The Effect of TCM Herbs on Mitochondrial Functions: The Linkage between Qi and Mitochondria

Abstract

The linkage between Qi and mitochondria was investigated by exploring the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Qi-invigorating herbs on mitochondrial function at the biochemical and molecular levels. Three Chinese herbs (Astragali radix, Herba cistanche, Panax ginseng) were used to treat cultured mouse kidney cells and the generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured. The Qi-invigorating herb, Astragali radix, was selected for further study using additional biological and molecular parameters, including ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mtDNA copies, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), cell growth, cell viability and transcriptomes. We also chose two concentrations of Astragali radix to study the hormetic effect. The results indicated that: 1) Qi-invigorating herbs have significant effects on the function of mitochondria, with ATP production and the antioxidant capacity being significantly enhanced, and ROS levels being reduced, allowing for a more optimal oxidation environment. The effect of the herbs followed a hormetic curve with a stimulating effect at lower doses but an inhibiting effect at high doses; 2) The growth of the cells was not affected despite numerous biochemical changes associated with mitochondrial function, indicating the powerful ability of mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis; 3) The up-regulation of NOCT gene, related to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) synthesis, offers a molecular basis for the ATP-promoting effect of the Qi-invigorating herbs. This work provides additional insight into the efficacy of TCM herbs from a western perspective.

Transcriptome Analysis of Gene in Mouse M-1 Cells Revealing the Functional Mechanism of Astragali Radix Extract

“…Cell growth depends on the comprehensive effects of biochemical and molecular processes that synthesize its various components inside the cell. In our previous experimental results, it was found that low dose of AR increased the content of ATP and GSH in cells [15]. ATP is the carrier of energy released by cells during respiration and directly provides energy for various life activities.…”

“…The transcription of E3 ligase proteins process of cell apoptosis [27]. High concentration of AR reduces the production of ATP and lowers the membrane potential of mitochondria [15]. Excessive mitochondrial fission can cause mitochondrial ROS overload and inhibit the production of mitochondrial ATP [28].…”

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Qi-Invigorating Effects in Traditional Medicine: Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Unique Functions of Qi-Invigorating Herb Group

“…The cellular component category of the GO analysis revealed unique compounds related to mitochondria, which play a crucial role in cellular energy metabolism for ATP production [ 76 ]. Previous research has found that QIHs enhance mitochondrial ATP production ability [ 6 , 77 ], levels of ATP, adenylate energy charge, and total adenylate pool [ 1 ]. In the present study, the KEGG and GO analyses also revealed unique compounds related to neuron composition that are involved in neuroactive ligand–receptor interactions.…”

“…Qi-invigorating herbs (QIHs) are a group of herbs that invigorate healthy Qi and that are used to improve the symptoms of Qi deficiency syndrome [ 2 ]. Recent studies have attempted to demonstrate the effects of various QIHs on mitochondria, the cellular “powerhouses,” to elucidate their energy-boosting effect [ 5 , 6 ]. Other studies have demonstrated the role of QIHs in fighting fatigue [ 7 ] and as antioxidants and immunostimulants [ 8 ].…”

Transcriptome Analysis of gene in Mouse M-1 cells revealing the functional mechanism of Astragali radix extract

“…The decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential can cause a series of biochemical changes in the mitochondrial membrane, which is an early event in the process of cell apoptosis [27]. High concentration of AR reduces the production of ATP and lowers the membrane potential of mitochondria [15]. Excessive mitochondrial ssion can cause mitochondrial ROS overload and inhibit the production of mitochondrial ATP [28].…”