) Exercise (E), (3) Exercise + UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day; E + UCII). The findings showed that the exhaustive running time in the UCII group was significantly prolonged compared to that of the non-supplemented group (p < 0.001). When compared to the control group, total serum cholesterol (TC, p < 0.05) and triglyceride (TG, p < 0.05) levels decreased, while creatinine kinase (CK) levels increased in the E group (p < 0.001). Serum creatinine kinase levels were reduced in the E + UCII group compared to the E group (p < 0.01). Serum lactate, myoglobin (p < 0.01), and osteocalcin levels (p < 0.01) increased significantly in exercised rats compared to sedentary control rats, while serum lactate (p < 0.01) and myoglobin (p < 0.0001) levels decreased in the E + UCII group compared to control. Additionally, UCII supplementation caused significant increases in antioxidant enzyme activities [SOD (p < 0.01) and GSH-Px (p < 0.05)] and decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) levels (p < 0.001). Muscle lipogenic protein (SREBP-1c, ACLY, LXR, and FAS) levels were lower in the E + UCII group than in other groups. In addition, UCII supplementation decreased muscle MAFbx, MuRF-1, myostatin and increased MyoD levels in exercised rats. Moreover, the E + UCII group had lower muscle inflammatory markers [TNF-α (p < 0.0001) and IL-1β (p < 0.01)] than the control group. These results suggest exercise combined with UCII (4 mg/kg BW/day) modulates lipid, muscle, and antioxidant status in rats.

Sirtuins as Important Factors in Pathological States and the Role of Their Molecular Activity Modulators

Sirtuins (SIRTs), enzymes from the family of NAD⁺-dependent histone deacetylases, play an important role in the functioning of the body at the cellular level and participate in many biochemical processes. The multi-directionality of SIRTs encourages scientists to undertake research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of their action and the influence that SIRTs have on the organism. At the same time, new substances are constantly being sought that can modulate the action of SIRTs. Extensive research on the expression of SIRTs in various pathological conditions suggests that regulation of their activity may have positive results in supporting the treatment of certain metabolic, neurodegenerative or cancer diseases or this connected with oxidative stress. Due to such a wide spectrum of activity, SIRTs may also be a prognostic markers of selected pathological conditions and prove helpful in assessing their progression, especially by modulating their activity. The article presents and discusses the activating or inhibiting impact of individual SIRTs modulators. The review also gathered selected currently available information on the expression of SIRTs in individual disease cases as well as the biological role that SIRTs play in the human organism, also in connection with oxidative stress condition, taking into account the progress of knowledge about SIRTs over the years, with particular reference to the latest research results.

Promising Perspective to Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Treatment: Nutraceuticals and Phytochemicals

Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD) is in the top three list of all dystrophies with an approximate 1:8000 incidence. It is not a life-threatening disease; however, the progression of the disease extends over being wheelchair bound. Despite some drug trials continuing, including DUX4 inhibition, TGF-ß inhibition and resokine which promote healthier muscle, there is not an applicable treatment option for FSHD today. Still, there is a need for new agents to heal, stop or at least slow down muscle wasting. Current FSHD studies involving nutraceuticals as vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, zinc, selenium, and phytochemicals as curcumin or genistein, daidzein flavonoids provide promising treatment strategies. In this review, we present the clinical and molecular nature of FSHD and focus on nutraceuticals and phytochemicals that may alleviate FSHD. In the light of the association of impaired pathophysiological FSHD pathways with nutraceuticals and phytochemicals according to the literature, we present both studied and novel approaches that can contribute to FSHD treatment.

The effect of dietary (poly)phenols on exercise-induced physiological adaptations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of human intervention trials

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether (poly)phenol supplementation augments the physiological adaptations to exercise training. Eligible studies administered a (poly)phenol supplement alongside ≥2 weeks of supervised exercise in adult humans. After screening, 22 studies were included in the analysis. Isoflavones and green tea (poly)phenols were administered most frequently. Quality assessments suggested most studies were free from bias. (Poly)phenols had no effect on training-induced adaptations in muscle strength, peak power output, and V̇O_2max, but enhanced exercise capacity (SMD: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.25 to 1.09, p < 0.01). (Poly)phenols had no overall effect on fat loss (SMD: 0.10, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.29; p = 0.97) or lean mass gains (SMD: 0.06, 95% CI: -0.18 to 0.30, p = 0.62) but sub-analysis suggested that isoflavones increased lean mass (SMD: 0.25, 95 CI%: -0.00 to 0.50, p = 0.05). Resveratrol impaired adaptations in two studies, although this was a non-statistically significant finding (SMD: -0.54, 95% CI: -1.15 to 0.07, p = 0.08). Our results suggest that isoflavones may augment aspects of the adaptive response to exercise training, while resveratrol may compromise training adaptations. More high-quality research is needed to resolve the effects of (poly)phenols on exercise training adaptations.

Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties of Herbal Materials

Recently, increasing public concern about hygiene has been driving many studies to investigate antimicrobial and antiviral agents. However, the use of any antimicrobial agents must be limited due to their possible toxic or harmful effects. In recent years, due to previous antibiotics' lesser side effects, the use of herbal materials instead of synthetic or chemical drugs is increasing. Herbal materials are found in medicines. Herbs can be used in the form of plant extracts or as their active components. Furthermore, most of the world's populations used herbal materials due to their strong antimicrobial properties and primary healthcare benefits. For example, herbs are an excellent material to replace nanosilver as an antibiotic and antiviral agent. The use of nanosilver involves an ROS-mediated mechanism that might lead to oxidative stress-related cancer, cytotoxicity, and heart diseases. Oxidative stress further leads to increased ROS production and also delays the cellular processes involved in wound healing. Therefore, existing antibiotic drugs can be replaced with biomaterials such as herbal medicine with high antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant activity. This review paper highlights the antibacterial, antiviral, and radical scavenger (antioxidant) properties of herbal materials. Antimicrobial activity, radical scavenger ability, the potential for antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer agents, and efficacy in eliminating bacteria and viruses and scavenging free radicals in herbal materials are discussed in this review. The presented herbal antimicrobial agents in this review include clove, portulaca, tribulus, eryngium, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, thyme, pennyroyal, mint, fennel, chamomile, burdock, eucalyptus, primrose, lemon balm, mallow, and garlic, which are all summarized.