The Aging of Skeletal Muscle and Potential Therapeutic Effects of Extracts from Edible and Inedible Plants

Abstract

Sarcopenia is a degenerative phenomenon, common in elderly populations. As humans age, they are likely to experience skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy; however, unfortunately, there is still no effective treatment for sarcopenia. The health-promoting potential of plant-based foods is associated with the presence of bioactive components. This article reviews information on bioactive plant compounds which may affect skeletal muscle health, particularly with respect to therapeutic approaches to sarcopenia. In general, plant products can be categorized into two main groups, based on their general status in the human diet: inedible or edible. Investigations suggest that bioactive compounds from both groups show the potential to prevent the development of sarcopenia, in several ways, including anti-atrophy, prevention of oxidative damage, enhanced myogenesis, and anti-inflammatory activity. Each of these agents has been shown to suppress one or more of the signs of sarcopenia, and restore health to muscle, in the patient (in vivo) or in tissue culture (in vitro). The potential use of plant bioactive compounds as therapy for sarcopenia is worthy of further study.

Effects of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Size Fractionation of Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor larvae) Protein on Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities and Inhibition of Muscle Loss

“…Aging is associated with the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle, which causes oxidative damage and activates intracellular signaling pathways involved in sarcopenia and muscle degradation . Several studies have shown that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect against ROS . Proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, not only promote the degradation of myofibrillar proteins but also reduce protein synthesis, causing direct muscle wasting .…”

“…The antioxidant effects of proteins can also protect against exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress . In addition, polyphenols prevent muscle atrophy induced by TNF-α in C2C12 myotubes and myoblasts . The higher inhibitory effect of bigger molecular size fractions of hydrolysates could be related to the increasing antioxidant acidity with increasing molecular size (Figure ).…”

“…10 In addition, polyphenols prevent muscle atrophy induced by TNF-α in C2C12 myotubes and myoblasts. 42 The higher inhibitory effect of bigger molecular size fractions of hydrolysates could be related to the increasing antioxidant acidity with increasing molecular size (Figure 3). Overall, the high ABTS + scavenging activity of MPH suggests that it could be used as a food additive to protect muscles against damage.…”

“…12 Several studies have shown that anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties protect against ROS. 42 Proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, not only promote the degradation of myofibrillar proteins but also reduce protein synthesis, causing direct muscle wasting. 43 The cytokine inhibitory ability of MPH (Figure 5) may be related to the downregulation of myostatin induced by these hydrolysates.…”