An extract of Lycium barbarum mimics exercise to improve muscle endurance through increasing type IIa oxidative muscle fibers by activating ERRγ.

Lycium barbarumberry (gouqi, Goji, goji berry, or wolfberry), a traditional medicine and functional food, has a wide range of biological effects, including immuno-modulation, anti-aging, antitumor, neuro-protection, and hepato-protection. However, thus far, little is known about the traditional effects ofL. barbarumon strengthening muscles. Therefore, this study focused on the effects of an extract ofL. barbarumon skeletal muscles. First, the extract ofL. barbarumsignificantly increased the mass of the tibial anterior muscle and gastrocnemius muscle and improved the average running distance of mice. Then, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the extract enhanced muscle endurance by increasing the proportion of type IIa oxidative muscle fibers and aerobic respiration. In an in-depth study of the molecular mechanism of these effects, we found that the extract upregulated the proportion of type IIa oxidative muscle fibers by activating ERR gamma and that the PKA-CREB signaling pathway was involved in its activation. This study is the first to show thatL. barbarumextract modulates skeletal muscle remodeling and has mimetic effects on skeletal muscles in a manner similar to exercise. It provides a scientific explanation based on modern biological technologies and concepts for the traditional function ofL. barbarumin improving muscle fitness. This study lays a theoretical foundation for the application ofL. barbarumin skeletal muscles as an exercise mimetic.