The Effects of Ergosta-7,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol from Antrodia Camphorata on the Biochemical Profile and Exercise Performance of Mice

Author: mycolabadmin
2019-03-28
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Summary

This research investigated how a compound called EK100, extracted from a rare Taiwanese mushroom, can help improve exercise performance and reduce fatigue. The study found that mice given EK100 had better muscle strength, could exercise longer, and showed less signs of fatigue compared to untreated mice. The compound works by helping the body store and use energy more efficiently while reducing exercise-related stress markers. Impacts on everyday life: • Could help athletes and fitness enthusiasts improve their exercise performance naturally • May help reduce exercise-related fatigue and muscle damage • Shows potential as a safe supplement for enhancing physical endurance • Could benefit people looking to improve their workout results • Demonstrates how natural compounds can be developed into effective performance supplements

Background

Antrodia camphorata (AC) is a rare and unique mushroom endemic to Taiwan that grows only on the local evergreen broad-leaved tree Cinnamomum kanehirae Hayata. The fruiting body and cultured mycelia of AC are difficult to cultivate and contain various bioactive compounds including fatty acids, lignans, phenyl derivatives, sesquiterpenes, steroids, and triterpenoids. One key bioactive compound isolated from AC submerged culture is Ergosta-7,9(11),22-trien-3β-ol (EK100), which has shown anti-tumor, anti-angiogenic, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic properties.

Objective

To evaluate the potential beneficial effects of EK100 supplementation from Antrodia camphorata on fatigue and ergogenic functions following physiological challenge in mice, as well as assess its safety through subacute toxicity evaluation.

Results

Six-week EK100 supplementation significantly increased grip strength in a dose-dependent manner. After acute exercise challenge, EK100 supplementation led to decreased serum lactate, ammonia, BUN, and CK activity while increasing serum glucose and liver glycogen content. The higher dose (20 mg/kg) showed optimal effects for exercise performance and anti-fatigue activity. Long-term supplementation showed no adverse effects on behavior, organ weights or tissue histology.

Conclusion

EK100 supplementation demonstrates potential as an ergogenic aid by enhancing exercise performance and reducing fatigue through multiple mechanisms including preservation of energy storage, increased blood glucose and liver glycogen content, and decreased serum levels of fatigue-related markers. The compound appears safe for long-term use at the tested doses and could potentially be developed as a supplement to improve exercise physiological adaptation and promote health.

Published in:Molecules,
Study Type:Experimental Animal Study,
Source: 10.3390/molecules24071225