Effect of Withania somnifera hydroalcoholic extract and other dietary interventions in improving muscle strength in aging rats.

backgroundAging leads to loss of skeletal muscle, diminished muscle strength, and decline in physical functions.

objectiveThis study evaluates Withania somnifera and some dietary interventions to combat muscle weakness in aging rats. MATERIALS AND

methodsRats (12-13 months old) corresponding to a human age of 60-65 years were assigned to various groups and given orally a standardized W. somnifera extract (WSE, 500 mg/kg) or a protein cocktail comprising soybean (1.5 g/kg) and quinoa (1 g/kg) or a combination of WSE and the protein cocktail or whey protein (1 g/kg) as a reference standard or only resistance exercise for 60 days. Grip strength and blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. At the end of the treatment, total protein, inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α), AMPK, malondialdehyde, glutathione, antioxidant enzymes and apoptotic regulator genes (Bax and Bcl-2) were assayed. The biceps brachii muscle of all animals was subjected to histomorphological study.

resultsAll treatments successfully attenuated aging-elevated glucose, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, AMPK, malondialdehyde, and Bax levels. A significant restoration of the aging-depleted total protein levels, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and Bcl-2 was noted in the treatment groups. An increase in grip strength and greater biceps mass with all treatments indicated regaining of the frail aging muscle's strength and functionality. The WSE + protein treatment elicited the best results among all treatment groups to optimize muscle strength.

conclusionAll the interventions curbed muscle loss and strengthened the skeletal muscle by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis, and increasing ATP availability to the muscle.