Shan Yu Wan attenuates age-related muscle alterations in SAMP8 mice with improved mitochondrial function

Background and aim The traditional Chinese formula Shan Yu Wan (SYW), comprising Panax ginseng , Dioscorea opposita Thunb and Atractylodes Rhizoma , has been empirically employed for metabolic regulation, although its mechanistic basis remains incompletely elucidated. Experimental procedure Senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8) mice were orally administered SYW by gavage at 2.56 g/kg for 8 weeks, with age-matched senescence-accelerated mouse resistant 1 (SAMR1) mice serving as controls. Muscle phenotype was evaluated by forelimb grip strength, rotarod performance, spontaneous locomotor activity, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histopathological alterations were evaluated by Masson’s trichrome staining. Mitochondrial ultrastructure was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and mitochondrial functional parameters were subsequently determined. Furthermore, the effects of SYW-containing serum on oxidative injury were examined in t -BHP-treated C2C12 myoblasts, together with pharmacological interference analysis of PGC-1α-related signaling. Results and conclusion Oral administration of SYW significantly improved muscle volume, grip strength, and motor performance in SAMP8 mice. These protective effects were accompanied by partial restoration of mitochondrial ultrastructure, increased mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activity, reduced oxidative stress, and changes in PGC-1α-related signaling. In vitro , SYW-containing serum attenuated t -BHP-induced oxidative and mitochondrial injury in C2C12 myoblasts, while pharmacological interference experiments suggested the involvement of PGC-1α-related signaling. These findings provide preclinical evidence that SYW may alleviate age-related muscle alterations by improving mitochondrial function and redox balance.