L. Water Extract Enhances Endurance Exercise Capacity by Promoting Intramuscular Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Mice.

We investigated the effect of L. extract on endurance exercise capacity (EEC). EEC is the ability to exercise continuously and recover quickly, even when tired. contains antioxidants that contribute beneficial effects on the body. We separated groups of nonexercise (CON), exercise control (Ex-CON), branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake, and water extract (CLW) intake (Ex-CLW). EEC increased on the 28th day of BCAA and CLW intake. Both treatment groups exhibited decreased lactate levels with increased levels of nonesterified fatty acids and muscular glycogen compared with the Ex-CON group. Also, the Ex-CLW group possessed higher intramuscular antioxidant enzyme activities (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase) than the Ex-CON group. The expression of PGC-1, NRF, and Tfam, which are factors related to mitochondrial biogenesis, increased in the Ex-CLW group. Results suggest that CLW intake elevated EEC by increasing intramuscular mitochondrial biogenesis through suppressing the accumulation of fatigue substances and increasing fat consumption, and antioxidant enzyme activity.