The Effect of Anti-Fatigue Decoction on the Behaviors and Serological Indicators in a Central Fatigue Rat Model

Published: April 12, 2024

doi:

Jie Li, Yi Liu, Ru-ting Li, Yan Liu, Feng Li

¹School of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

Summary

Here, we introduce a protocol to assess the effects of anti-fatigue decoction (AFD) on central fatigue in rats modeled by the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) by monitoring both their behavioral responses and serological markers.

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effects of Anti-fatigue Decoction (AFD) against central fatigue by observing the behaviors and serological indicators of rats modeled by the modified multiple platform method (MMPM) after drug intervention. Grip strength measurements were used to evaluate the muscle strength of rats. The open field test was utilized to assess anxiety-like behavior, while the Morris water maze test was conducted to evaluate the memory function of the rats. Following the behavioral assessments, rat serum samples were collected to measure the concentrations of corticosterone (CORT) and lactic acid (LAC). The concentration of LAC was determined using the colorimetric method, while the concentration of CORT was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. Compared to the blank control group, following MMPM modeling, rats exhibited significant reductions in grip strength and impaired ability to memory. The serum analysis revealed increased levels of LAC and CORT in the model group rats. AFD can noticeably reverse these adverse changes to a certain extent. These findings highlight the positive effects of AFD and coenzymeQ10 on physical and cognitive abilities and alterations in serum biomarker levels of central fatigue rats.

Introduction

Fatigue is a multifaceted and non-specific phenomenon that is typically characterized by feelings of tiredness and reduced ability to function¹. It can be classified as either peripheral fatigue, which occurs at the muscular level, or central fatigue, originating in the central nervous system³^,⁴. Prolonged central fatigue can be a significant contributor to psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and memory problems⁵^,⁶. Despite causing significant distress, there is a scarcity of specific medications targeting central fatigue⁷. While methylphenidate, a central nervous system stimulant, can provide temporary relief, its side effects, like insomnia and palpitations may worsen the condition⁸^,⁹.

In previous clinical applications, traditional Chinese medicine has shown promising results in treating central fatigue, incorporating approaches such as oral decoctions, acupuncture, and Tai Chi¹⁰^,¹¹^,¹². Anti-fatigue decoction (AFD) is an effective formula developed by Professor Li Feng based on extensive clinical experience and has demonstrated positive therapeutic effects. It consists of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Fructus aurantii (Zhiqiao), Fructus crataegi (Shanzha), Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Dendrobium officinale (Shihu), in a ratio of 15: 15: 10: 5: 7: 8. AFD decoction was concentrated to 110 mL after boiling with ten times the volume of deionized water for 1 h thrice. In a previous study, we established an animal model of central fatigue using the Modified Multiple Platform Method (MMPM) and confirmed the manifestation of central fatigue via behavioral and central nervous system neurotransmitter evaluations¹³. In this study, we utilized the AFD intervention in the animal model of central fatigue to evaluate its pharmacological effects through behavioral assessments.

Protocol

This research work adheres to ethical guidelines for animal welfare. Proper care and housing conditions were maintained to ensure the health and well-being of the animals, and all procedures were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (BUCM-4-2019041504-2094). 1. Animal raising and grouping NOTE: Throughout the study, animal welfare was maintained following the 3Rs (Reduction, Refineme…

Representative Results

Compared to the control group, the rats in the model group exhibited significant decreases in grip strength. However, the administration of AFD at low, medium, and high doses was all able to reverse this effect in a dose-dependent manner, as shown in Figure 1. Similarly, the positive control drug also demonstrated the ability to reverse the grip strength changes (Figure 1). In the open field test, the model group rats showed reduction…

Discussion

AFD is composed of Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi), Fructus aurantii (Zhiqiao), Fructus crataegi (Shanzha), Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Dendrobium officinale (Shihu), which is believed to have the function of invigorating the spleen and dispersing the stagnated liver-energy in traditional Chinese medicine. Also, all these herbs are considered to possess a favorable safety profile and are thus commonly used as food in China. In pr…

Divulgazioni

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

All authors would like to express their gratitude for the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NO. 81874428) and Research project of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NO.2023-JYB-JBZD-001).

Materials

Corticosterone test kit	German DRG company	EIA4164	Step 4.3
Curve Expert 1.4 software	CurveExpert Professional	Version 1.4	For calculation in corticosterone assay
Ethovision software	Noldus Information Technology , Netherlands	Version 15	analysis software and video tracking system
Grip strength test device	Beijing Zhongshi Di Chuang limited company	ZS-ZL	Step 3.1
Lactic acid test kit	Nanjing Jiancheng Bioengineering Research Institute	A019-2-1	Step 4.2
Modified multiple platform method	Neuroimmunology Laboratory of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine	None	Step 2.1
Morris water maze test device	Beijing Zhongshi Di Chuang limited company	ZS-Morris	Step 3.3
Open field test device	Beijing Zhongshi Di Chuang limited company	ZS-KC	Step 3.2
Prism	GraphPad	Verson 8	For generating figures
SPSS 26.0	IBM	Verson 26.0	Statistical analysis
Wistar rats	SiPeiFu (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd		license number: SCXK (Jing) 2019-0010

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