Ginsenoside Rg1 supplementation clears senescence-associated β-galactosidase in exercising human skeletal muscle

Area of Science:

• Exercise physiology
• Cellular senescence
• Nutritional supplementation

Background:

• Senescence-associated beta-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) is a marker of cellular senescence.
• Ginsenoside Rg1 has cleared SA-β-gal in cultured cells.
• The effect of Rg1 on SA-β-gal in exercising human skeletal muscle is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of Rg1 supplementation on SA-β-gal in exercising human skeletal muscle.
• To assess the impact of Rg1 on exercise performance and muscle recovery.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study.
• 12 young men received placebo or 5 mg Rg1 1 hour before high-intensity cycling (70% VO2max).
• Muscle biopsies were collected pre- and post-exercise (0h and 3h).
• A separate group of 12 participants performed a time-to-exhaustion cycling test (80% VO2max).

Main Results:

• Rg1 supplementation led to the complete elimination of SA-β-gal in 9 out of 12 participants' exercised muscle post-cycling (p < 0.05).
• Both groups showed increased apoptotic DNA fragmentation and CD68+ immediately after cycling.
• During 3-hour recovery, Rg1 group exhibited reduced apoptotic nuclei and increased inducible nitric oxide synthase and interleukin 6 mRNA levels (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

• Rg1 supplementation effectively eliminates senescent cells in exercising human skeletal muscle.
• Rg1 improves high-intensity endurance performance and aids muscle recovery.