Ursolic Acid-Induced Elevation of Serum Irisin Augments Muscle Strength During Resistance Training in Men.
10.4196/kjpp.2014.18.5.441
- Author:
Hyun Seok BANG
1
;
Dae Yun SEO
;
Yong Min CHUNG
;
Kyoung Mo OH
;
Jung Jun PARK
;
Figueroa ARTURO
;
Seung Hun JEONG
;
Nari KIM
;
Jin HAN
Author Information
1. Division of Humanities and Social Science, POSTECH, Pohang 790-784, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article ; Randomized Controlled Trial
- Keywords:
IGF-1;
Irisin;
Muscle strength;
Resistance training;
Ursolic acid
- MeSH:
Adipose Tissue;
Body Composition;
Body Mass Index;
Body Weight;
Exercise;
Glucose;
Humans;
Insulin;
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I;
Male;
Muscle Strength*;
Muscle, Skeletal;
Resistance Training*
- From:The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
2014;18(5):441-446
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Ursolic acid (UA), a type of pentacyclic triterpenoid carboxylic acid purified from natural plants, can promote skeletal muscle development. We measured the effect of resistance training (RT) with/without UA on skeletal muscle development and related factors in men. Sixteen healthy male participants (age, 29.37+/-5.14 years; body mass index=27.13+/-2.16 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to RT (n=7) or RT with UA (RT+UA, n=9) groups. Both groups completed 8 weeks of intervention consisting of 5 sets of 26 exercises, with 10~15 repetitions at 60~80% of 1 repetition maximum and a 60~90-s rest interval between sets, performed 6 times/week. UA or placebo was orally ingested as 1 capsule 3 times/day for 8 weeks. The following factors were measured pre-and post-intervention: body composition, insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), irisin, and skeletal muscle strength. Body fat percentage was significantly decreased (p<0.001) in the RT+UA group, despite body weight, body mass index, lean body mass, glucose, and insulin levels remaining unchanged. IGF-1 and irisin were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group (p<0.05). Maximal right and left extension (p<0.01), right flexion (p<0.05), and left flexion (p<0.001) were significantly increased compared with baseline levels in the RT+UA group. These findings suggest that UA-induced elevation of serum irisin may be useful as an agent for the enhancement of skeletal muscle strength during RT.
