Astragalosides Supplementation Enhances Intrinsic Muscle Repair Capacity Following Eccentric Exercise-Induced Injury

Abstract

Astragalosides have been shown to enhance endurance exercise capacity in vivo and promote muscular hypertrophy in vitro. However, it remains unknown whether astragalosides supplementation can alter inflammatory response and enhance muscle recovery after damage in humans. We therefore aimed to evaluate the effect of astragalosides supplementation on muscle’s intrinsic capacity to regenerate and repair itself after exercise-induced damage. Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over design, eleven male participants underwent 7 days of astragalosides supplementation (in total containing 4 mg of astragalosides per day) or a placebo control, following an eccentric exercise protocol. Serum blood samples and variables related to muscle function were collected prior to and immediately following the muscle damage protocol and also at 2 h, and 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 days of the recovery period, to assess the pro-inflammatory cytokine response, the secretion of muscle regenerative factors, and muscular strength. Astragalosides supplementation reduced biomarkers of skeletal muscle damage (serum CK, LDH, and Mb), when compared to the placebo, at 1, 2, and 3 days following the muscle damage protocol. Astragalosides supplementation suppressed the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, whilst increasing the release of IGF-1 during the initial stages of muscle recovery. Furthermore, following astragaloside supplementation, muscular strength returned to baseline 2 days earlier than the placebo. Astragalosides supplementation shortens the duration of inflammation, enhances the regeneration process and restores muscle strength following eccentric exercise-induced injury.

Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) Supplementation in Sports Training: A Systematic Review

“…In the context of post-activity, and even following sports-related trauma or muscle injuries, it has been suggested that Astragalus supplementation might potentially expedite athletes' recuperation [34]. In a trial with eleven male participants receiving astragalosides supplementation (4 mg per day for a week) or placebo pills, the intervention effectively reduced biomarkers associated with muscle damage and inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), while simultaneously increasing the release of the muscle regenerative factor IGF-1 during the initial phases of the recovery process [35]. Additionally, the astragalosides group exhibited a quicker return to baseline muscular strength in comparison to the placebo group, indicating that astragalosides supplementation expedites the resolution of inflammation, bolsters muscle regeneration, and accelerates the restoration of strength following exercise-induced injury [35].…”

“…In a trial with eleven male participants receiving astragalosides supplementation (4 mg per day for a week) or placebo pills, the intervention effectively reduced biomarkers associated with muscle damage and inhibited the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), while simultaneously increasing the release of the muscle regenerative factor IGF-1 during the initial phases of the recovery process [35]. Additionally, the astragalosides group exhibited a quicker return to baseline muscular strength in comparison to the placebo group, indicating that astragalosides supplementation expedites the resolution of inflammation, bolsters muscle regeneration, and accelerates the restoration of strength following exercise-induced injury [35]. Another study with 600 aerobics athletes with muscle injuries indicated that the Radix astragali and Salvia miltiorrhiza injection significantly improved overall treatment efficiency, increased serum antioxidant levels, and reduced muscle damage markers, suggesting its potential for promoting efficient skeletal muscle injury repair [36].…”

A standardized herbal combination of Astragalus membranaceus and Paeonia japonica promotes skeletal muscle hypertrophy in a treadmill exercise mouse model

“…Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus) has demonstrated efficacy in enhancing muscle performance in animal studies ( 24 , 25 ). Clinical study has shown that supplementation with Astragalosides, a major active compound in A. membranaceus , can enhance muscle recovery following eccentric exercise-induced damage and reduce inflammatory response ( 26 ). Paeonia japonica ( P. japonica ) showed anti-cachectic effects in a cancer cachexia animal model ( 27 ).…”

Nutrition-Based Strategies to Reduce Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage and Soreness

“…New applications of common foods and traditional medicines add to our understanding and nutritional toolbox for dealing with EIMD. Two such examples are the findings of Lee et al [5] and Yeh et al [6] who report positive effects of Lactobacillus paracei and astragaloside supplementation, respectively, on muscle performance, biomarkers of muscle damage and inflammation. The common practice of daily consumption of probiotics to enhance gut health also appears to provide protection and enhance recovery from strenuous damaging exercise [5].…”

“…The common practice of daily consumption of probiotics to enhance gut health also appears to provide protection and enhance recovery from strenuous damaging exercise [5]. Sourced from the plant Astragalus, and used in many Asian countries as a herbal remedy, astragalosides have known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to promoting myogenesis; these actions be responsible for the recovery benefits reported by Yeh et al [6].…”