Black ginger extract increases physical fitness performance and muscular endurance by improving inflammation and energy metabolism

Abstract

We previously reported that polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) in black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora) extract (KPE) increased energy production by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in C2C12 myoblasts. We herein evaluated the effects of KPE on physical fitness performance and muscular endurance in mice. Male mice were orally administered KPE for 4 weeks, and then forced swimming test, open-field test, inclined plane test, and wire hanging test were performed. KPE significantly increased the swimming time, motility after swimming, and grip strength. IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression levels were decreased in the soleus muscle, whereas peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator (PGC)-1α and glycogen synthase mRNA expression levels, mitochondrial number, and glycogen content were increased. These results were in agreement with those obtained for KPE and PMFs in C2C12. Therefore, the activation of AMPK by PMFs may be one of the mechanisms by which KPE improves physical fitness performance and muscular endurance.

Case of anaphylaxis caused by black ginger in a dietary supplement

“…Dear Editor, Wells' syndrome, also called eosinophilic cellulitis, is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by a recurrent clinical course and an intense infiltration of eosinophils. 1,2 The development of Wells' syndrome in the clinical course of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is rare. 3 Here, we present a rare case of Wells' syndrome with blisters associated with CLL.…”

“…5 It is believed that black ginger has unique health benefits, such as improvement of metabolic syndrome and physical fitness performance. 1,2 Anaphylaxis due to black ginger is rare but may occur in individuals who frequently inhale incense powders and the smoke from incense sticks.…”

The 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone Suppresses Sarcopenia by Regulating Protein Turnover and Mitochondria Biogenesis-Related Pathways

“…The 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (DMF, Figure 1) is a major bioactive in Kaempferia parviflora, which has been used as food [23] and folk medicine to treat digestive disorders, gastric ulcer, and oral diseases [24]. DMF possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities, such as anti-obesity [25] and melanogenesis [26] functions.…”

“…DMF possesses a wide spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities, such as anti-obesity [25] and melanogenesis [26] functions. Previously, DMF has been shown not only to enhance energy metabolism by upregulating PGC-1α but also to increase glycogen contents and mRNA expression of glycogen synthase in the C2C12 myocytes [23,27]. In addition, the anti-inflammatory property of DMF has been well researched in various models [23,24,28].…”

“…Previously, DMF has been shown not only to enhance energy metabolism by upregulating PGC-1α but also to increase glycogen contents and mRNA expression of glycogen synthase in the C2C12 myocytes [23,27]. In addition, the anti-inflammatory property of DMF has been well researched in various models [23,24,28]. These led us to the hypothesis that DMF potentially has anti-sarcopenic property.…”