Standardized Fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) Extract Decelerates the Development of Sarcopenia in Aged Rats

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Pharmacology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, significantly impacts elderly populations.
• Fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) possesses known antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties.
• Identifying natural compounds to mitigate sarcopenia is crucial for healthy aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of fingerroot extract (BPE) standardized with panduratin A in preventing age-related sarcopenia in rats.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying BPE's effects on muscle mass, protein synthesis, and degradation.
• To evaluate BPE's impact on inflammatory markers and antioxidant enzyme activity.

Main Methods:

• Aged rats were treated with standardized fingerroot extract (BPE).
• Muscle tissue weights and fiber cross-sectional areas were measured.
• Key signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) and protein degradation markers were analyzed.
• Levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD) were assessed.

Main Results:

• BPE significantly increased gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle weights and muscle fiber cross-sectional area.
• BPE activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting proteolysis via reduced FOXO3a activity.
• BPE decreased levels of TNF-α and IL-6, while enhancing catalase and superoxide dismutase activity and expression.

Conclusions:

• Standardized fingerroot extract (BPE) effectively inhibits or decelerates sarcopenia progression in aged rats.
• BPE's mechanism involves modulating muscle protein synthesis/degradation pathways and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Fingerroot extract shows potential as a functional food ingredient for combating age-related muscle decline.