Herbal Medicine Extracts Improve Motor Function by Anti-Inflammatory Activity in hSOD1^G93A Animal Model

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multicomplex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron death, muscle atrophy, and respiratory failure. Owing to its multicomplex mechanisms and multifactorial nature in the skeletal muscle and spinal cord (SC), no effective therapy has been developed. However, herbal medicines, known for their multitarget properties, have demonstrated promising efficacy with limited side effects in treating various diseases. Specifically, Paeonia lactiflora Pallas has been demonstrated to exhibit analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of P. lactiflora in hSOD1^G93A animal models remain unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the multitarget effects of P. lactiflora in hSOD1^G93A transgenic mice, an ALS model. Footprint tests, western blot assays, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess the effect of P. lactiflora on the tibia anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GC), and SC. The results revealed that P. lactiflora augmented motor function and decreased motor neuron loss in hSOD1^G93A mice. Furthermore, P. lactiflora significantly lowered the expression of proteins associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle (TA and GC) and SC. P. lactiflora also regulated autophagy function by reducing the levels of key markers, such as P62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B, and SMAD family member 2, in the muscle and SC. Overall, P. lactiflora treatment improved motor function, prevented motor neuron death, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in the skeletal muscle and SC of ALS mouse models. These results suggest that P. lactiflora could serve as a promising multitarget therapeutic agent for systemic and multipathological diseases.