Evaluation of Schisandra chinensis extract on anti-fatigue activity in mice

Many herbs and plant extracts have traditionally been used to enhance physical endurance and increase vitality. These natural products may contain active compounds such as antioxidants, adaptogens, and neuroprotective agents, which help alleviate fatigue and restore energy, but have not been developed enough as new anti-fatigue nutritional supplements. Schisandra chinensis, also known as Wu Wei Zi, is a medicinal and edible plant native to China. It is rich in various bioactive components and possesses significant pharmacological activities. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of Schisandra chinensis extract (SCE) on fatigue in mice, and further to elucidate its possible underlying mechanism. The results showed that SCE significantly prolonged the swimming time, increased the levels of hepatic glycogen and muscular glycogen, while reducing the levels of lactic acid (LA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, it enhanced the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Pearson correlation analysis also revealed a strong correlation between the anti-fatigue effects and antioxidant activities of SCE in mice vivo. Western blotting results showed that SCE alleviated fatigue by activating the AMPK/PGC-1α signaling pathway and simultaneously increasing the expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 proteins in mouse skeletal muscle. Therefore, SCE could be considered as a potential anti-fatigue nutritional supplement in functional foods, beneficial for alleviating exercise-induced fatigue.