The Oral Administration of Sanguisorba officinalis Extract Improves Physical Performance through LDHA Modulation

Muscle fatigue is induced by an acute or chronic physical performance inability after excessive physical activity often associated with lactate accumulation, the end-product of glycolysis. In this study, the water-extracted roots of Sanguisorba officinalis L., a herbal medicine traditionally used for inflammation and diarrhea, reduced the activities of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) in in vitro enzyme assay myoblast C2C12 cells and murine muscle tissue. Physical performance measured by a treadmill test was improved in the S. officinalis-administrated group. The analysis of mouse serum and tissues showed significant changes in lactate levels. Among the proteins related to energy metabolism-related physical performance, phosphorylated-AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPK alpha) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha) levels were enhanced, whereas the amount of LDHA was suppressed. Therefore, S. officinalis might be a candidate for improving physical performance via inhibiting LDHA and glycolysis.

Automated summary

The water-extracted roots of Sanguisorba officinalis L. were found to reduce lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) activity and improve physical performance by enhancing AMPKα and PGC-1α levels, while suppressing glycolysis. This suggests that S. officinalis may be a candidate for enhancing physical performance through inhibiting LDHA and glycolysis.