Anti-fatigue Effects Research Articles

Effects of Korean Herbal Medicine on the Recovery of Exercise-Induced Fatigue and Exercise Performance: Narrative Review of animal experiments in Korea

Objectives: Many athletes utilize herbal medicines to enhance their performance. However, studies comprehensively analyzing the impact of Korean herbal medicine (KHM) on exercise performance enhancement are lacking. This study aimed to explore the basis of animal experimental studies on KHM in improving athletic ability and anti-fatigue effects and derive an evidence-based relationship between exercise and KHM intake.Methods: We conducted a systematic search of articles within the Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS) database. Animal-controlled experimental studies exploring exercise performance and fatigue recovery effects after administering KHM were selected and analyzed. Data were categorized based on exercise methods and outcomes, examining the effects of different KHM.Results: Through experimental research analysis, the effect of KHM on exercise was focused on muscle strength, cardiopulmonary endurance, and anti-fatigue, among basic components of exercise ability. For example, when administering Allii tuberosi semen and Ginseng Radix to an animal model, remarkable muscle strength enhancements were observed. Administration of Allii tuberosi semen, Ginseng Radix, Cervi Parvum Cornu, Ssanghwa-tang, Kyeongok-go, Yukmijihwang-tang, Jakyak-gamcho-tang, and Sogunjung-tang resulted in cardiovascular endurance improvements. Furthermore, Cervi Parvum Cornu, Ganoderma, Ssanghwa-tang, Dangguibohyul-tang, Ssangbohwan, Bojungikgi-tang, Bojungikgi-tang, Jakyak Gamcho-tang, and Sogunjung-tang were effective for fatigue recovery after exercise. We examined the impact of KHM on muscle strength, cardiovascular endurance, and fatigue recovery during exercise.Conclusions: This systematic review of animal-controlled experimental studies establishes a robust evidence-based relationship between KHM consumption and enhanced athletic abilities, offering valuable insights for athletes exploring natural strategies for performance enhancement.

Antifatigue effect of okara protein hydrolysate supplementation during cycling exercise in men: a pre-post uncontrolled pilot study.

Prolonged exercise usually leads to exercise fatigue, which has a negative short-term impact on exercise performance and metabolic rate; thus, fatigue needs to be resolved. Okara is a protein-rich residue of soy processing. Enzyme hydrolysis is known to increase the content of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which have been reported to confer benefits for exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antifatigue effect of okara protein hydrolysate (OPH) on cycling exercise. A total of 16 male participants who habitually exercised (2 times or more per week and without participation in athletic contests) were instructed to receive 11.74 g of OPH once a day. They then completed two intense cycling exercise challenges before and after four weeks of supplementation. Exercise time and blood markers related to fatigue and energy metabolism were measured. The results showed that the time to exhaustion significantly increased after the treatment. The levels of lactate during exercise and at the end of exercise were significantly lower after treatment than before. Additionally, postexercise insulin sensitivity was increased after treatment. This study showed that OPH supplementation can promote endurance in exercise by decreasing the accumulation of fatigue-related metabolites during exercise and can promote energy recovery by increasing insulin function. These findings suggest that OPH has an antifatigue property.

Sheep skin collagen peptide exerts an anti-fatigue effect by improving energy metabolism via AMPK/PGC-1α axis and reducing oxidative damage via NRF2/HO-1 axis

Sheep skin collagen peptide exerts an anti-fatigue effect by improving energy metabolism via AMPK/PGC-1α axis and reducing oxidative damage via NRF2/HO-1 axis

Total minor ginsenosides exert anti-fatigue effects via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolism

Minor ginsenosides have demonstrated notable anti-fatigue capabilities. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fatigue mechanisms of total minor ginsenosides (TMGs) derived from a process involving probiotic fermentation and high-pressure steam treatment. The fatigue model was established in BALB/c male mice using weight-bearing swimming and TMGs were administered by orally at a dosage of 200 mg/kg for four weeks. The anti-fatigue mechanisms of TMGs were explored by assessing liver oxidative stress, skeletal muscle inflammation markers, as well as their impact on gut microbiota and serum metabolism. The results indicated that TMGs could significantly increase the levels of SOD, CAT, ATP and Na+-K+-ATPase and enhance the antioxidant capacity by modulating the PGC-1α/KEAP1/NRF2/HO-1 pathway. Meanwhile, TMGs reducing the levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 and inhibited inflammation by modulating the AMPK/TORC2/CREB/PGC-1α pathway. TMGs also regulated the gut microbiota, increasing the abundance of probiotic bacteria and the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the cecum. Serum metabolomics analyses have shown that TMGs can significantly affect the serum metabolic profile of fatigue model mice, regulating metabolic markers through affecting anti-fatigue-related metabolic pathways. In conclusion, TMGs exerted significant anti-fatigue effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and alleviate fatigue by regulating gut microbiota and serum metabolism.

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.

Structural characterization and anti-fatigue mechanism based on the gut-muscle axis of a polysaccharide from Zingiber officinale

This study aimed to characterize the structure of polysaccharide ZOPA extracted from Zingiber officinale and its purified form (ZOPA-1), and to investigate their anti-fatigue mechanisms based on the gut-muscle axis. The study found that the backbone of ZOPA-1 is primarily composed of →3,4)-α-Glcp-1→ and →4,6)-α-Glcp-(1→ linkages, with →4)-α-Glcp(1→ serving as its side chain. In exhaustive swimming experiments with mice, both crude ZOPA and purified ZOPA-1 demonstrated significant anti-fatigue effects, including enhanced glycogen storage, improved antioxidant capacity, reduced accumulation of metabolic waste products, and regulated energy metabolism in the gastrocnemius muscles. These effects may be mediated through the activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/ARE and AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathways. Furthermore, ZOPA and ZOPA-1 modulated the intestinal flora of mice, increasing diversity, altering abundance, and regulating short-chain fatty acid concentrations, suggesting a potential role of the gut-muscle axis in mediating the anti-fatigue effects. This study provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between polysaccharides, the gut-muscle axis, and exercise-induced fatigue.

Anti-fatigue effect of pigeon meat hydrolysate on exercise mice and its underlying mechanism: Related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism

With the acceleration of the pace in modern society, fatigue caused by high-intensity physical work, long-term heavy mental work and lack of sleep has become a widespread and noticeable health problem. In this study, pigeon meat hydrolysate (PMH) with good antioxidant activity was prepared and the anti-fatigue effects of fractions in PMH with different molecular weights (MW) on exercise mice and the underlying mechanism were investigated. Results showed that mice gavaged with PMH and its fractions exhibited improved exhaustive swimming time when compared to the Control, with fraction at MW 1–5 kDa (PP2) showed the highest improvement. Meanwhile, PP2 decreased the levels of blood lactate acid (BLA) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and increased the contents of muscle and liver glycogen. And the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase in myocyte of mice were significantly enhanced, with the outflow of creatine kinase (CK) reduced. PP2 also exhibited significant antioxidant activity by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reducing the production of malondialdehyde (MDA), especially at relative higher dosages (M-PP2 and H-PP2). Metabolomics study indicated that the differential metabolites between PP2 and the Control group in liver tissues of mice were mainly related to the energy metabolism and central nervous system regulation pathways. All these results demonstrated that PP2 fraction in PMH at a dosage higher than 0.5 mg/g of mice body weight could significantly enhance the exercise endurance of mice and exert excellent anti-fatigue ability via alleviating oxidative stress and modulating energy metabolism in mice.

Shramahara Mahakasya, a traditional polyherbal formulation, induces anti-anxiety activity in hippocampal neurons by effectuating SOD2-mediated protection against oxidative stress

BackgroundShramahara Mahakasya (SM) is an Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation known for its anti-fatigue and anti-anxiety effects on the human body. However, its mechanism of action remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the intricate mechanisms through which SM polyherbal extract exerts the neuroprotective and anxiolytic effects in cultured HT-22 cells and rodent models. MethodIn this study, the chemical composition of SM was first identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The antioxidant potential of SM was evaluated through antioxidant assays such as DPPH, ABTS and FRAP. The neuroprotective activity of SM (200 and 600 μg/mL) was investigated in glutamate (10 mM) assaulted HT-22 cells. The anxiolytic activity of SM (50 and 100 mg/kg) was assessed in a caffeine (50 mg/kg) induced anxiety model of Sprague Dawley rats. The possible underlying mechanisms for the neuroprotective and anxiolytic activities of SM were explored through biochemical assays and brain histology. ResultsOur findings suggest that SM has antioxidant and neuroprotective potential, as evidenced by a decrease in ROS accumulation, Ca2+ overload, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, and apoptosis in HT-22 cells subjected to glutamate-induced oxidative stress. The extract also increased SOD2 levels and decreased cleaved caspase-3 levels across various treatment sets. The anxiolytic activity of SM was demonstrated by improved behavior of the animals in the elevated plus maze test and increased SOD activity in the brain. SM exhibited the most effective improvements in anxiety disorder at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight in rats. ConclusionsThis study is a pioneering investigation depicting the antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-apoptotic, and anxiolytic potential of SM formulation against glutamate/caffeine-induced oxidative stress and anxiety in both in vitro and in vivo situations. Overall, our study suggests that the regular consumption of SM formulation could effectively prevent anxiety symptoms by reducing oxidative stress in neuronal cells.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZU-J-Q21 enhanced the functional metabolic profile and bioactivity of Cistanche deserticola

Microbial fermentation is an effective method to enhance the bioavailability of herbs. This study utilized Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LZU-J-Q21 to ferment Cistanche deserticola and evaluated its metabolic properties and biological activity. Results showed that the contents of total acid and flavone, and the clearance rates of DPPH, ABTS and OH− in fermented Cistanche deserticola (FCD) were increased by 142.74 %, 56.45 %, 58.1 %, 62.3 %，51.2 %, compared with non-fermented Cistanche deserticola (NFCD). The metabolic profile of FCD had remarkable changes, especially elevated glucose and adenosine (97.31 % and 59.18 %). Further, FCD increased the weight-bearing swimming time of mice by 88.57 %, reduced fatigue markers BUN, BLA, and MDA (18.47 %, 12.92 %, and 15.16 %), and enhanced liver/muscle glycogen and SOD (28.99 %, 28.57 %, and 14.47 %). The investigation into its anti-fatigue mechanism suggested that FCD enhanced GS protein expression by activating PI3K/AKT/GSK3β signaling. These findings suggest that FCD enhances anti-fatigue effects by modifying its metabolic properties and biological activity.

Anti-fatigue effect of an enzymatically derived deer velvet extract through muscle damage recovery and improvement of antioxidant levels

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDeer velvet (DV) has been extensively used in traditional Oriental medicine to treat various diseases. Its pharmacological spectrum encompasses tonicity, longitudinal bone growth of adolescence, blood retention, hemopoiesis facilitation, enhancement of organ function, physical function improvement, and augmentation of physical vitality. Among its myriad effects, DV notably exhibits anti-fatigue properties; however, its specific mode of action is yet to be fully elucidated. Aim of the studyThis study was undertaken to investigate the anti-fatigue and exercise performance-enhancing effects of YC-1101(HENKIV®), an enzymatically derived DV extract, in C2C12 cell lines and forced swimming mouse models. Materials and methodsThe effect of YC-1101 on increasing cell growth and lowering lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity was assessed in C2C12. The antioxidative effects of YC-1101 and its mechanistic underpinnings were also evaluated in C2C12 cells. Moreover, mice were subjected to an exhaustive swimming test subsequent to 3 weeks of YC-1101 extract administration. Fatigue-associated biochemical parameters, such as LDH activity and lactate, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and malondialdehyde levels, were measured in serum and muscle tissues. ResultsYC-1101 significantly promoted myoblast growth and reduced LDH activity, indicative of a cell-proliferative effect. Notably, free radical scavenging assays and analysis of reactive oxygen species production and antioxidant-related mRNA expression corroborated the significant involvement of YC-1101 in antioxidation, an important mechanism in anti-fatigue processes. Furthermore, animal experiments demonstrated prolonged swimming endurance and inhibition of muscle LDH accumulation in forced swimming mouse models. Serum biochemical analysis further revealed significant modulation of the expression of anti-fatigue-related biomarkers. Various bioactive low-molecular-weight DV peptides were enriched in YC-1101 compared to YHC-BE-2038 (a DV extract without enzymatic digestion). The anti-fatigue effect of YC-1101 was significantly stronger than that of YHC-BE-2038. ConclusionsThese findings suggest the potential of YC-1101 as a nutraceutical adjunct in ameliorating fatigue, concurrently facilitating muscle damage recovery, and exerting antioxidant effects via the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 pathway. It can be assumed that the complex action of low-molecular-weight DV peptides produced during the enzymatic degradation process was effective, and the further research is needed.

Deer Blood Hydrolysate Protects against D-Galactose-Induced Premature Ovarian Failure in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis.

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a common disease among women, which can cause many complications and seriously threaten women's physical and mental health. Currently, hormone replacement therapy is the primary treatment for premature ovarian failure. However, the side effects are serious and will increase the chance of breast cancer and endometrial cancer. Deer blood hydrolysate (DBH) is the product of enzymatic hydrolysis of deer blood, has antioxidant, anti-ageing, and anti-fatigue effects, and has the potential to improve premature ovarian failure. In our experiment, a mouse model of premature ovarian failure was established through intraperitoneal injection of 400 mg/kg/d of D-gal for 42 days. At the same time, different doses of DBH were gavaged to observe its ameliorative effect on premature ovarian failure. The experimental findings indicated that DBH could restore the irregular oestrus cycle of POF mice, improve the abnormal amounts in serum hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2), increase the number of primordial follicles and decrease the number of atretic follicles. In addition, DBH also raised the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells in mice. The WB assay results showed that gavage of DBH restored the decrease in the indication of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Heme Oxygenase-1 (Ho-1), and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) proteins and reduced the elevated expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and Cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) proteins that were induced by D-gal. To sum up, the present research indicated that DBH can ameliorate D-gal-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1 signalling pathway and the Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 apoptosis pathway, which can be used for further development as a nutraceutical product to improve premature ovarian failure.

Structural characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of a polysaccharide from a traditional Chinese rice wine, Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu

Hakka Huangjiu, a traditional Chinese rice wine, boasts a rich history and is known for its immunomodulatory, antibacterial, anti-aging and anti-fatigue effects. However, there is limited research on the primary active components and molecular mechanism of the bioactivity of Hakka Huangjiu. To address this gap, this study assessed the structural characteristics, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities of the polysaccharide-1 of Guangdong Hakka Huangjiu (HP1). Structural analysis revealed that HP1 had a low molecular weight polysaccharide of 5550 Da, primarily consisting of glucose (93.2 %), with smaller amounts of xylose, mannuronic acid and galactose. Methylation and NMR analysis suggested that the main glycosidic linkages present in HP1 are α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1 → and →6) -α-D-Glcp-(1→. Furthermore, HP1 exhibited dose-dependent DPPH·, ABTS+ and OH· scavenging activity. HP1 exhibited significant protection of HepG2 cells from H2O2 damage. Additionally, HP1 induced the release of NO, TNF-α, IL-6 and iNOS in RAW264.7 cells. HP1 treatment significantly increased mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β and TGF-β1. These results suggested that polysaccharides HP1 may have potential as a novel natural antioxidant and immunomodulatory product for use in nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Enhancing the anti-fatigue effect of ginsenoside extract by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCFM1274 fermentation through biotransformation of Rb1, Rb2 and Rc to Rd

The conversion of major ginsenosides into minor ginsenosides has been demonstrated to promote their absorption in vivo and enhance their bioavailability and bioactivity. In this study, we aimed to screen the strain that transforms the less efficient glycosylated ginsenosides (Rb1, Rc, and Rb2) into the highly efficient de-glycosylated form (Rd). The anti-fatigue ability and corresponding mechanism of fermented ginsenoside extracts (F-GE) from Rd-producing bacteria were evaluated using an exercise-induced model. Our results showed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCFM1274 was capable of converting Rb1, Rc, and Rb2 into Rd in vitro. The anti-fatigue activity of ginsenoside extracts (GE) was significantly increased by CCFM1274 fermentation, characterized by an improvement in exhaustive swimming time (7.2 ± 0.8 to 10.7 ± 1.8 min) and histopathological changes. Moreover, F-GE treatment showed superior effects than GE in reducing the content of blood lactic acid (16.3 ± 3.6 to 13.7 ± 1.0 mmol/L), blood urea nitrogen (9.4 ± 0.6 to 5.2 ± 1.1 mmol/L), and malondialdehyde (9.3 ± 1.3 to 7.7 ± 2.1 nmol/mg), increasing the level of glycogen (1.1 ± 0.3 to 1.4 ± 0.3 mg/g), and superoxide dismutase activity (429.8 ± 107.8 to 671.3 ± 95.1 U/mg), which were associated with the upregulation of MCT1, LDHB, PDK4, GLUT4, Nrf2, and HO-1. Therefore, CCFM1274, which improved the bioactivity of ginsenoside, exhibited unique applicative potential for ginseng-based products to alleviate exercise fatigue.

The Antioxidant and Anti-Fatigue Effects of Rare Ginsenosides and γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Fermented Ginseng and Germinated Brown Rice Puree.

γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and rare ginsenosides are good antioxidant and anti-fatigue active components that can be enriched via probiotic fermentation. In this study, ginseng and germinated brown rice were used as raw materials to produce six fermented purees using fermentation and non-fermentation technology. We tested the chemical composition of the purees and found that the content of GABA and rare ginsenoside (Rh4, Rg3, and CK) in the puree made of ginseng and germinated brown rice (FGB) increased significantly after fermentation. The antioxidant activity of the six purees was determined using cell-free experiments, and it was found that FGB had better ferric-ion-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging rates, exhibiting better antioxidant effects. We then evaluated the antioxidant effect of FGB in HepG2 cells induced by H2O2 and found that FGB can reduce the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HepG2 cells and increase the membrane potential level, thereby improving oxidative damage in these cells. In vivo experiments also showed that FGB has good antioxidant and anti-fatigue activities, which can prolong the exhaustive swimming time of mice and reduce the accumulation of metabolites, and is accompanied by a corresponding increase in liver glycogen and muscle glycogen levels as well as superoxide dismutase and lactate dehydrogenase activities. Finally, we believe that the substances with good antioxidant and anti-fatigue activity found in FGB are derived from co-fermented enriched GABA and rare ginsenosides.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Tao Hong Si Wu Tang in mice with lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Lung cancer (LC) combined with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common combination of comorbidities. Anti-inflammation and modulation of oxidative/antioxidative imbalance may prevent COPD-induced LC, and are also crucial to the treatment of LC combined with COPD. Modern studies have shown that Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (THSW) has vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, anti-shock, immunoregulatory, lipid-reducing, micronutrient-supplementing, and anti-allergy effects. To observe the effects of THSW on COPD and LC in mice. A total of 100 specific pathogen-free C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into five groups: Blank control group (group A), model control group (group B), THSW group (group C), IL-6 group (group D), and THSW + IL-6 group (group E), with 20 mice in each group. A COPD mouse model was established using fumigation plus lipopolysaccharide intra-airway drip, and an LC model was replicated by in situ inoculation using the Lewis cell method. The blank control group exhibited a clear alveolar structure. The model control and IL-6 groups had thickened alveolar walls, with smaller alveolar lumens, interstitial edema, and several inflammatory infiltrating cells. Histopathological changes in the lungs of the THSW and THSW + IL-6 groups were less than those of the model control group. The serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues of mice in the rest of the groups were significantly higher than those of the blank control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model control group, the IL-6 group demonstrated significantly higher levels for the abovementioned proteins in the serum and lung tissues (P < 0.01), and the THSW group had significantly higher serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and IL-7R expression levels in lung tissues (P < 0.01) but significantly decreased IL-6R, JAK, p-JAK, STAT1/3, p-STAT1/3, FOXO, p-FOXO, and IL-7R levels (P < 0.01). THSW reduces the serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the mouse model with anti-inflammatory effects. Its anti-inflammatory mechanism lies in inhibiting the overactivation of the JAK/STAT1/3 signaling pathway.

Anti-fatigue effects of low-molecular-weight brewer’s yeast extracts on mice

Anti-fatigue effects of low-molecular-weight brewer’s yeast extracts on mice

Herbal extract (Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge) ameliorates chronic fatigue: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial

BackgroundChronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) reduces the health-related quality of life in the working-age population; however, studies have rarely investigated this group. A mixture of Cervus elaphus Linnaeus, Angelica gigas Nakai, and Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (CAA) may be an effective anti-fatigue supplement. However, few clinical trials have explored the anti-fatigue effects of herbal medicines in human participants. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of the CAA herbal complex on muscle fatigue and endurance capacity in a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. MethodsIn an 8-week trial, 80 patients with chronic fatigue symptoms were randomly assigned to the CAA (43.5 ± 1.2 years) or placebo group (41.8 ± 1.3 years). Fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance were measured at baseline, interim, and post-intervention. Fatigue-related blood biomarkers were assessed before and at the end of the intervention. ResultsA significant improvement in overall fatigue scores was observed on the fatigue severity scale (p = 0.038), multidimensional fatigue inventory (p = 0.037), and 24-hour visual analog scale (p = 0.002) in the CAA group compared to those in the placebo group. Fatigue improvement was observed in the CAA group, as well as physiological variables, such as increased maximal exercise time to exhaustion (p = 0.003), distance until exhaustion (p = 0.003), and maximum oxygen consumption (p = 0.039). ConclusionCAA positively and significantly affected fatigue and cardiorespiratory endurance in patients with chronic fatigue, suggesting the potential use of herbal supplements for treating chronic fatigue. Trial registrationClinical Research Information Service (CRIS, https://cris.nih.go.kr/): KCT0005613.

The effect of intranasal (R,S)-ketamine on symptoms of fatigue in severe major depressive disorder or bipolar depression with and without comorbid alcohol use disorder: Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundFatigue is a multidimensional condition that may overlap with depression. Initial studies found that fatigue responds in only a limited way to standard monoaminergic antidepressants and mood stabilizers but does respond positively to intravenous (IV) racemic (R,S)-ketamine (ketamine). However, IV ketamine's use is limited by cost and access barriers. To date, no study has evaluated intranasal (IN) ketamine in individuals with fatigue. This study sought to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of a single 50 mg dose of IN ketamine in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar depression (BDep), both with and without comorbid alcohol use disorder (AUD). MethodsTwenty-eight individuals with primary diagnoses of MDD or BDep I/II currently experiencing a depressive episode with active suicidality were enrolled; approximately 60 % had comorbid AUD. Changes in the NIH-Brief Fatigue Inventory (NIH-BFI) were assessed at baseline and at 4, 24, and 48 h post-treatment. ResultsThe group x time interaction for NIH-BFI score was significant (F = 3.44, p = 0.022), favoring IN ketamine over placebo. IN ketamine was well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. LimitationsLimitations include the limited sample size, short duration, and single, fixed dose. ConclusionsIN ketamine appears to induce rapid anti-fatigue effects in individuals with severe MDD and BDep both with and without comorbid AUD. This suggests that IN ketamine holds potential as an alternative, rapid-acting, anti-fatigue option for different medical conditions.

Research on the Anti-Fatigue Effects and Mechanisms of Arecoline in Sleep-Deprived Mice.

This research aims to estimate the anti-fatigue effects of arecoline and explore its underlying mechanisms using a murine model of central fatigue precipitated by sleep deprivation (SD). Seventy-two male C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to six groups: a control group, an SD-induced fatigue model group, a group that received Rhodiola Rosea capsules (2.5 mg/kg), and three arecoline groups, which were administered at low, medium, and high doses (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg, respectively). Following 28 days of continuous administrations, the effects of arecoline on mouse fatigue-related behaviors were assessed by behavioral tests, including grip strength, rotarod performance, and weight-bearing swimming endurance. The release levels of the related biochemical markers were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Western blotting was employed to quantify the expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), sequestosome-1 (p62), and NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in the gastrocnemius muscle. Arecoline administration notably enhanced grip strength, delayed the onset of fatigue as evidenced by extended latencies in rotarod tests, and increased the duration of weight-bearing swimming in mice. In the elevated plus maze, arecoline obviously decreased both the number of entries and the total distance traveled in the open arms. Arecoline markedly decreased the contents of creatine kinase, blood urea nitrogen, lactate dehydrogenase, triglycerides, and cholesterol in the serum, while it elevated the levels of total testosterone, lactate dehydrogenase, and immunoglobulin G. Furthermore, it significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase in the gastrocnemius muscle, reduced malondialdehyde levels, augmented hippocampal SOD and CAT activity, and elevated glycogen stores in both liver and muscle tissues. Neurotransmitter levels showed significant increases, cytokine levels were markedly reduced, and the expressions of Nrf2, Keap1, NQO1, p62, and HO-1 in brain tissues were significantly upregulated. This study demonstrates that arecoline has anti-fatigue activity, and the specific mechanisms are associated with elevating glucose and lipid metabolism levels, relieving oxidative stress damage, inhibiting neuroinflammatory response, and regulating neurotransmitter levels and the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. The research provides a new direction for arecoline's potential in preventing and improving fatigue.

Protective effect of Korean red ginseng water extract on levothyroxine-induced hyperthyroidism and propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism in rats

BackgroundKorean red ginseng extract (KRGE) (Family: Araliaceae) is one of the most widely used traditional herbs in Asia. Multiple studies have shown that KRGE has anti-inflammation, anti-fatigue, anti-obesity, anti-oxidant, and anti-cancer effects. MethodsSprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups for PTU-induced hypothyroidism and six groups for LT4-induced hyperthyroidism. At the experiment's conclusion, rats were sacrificed, and blood, thyroid gland, and liver samples were collected. Body weight was recorded weekly, and serum hormone levels were assessed using enzyme-linked immunoassay. Thyroid gland and liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. KRGE was prepared in 0.5% CMC and stored at 4 °C before administration. ResultsIn the LT4-induced hyperthyroidism model, KRGE prevented decreases in body weight, thyroid gland weight, liver weight, serum glucose, and thyroid hormone levels compared to the PTU group. It also reduced increases in T3, T4, and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels after LT4 treatment. Additionally, KRGE improved thyroid gland and liver histopathology, effects not observed in the PTU-induced hypothyroidism model. ConclusionAll things considered, our research points to KRGE's potential protective role in rat hyperthyroidism caused by LT4 by lowering thyroid hormone production.