1
|
Todorova V, Ivanova S, Chakarov D, Kraev K, Ivanov K. Ecdysterone and Turkesterone-Compounds with Prominent Potential in Sport and Healthy Nutrition. Nutrients 2024; 16:1382. [PMID: 38732627 PMCID: PMC11085066 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The naturally occurring compounds ecdysterone and turkesterone, which are present in plants, including Rhaponticum carthamoides Willd. (Iljin), Spinacia oleracea L., Chenopodium quinoa Willd., and Ajuga turkestanica (Regel) Briq, are widely recognized due to their possible advantages for both general health and athletic performance. The current review investigates the beneficial biological effects of ecdysterone and turkesterone in nutrition, highlighting their roles not only in enhancing athletic performance but also in the management of various health problems. Plant-based diets, associated with various health benefits and environmental sustainability, often include sources rich in phytoecdysteroids. However, the therapeutic potential of phytoecdysteroid-rich extracts extends beyond sports nutrition, with promising applications in treating chronic fatigue, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Velislava Todorova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Stanislava Ivanova
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Dzhevdet Chakarov
- Department of Propedeutics of Surgical Diseases, Section of General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Krasimir Kraev
- Department of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, Medical Faculty, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Kalin Ivanov
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Research Institute, Medical University-Plovdiv, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pérez-Piñero S, Ávila-Gandía V, Rubio Arias JA, Muñoz-Carrillo JC, Losada-Zafrilla P, López-Román FJ. A 12-Week Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial, Evaluating the Effect of Supplementation with a Spinach Extract on Skeletal Muscle Fitness in Adults Older Than 50 Years of Age. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124373. [PMID: 34959924 PMCID: PMC8706266 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of a 12-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to assess the effect of daily supplementation with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. (4 × 500 mg capsules/day; total 2 g per day) combined with a moderate-intensity training program (1 h session/3 times a week) on skeletal muscle fitness in adults over 50 years of age. Muscle strength assessed by isokinetic and isometric dynamometry improved significantly in the experimental (n = 23) and the placebo (n = 22) groups, but the magnitude of improvement was higher in the experimental group, with between-group differences in almost all variables, including isokinetic at 60° s−1 in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.009); isokinetic at 180°s−1 in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.002); total work (p < 0.007); total work per repetition maximum (p < 0.005); average power (p < 0.027); isometric in knee extension, peak torque (p < 0.005); and average peak torque (p < 0.002). Similar findings were observed for muscle quality. Changes in quality of life (SF-36) were not found, except for improvements in the role physical (p < 0.023) and role emotional (p < 0.001) domains, likely as a result of the physical training sessions. A nutritional survey did not revealed changes in dietary habits. No adverse events were recorded. In subjects over 50 years of age, moderate-intensity strength training combined with daily supplementation for 12 weeks with a natural extract of Spinacia oleracea L. improved muscle-related variables and muscle quality. Maintaining muscle health is a key component of healthy aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pérez-Piñero
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de los Jerónimos s/n, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, E-30107 Murcia, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (J.C.M.-C.); (P.L.-Z.); (F.J.L.-R.)
| | - Vicente Ávila-Gandía
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de los Jerónimos s/n, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, E-30107 Murcia, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (J.C.M.-C.); (P.L.-Z.); (F.J.L.-R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-968278757
| | | | - Juan Carlos Muñoz-Carrillo
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de los Jerónimos s/n, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, E-30107 Murcia, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (J.C.M.-C.); (P.L.-Z.); (F.J.L.-R.)
| | - Pilar Losada-Zafrilla
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de los Jerónimos s/n, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, E-30107 Murcia, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (J.C.M.-C.); (P.L.-Z.); (F.J.L.-R.)
| | - Francisco Javier López-Román
- Sports Physiology Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Campus de los Jerónimos s/n, UCAM Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, E-30107 Murcia, Spain; (S.P.-P.); (J.C.M.-C.); (P.L.-Z.); (F.J.L.-R.)
- Primary Care Research Group, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB-Arrixaca), E-30120 Murcia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nutrient weight against sarcopenia: regulation of the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO pathway in quinoa metabolites. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 61:136-141. [PMID: 34801804 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, and one of its major molecular mechanisms is muscle protein turnover. Quinoa, the grain-like food crop, is a health nutrient used to treat diseases that predispose individuals to muscle wasting, including cardiovascular disorders, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Quinoa secondary metabolites have recently been demonstrated to regulate protein turnover (including protein synthesis and degradation), a main biological process within muscle cells, through diverse signals (such as the p38 MAPK, TNF-α, and IGF-1/PI3K/Akt/FOXO pathways). Here, we describe how quinoa functions in the main pathway of protein synthesis and degradation, screen promising pharmacological components in nutritional applications, and provide guidance for the effects of quinoa products in sarcopenia.
Collapse
|
4
|
Zwetsloot KA, Shanely RA, Godwin JS, Hodgman CF. Phytoecdysteroids Accelerate Recovery of Skeletal Muscle Function Following in vivo Eccentric Contraction-Induced Injury in Adult and Old Mice. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2021; 2:757789. [PMID: 36188800 PMCID: PMC9397830 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2021.757789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: Eccentric muscle contractions are commonly used in exercise regimens, as well as in rehabilitation as a treatment against muscle atrophy and weakness. If repeated multiple times, eccentric contractions may result in skeletal muscle injury and loss of function. Skeletal muscle possesses the remarkable ability to repair and regenerate after an injury or damage; however, this ability is impaired with aging. Phytoecdysteroids are natural plant steroids that possess medicinal, pharmacological, and biological properties, with no adverse side effects in mammals. Previous research has demonstrated that administration of phytoecdysteroids, such as 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E), leads to an increase in protein synthesis signaling and skeletal muscle strength. Methods: To investigate whether 20E enhances skeletal muscle recovery from eccentric contraction-induced damage, adult (7–8 mo) and old (26–27 mo) mice were subjected to injurious eccentric contractions (EC), followed by 20E or placebo (PLA) supplementation for 7 days. Contractile function via torque-frequency relationships (TF) was measured three times in each mouse: pre- and post-EC, as well as after the 7-day recovery period. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane and then electrically-stimulated isometric contractions were performed to obtain in vivo muscle function of the anterior crural muscle group before injury (pre), followed by 150 EC, and then again post-injury (post). Following recovery from anesthesia, mice received either 20E (50 mg•kg−1 BW) or PLA by oral gavage. Mice were gavaged daily for 6 days and on day 7, the TF relationship was reassessed (7-day). Results: EC resulted in significant reductions of muscle function post-injury, regardless of age or treatment condition (p < 0.001). 20E supplementation completely recovered muscle function after 7 days in both adult and old mice (pre vs. 7-day; p > 0.05), while PLA muscle function remained reduced (pre vs. 7-day; p < 0.01). In addition, histological markers of muscle damage appear lower in damaged muscle from 20E-treated mice after the 7-day recovery period, compared to PLA. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings demonstrate that 20E fully recovers skeletal muscle function in both adult and old mice just 7 days after eccentric contraction-induced damage. However, the underlying mechanics by which 20E contributes to the accelerated recovery from muscle damage warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A. Zwetsloot
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Kevin A. Zwetsloot
| | - R. Andrew Shanely
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
| | - Joshua S. Godwin
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
| | - Charles F. Hodgman
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Travis SK, Zwetsloot KA, Mujika I, Stone MH, Bazyler CD. Skeletal Muscle Adaptations and Performance Outcomes Following a Step and Exponential Taper in Strength Athletes. Front Physiol 2021; 12:735932. [PMID: 34777004 PMCID: PMC8582352 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.735932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Before major athletic events, a taper is often prescribed to facilitate recovery and enhance performance. However, it is unknown which taper model is most effective for peaking maximal strength and positively augmenting skeletal muscle. Thus, the purpose of this study was to compare performance outcomes and skeletal muscle adaptations following a step vs. an exponential taper in strength athletes. Sixteen powerlifters (24.0 ± 4.0 years, 174.4 ± 8.2 cm, 89.8 ± 21.4 kg) participated in a 6-week training program aimed at peaking maximal strength on back squat [initial 1-repetition-maximum (1RM): 174.7 ± 33.4 kg], bench press (118.5 ± 29.9 kg), and deadlift (189.9 ± 41.2 kg). Powerlifters were matched based on relative maximal strength, and randomly assigned to either (a) 1-week overreach and 1-week step taper or (b) 1-week overreach and 3-week exponential taper. Athletes were tested pre- and post-training on measures of body composition, jumping performance, isometric squat, and 1RM. Whole muscle size was assessed at the proximal, middle, and distal vastus lateralis using ultrasonography and microbiopsies at the middle vastus lateralis site. Muscle samples (n = 15) were analyzed for fiber size, fiber type [myosin-heavy chain (MHC)-I, -IIA, -IIX, hybrid-I/IIA] using whole muscle immunohistochemistry and single fiber dot blots, gene expression, and microRNA abundance. There were significant main time effects for 1RM squat (p < 0.001), bench press (p < 0.001), and deadlift, (p = 0.024), powerlifting total (p < 0.001), Wilks Score (p < 0.001), squat jump peak-power scaled to body mass (p = 0.001), body mass (p = 0.005), fat mass (p = 0.002), and fat mass index (p = 0.002). There were significant main time effects for medial whole muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) (p = 0.006) and averaged sites (p < 0.001). There was also a significant interaction for MHC-IIA fiber cross-sectional area (fCSA) (p = 0.014) with post hoc comparisons revealing increases following the step-taper only (p = 0.002). There were significant main time effects for single-fiber MHC-I% (p = 0.015) and MHC-IIA% (p = 0.033), as well as for MyoD (p = 0.002), MyoG (p = 0.037), and miR-499a (p = 0.033). Overall, increases in whole mCSA, fCSA, MHC-IIA fCSA, and MHC transitions appeared to favor the step taper group. An overreach followed by a step taper appears to produce a myocellular environment that enhances skeletal muscle adaptations, whereas an exponential taper may favor neuromuscular performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Kyle Travis
- Exercise and Sport Sciences Laboratory, Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
- Department of Rehabilitative Sciences, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
| | - Kevin A. Zwetsloot
- Integrative Muscle Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health and Exercise Science, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
- Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, United States
| | - Iñigo Mujika
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Nursing, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
- Exercise Science Laboratory, School of Kinesiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael H. Stone
- Exercise and Sport Sciences Laboratory, Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| | - Caleb D. Bazyler
- Exercise and Sport Sciences Laboratory, Department of Sport, Exercise, Recreation, and Kinesiology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, United States
| |
Collapse
|