The Muscle Mag
This study aimed to investigate the potential impact of ginger on muscle ageing, specifically focusing on its effects on metabolites and metabolic pathways in myoblast cells. The goal was to understand the mechanisms involved and to explore its pharmacological properties in promoting myoblast differentiation.
Additionally, the study aimed to shed light on the role of ginger in reducing muscle loss, especially in the elderly population.
The authors highlighted that this study was the first to examine the metabolic changes in skeletal muscle cells following treatment with ginger extract. They concluded that ginger extract has the potential to mitigate muscle loss by affecting certain metabolites and pathways that promote muscle regeneration in ageing individuals.
The role of antioxidants
Sarcopenia, a condition prevalent in individuals aged 60 and over, is closely linked to muscle loss. Oxidative stress, resulting from an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, is a significant contributor to muscle loss.
Consuming antioxidant-rich foods, such as ginger, can help reduce oxidative stress levels and prevent related diseases, benefiting older adults.
Although the impact of ginger as an antioxidant on aged skeletal muscle metabolism remains unexplored, previous research has demonstrated its positive effects on myoblast differentiation.
The impact on human cells
The authors conducted their research on primary human myoblasts derived from a 17-year-old female. These cells were subjected to different concentrations of ginger extract at various stages of ageing.
Metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry revealed key changes in metabolites following ginger treatment at different cell ages.
Conclusions
The study reported upregulation of specific metabolites in young, pre-senescent, and senescent myoblasts treated with ginger extract. These findings suggest that ginger may serve as a pharmacological agent to combat muscle loss and promote muscle regeneration in ageing individuals.
Furthermore, the authors emphasized the need for future research to integrate metabolomics data with genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics data for a comprehensive understanding of ginger’s impact on muscle cells.
Source: Nutrients
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15214520
“Elucidating the Pharmacological Properties of Zingiber officinale Roscoe (Ginger) on Muscle Ageing by Untargeted Metabolomic Profiling of Human Myoblasts”
Authors: Mohd Sahardi, N.F.N.; Jaafar, F.; Tan, J.K.; Mad Nordin, M.F.; Makpol, S.
