An Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Enhances the Metabolic Benefits of Exercise in Diet-induced Obese Mice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an ethanolic extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. (5011) combined with exercise on in vivo glucose and fat metabolism in diet-induced obese male mice. Methods After 8 wk of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, 52 mice were randomly allocated to a voluntary wheel running group (HFD Ex), a 5011 + HFD sedentary group (5011 Sed), a 5011 + HFD Ex (5011 Ex), or an HFD sedentary group (HFD Sed) for 4 wk. Real-time energy expenditure and substrate utilization were measured by indirect calorimetry. A stable isotope glucose tolerance test was performed before and after the 4-wk wheel running period to determine changes in endogenous glucose production and glucose disposal. We also performed an analysis of genes and proteins associated with the early response to exercise and exercise adaptations in skeletal muscle and liver. Results When compared with HFD Ex mice, 5011 Ex mice had increased fat oxidation during speed- and distance-matched wheel running bouts. Both HFD Ex and 5011 Ex mice had reduced endogenous glucose during the glucose tolerance test, whereas only the 5011 Sed and the 5011 Ex mice had improved glucose disposal after the 4-wk experimental period when compared with HFD Sed and HFD Ex mice. 5011 Ex mice had increased Pgc1-α and Tfam expression in skeletal muscle when compared with HFD Ex mice, whereas Pdk4 expression was reduced in the liver of HFD Ex and 5011 Ex mice. Conclusions Our study demonstrates that 5011, an ethanolic extract of A. dracunculus L., with a history of medicinal use, enhances the metabolic benefits of exercise to improve in vivo fat and glucose metabolism.

Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Enhances the Metabolic Benefits of Exercise in Diet-induced Obese Mice—Corrigendum

“…The authors of “Ethanolic Extract of Artemisia dracunculus L. Enhances the Metabolic Benefits of Exercise in Diet-induced Obese Mice” (1) report that in supplemental methods two of the units of measure are not correct. Specifically, the units for oxygen concentration should be μM (or nmols/mL) not nM.…”