Herbs as an Active Ingredient in Sport: Availability and Information on the Internet

A synergistic blend of Garcinia mangostana fruit rind and Cinnamomum tamala leaf extracts enhances myogenic differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro and muscle growth and strength in mice

Background

A proprietary combination of Garcinia mangostana fruit rind and Cinnamomum tamala leaf extracts (LI80020F4, CinDura®) improved the physical performance and muscle strength of resistance-trained adult males.

Objective

This study assessed the underlying mechanisms of the ergogenic potential of LI80020F4 in in vitro and in vivo models.

Methods

The individual extracts and their combination (LI80020F4) were assessed for nitrite production in EAhy926 human endothelial cells. Subsequent experiments evaluated the effect of LI80020F4 in myotube formation in C2C12 mouse myoblasts, expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling proteins, myogenic factors, and mitochondrial functions in L6 rat myoblasts.Moreover, adult male ICR mice were randomly assigned (n = 15) into vehicle control (G1), exercise alone (G2), oxymetholone-16 mg/kg body weight (bw) (G3), and 75 (G4)-, 150 (G5)-, or 300 (G6) mg/kg bw of LI80020F4, orally gavaged for 28 days. G1 and G2 mice received 0.5% carboxymethylcellulose sodium. Following completion, muscle strength and physical performance were assessed on forelimb grip strength and forced swimming test (FST), respectively. Gastrocnemius (GA), tibialis anterior (TA) muscle weights, muscle fiber cross-sectional area (CSA), levels of muscle, and serum protein markers were also determined.

Results

LI80020F4 increased nitrite production in EAhy926 cells in a dose-dependent manner. LI80020F4 induced C2C12 myotube formation, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, upregulated the expressions of activated mTOR and other mitochondria and myogenic proteins, and mitigated H2O2-induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization in the myoblast cells. In the animal study, 75, 150, and 300 mg/kg bw LI80020F4 doses significantly (P < 0.05) increased the animals' forelimb grip strength. Mid- and high-dose groups showed increased swimming time, increased muscle weight, CSA, muscle growth-related, and mitochondrial protein expressions in the GA muscles.

Conclusion

LI80020F4 increases nitric oxide production in the endothelial cells, mitochondrial biogenesis and function, upregulates skeletal muscle growth-related protein expressions and reduces oxidative stress; together, it explains the basis of the ergogenic potential of LI80020F4.

Sports Supplements User Profile Based on Demographic, Sports, and Psychological Variables: A Cross-Sectional Study

Despite the high prevalence of sports supplement (SS) use, efforts to profile users have not been conclusive. Studies report that 30–95% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes use SS. Research found has mostly focused on demographic and sports variables to profile SS users, but little research has studied the psychological factors that may influence the use of SS. The purpose of this investigation was to classify, describe, and differentiate the profile of users and non-users of SS, considering demographic, sports, and psychological variables. A total of 554 participants completed the questionnaire. Overall, 45% of recreational exercisers and elite athletes reported using supplements. There were significant differences found regarding the use of SS between men and women (51% vs. 49%, p = 0.002; OR = 1.799), and when training 4 or more days per week (p ≤ 0.001; OR = 1.526). Findings regarding the psychological variables have been found in the Adonis Complex. These results indicate that participants with greater concerns regarding physical appearance, tend to be SS users (p = 0.001; OR = 1.200). The results of this study fill a gap in previous research, and provide an approximate profile, including demographic, sports, and psychological variables of SS users.