Fermented Red Ginseng Extract Helps Prevent Muscle Wasting in Lab Studies

Jenn Hoskins
23rd August, 2024

Fermented Red Ginseng Extract Helps Prevent Muscle Wasting in Lab Studies

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Kangwon National University, Korea, found that fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract can help combat muscle atrophy
  • FRG extract improved muscle cell health and development in lab tests, showing protective effects against muscle atrophy
  • In mice, FRG extract increased muscle mass, grip strength, and muscle size, indicating its beneficial effects on muscle health
Muscle atrophy, a condition characterized by the loss of muscle mass and strength, poses significant challenges, particularly in aging populations. It can lead to reduced physical performance, increased risk of injuries, and loss of independence[2]. Traditional treatments have had limited success, prompting ongoing research into novel therapeutic approaches. A recent study conducted by Kangwon National University, Korea, has explored the potential of fermented red ginseng (FRG) extract in combating muscle atrophy[1]. This study offers promising insights into how FRG extract can modulate key molecular pathways to ameliorate muscle atrophy. Fermented red ginseng enhances the bioactivity and bioavailability of ginsenosides, which are compounds known for their immunomodulatory, antiaging, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic properties. However, the effects of FRG extract on muscle atrophy and its underlying mechanisms were previously unclear. This study aimed to elucidate these effects using both in vitro (cell culture) and in vivo (animal) models. In the in vitro experiments, researchers used C2C12 myotubes, a type of muscle cell line, treated with dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid known to induce muscle atrophy[3]. They assessed cell viability, myotube diameter, and fusion index—key indicators of muscle cell health and development. The results showed that FRG extract enhanced the viability of DEX-induced C2C12 myotubes and restored both myotube diameter and fusion index, indicating a protective effect against muscle atrophy. For the in vivo experiments, the study used mice subjected to hind limb immobilization (HI) to simulate muscle atrophy. The researchers evaluated grip strength, muscle mass, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of various muscles, including the gastrocnemius (GAS), quadriceps (QUA), and soleus (SOL). The findings revealed that FRG extract improved grip strength, increased muscle mass, and enhanced the CSA of GAS, QUA, and SOL muscles, further supporting its beneficial effects on muscle health. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind these effects, the study analyzed key signaling pathways associated with muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and protein degradation. The results indicated that FRG extract activated the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which is crucial for muscle protein synthesis and growth. This aligns with previous findings that suggest the importance of the IGF-1/Akt/mTOR pathway in preventing muscle atrophy[3][4]. Additionally, FRG extract promoted muscle energy metabolism via the sirtuin 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathway. This pathway is known for its role in mitochondrial biogenesis and energy production, which are essential for maintaining muscle function and preventing atrophy[3][4]. Furthermore, FRG extract inhibited muscle protein degradation by suppressing the forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a), muscle ring-finger 1 (MuRF1), and F-box protein (Fbx32) signaling pathways. These pathways are typically upregulated in conditions of muscle atrophy and contribute to the breakdown of muscle proteins[3][4]. The study's findings suggest that FRG extract could be a valuable natural material for preventing and treating muscle atrophy by modulating these critical molecular pathways. This research not only expands our understanding of the potential therapeutic uses of ginsenosides but also provides a basis for future drug development targeting muscle atrophy. In summary, the study conducted by Kangwon National University demonstrates that fermented red ginseng extract can effectively combat muscle atrophy by enhancing muscle cell viability, promoting muscle protein synthesis, improving energy metabolism, and inhibiting protein degradation. These findings offer promising insights into new therapeutic approaches for muscle atrophy, particularly in aging populations and those suffering from conditions that lead to muscle wasting.

MedicineHealthBiochem

References

Main Study

1) Ameliorative Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Extract on Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Induced C2C12 Cell And Hind Limb-Immobilized C57BL/6J Mice.

Published 21st August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2024.k.0168

Related Studies

2) Sarcopenia: etiology, clinical consequences, intervention, and assessment.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-009-1059-y

3) Ginsenosides Rh1, Rg2, and Rg3 ameliorate dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10068-023-01407-w

4) Oyster Hydrolysates Attenuate Muscle Atrophy via Regulating Protein Turnover and Mitochondria Biogenesis in C2C12 Cell and Immobilized Mice.

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13124385


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