Boosting Energy and Health in Aging Mice with Plant Extract

Greg Howard
28th April, 2024

Boosting Energy and Health in Aging Mice with Plant Extract

Key Findings

  • In a study on aging mice, HemoHIM herbal supplement increased physical performance
  • Mice treated with HemoHIM showed lower fatigue markers, like serum lactate, after exercise
  • HemoHIM enhanced the mice's antioxidant defenses, potentially reducing oxidative stress-related fatigue
In recent times, the quest to enhance physical performance and combat fatigue, particularly in the aging population, has led to an increased interest in natural supplements. Fatigue is not just a simple consequence of exertion; it's a complex condition that can be influenced by a variety of factors including metabolic changes, oxidative stress, and immune system health. A new study by researchers at Kolmar BNH Co., Ltd. has investigated the potential of a herbal preparation known as HemoHIM to serve as an anti-fatigue agent[1]. HemoHIM is composed of extracts from three herbs: Angelica gigas Nakai, Cnidium officinale Makino, and Paeonia lactiflora Pallas. These plants are traditionally known for their immune-regulatory activities, but the study aimed to explore their combined effects on aging mice subjected to forced exercise, a model often used to simulate the physical stress humans might experience. The study involved aged female mice, which were given HemoHIM orally for four weeks. The researchers then measured several parameters related to fatigue and antioxidant activity. Notably, the mice that received HemoHIM showed increased swimming time and grip strength, indicating enhanced physical performance and potentially reduced fatigue. Additionally, the treated mice had lower levels of serum lactate after exercise. High levels of lactate in the blood are commonly associated with exercise-induced fatigue, as they can suggest that the body is relying more on anaerobic processes for energy, which are less efficient and produce more waste products[2]. Furthermore, the mice treated with HemoHIM had increased levels of liver glutathione peroxidase (GPx) post-exercise. GPx is an enzyme that helps protect cells from oxidative damage by breaking down harmful peroxides. The body's ability to combat oxidative stress is essential in managing fatigue, as oxidative stress can damage muscle tissue and impair recovery[3]. The study observed that the expression of several other antioxidant enzymes and factors, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf-2), heme oxygenase 1, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase, was significantly higher in the liver and muscle tissues of the HemoHIM-treated mice. Nrf-2 is a protein that regulates the expression of antioxidant proteins that protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury and inflammation. These findings are in line with previous research that has demonstrated the benefits of natural substances in enhancing antioxidant capacity and reducing fatigue. For instance, the aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera has been shown to increase maximum swimming time and improve body energy stores and tissue antioxidant capacity in rats[4]. Similarly, a spleen-derived peptide, CMS001, was found to prolong exhaustive swim time, increase liver glycogen levels, and reduce blood urea nitrogen and lactic acid levels in mice, indicating its potential as an anti-fatigue agent[3]. The current study extends these findings by demonstrating that HemoHIM can enhance physical performance and has a significant impact on biochemical markers of fatigue and oxidative stress in aged mice. By modulating the Nrf-2 signaling pathway, HemoHIM appears to boost the body's natural antioxidant defenses, which could help in managing fatigue. The research suggests that HemoHIM could be a promising natural supplement for reducing fatigue and improving the quality of life, particularly in the aging population. In conclusion, the study by Kolmar BNH Co., Ltd. provides evidence that HemoHIM may function as an effective anti-fatigue and antioxidant agent. By increasing the body's antioxidant capacity and reducing biochemical markers of fatigue, HemoHIM could potentially help individuals maintain better physical performance and reduce the impact of fatigue as they age. This research not only contributes to our understanding of how natural supplements can support health and well-being but also opens the door to further exploration of herbal preparations in the management of fatigue and oxidative stress.

MedicineHealth

References

Main Study

1) Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Effects of a Standardized Botanical Extract Fraction (HemoHIM) in Forced-Exercised Aged Mice.

Published 25th April, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2023.K.0234

Related Studies

2) Skeletal muscle fatigue: cellular mechanisms.

https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00015.2007

3) The decapeptide CMS001 enhances swimming endurance in mice.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.peptides.2008.03.004

4) Antioxidant and Antifatigue Properties of the Aqueous Extract of Moringa oleifera in Rats Subjected to Forced Swimming Endurance Test.

https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3517824


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