Anti-fatigue research in plant science investigates bioactive compounds derived from medicinal plants that help organisms resist physical and mental exhaustion. This field examines how plant-based substances modulate energy metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and enhance endurance at the cellular level. Understanding these mechanisms supports the development of evidence-based applications for adaptogenic and tonic herbs used in traditional medicine systems.
A water extract from White Atractylodes, a herb long used in Chinese medicine for fatigue and weakness, was scientifically shown to boost exercise endurance in mice by stimulating the growth of new mitochondria — the energy-producing structures inside muscle cells — through a specific chain of molecular signals.
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AMWE is composed of 23.84% polysaccharides, 2.44% Atractylenolide II, and 7.22% Atractylenolide III — the chemical fingerprint linked to its anti-fatigue effects.
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Treated mice showed improved grip strength and exercise endurance, increased muscle and liver glycogen storage, and significantly reduced fatigue markers including lactic acid, lactate dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen.
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AMWE activated the AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling cascade, which upregulated NRF1 and TFAM to drive mitochondrial biogenesis, enhance TCA cycle flux, and increase ATP synthesis in muscle tissue.
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