Herbal Medicine Extracts Improve Motor Function by Anti-Inflammatory Activity in hSOD1 Animal Model.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multicomplex neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron death, muscle atrophy, and respiratory failure. Owing to its multicomplex mechanisms and multifactorial nature in the skeletal muscle and spinal cord (SC), no effective therapy has been developed. However, herbal medicines, known for their multitarget properties, have demonstrated promising efficacy with limited side effects in treating various diseases. Specifically, Pallas has been demonstrated to exhibit analgesic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of in hSOD1 animal models remain unexplored. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the multitarget effects of in hSOD1 transgenic mice, an ALS model. Footprint tests, western blot assays, and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess the effect of on the tibia anterior (TA), gastrocnemius (GC), and SC. The results revealed that augmented motor function and decreased motor neuron loss in hSOD1 mice. Furthermore, significantly lowered the expression of proteins associated with inflammation and oxidative stress in the skeletal muscle (TA and GC) and SC. also regulated autophagy function by reducing the levels of key markers, such as P62/sequestosome 1 (SQSTM1), microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B, and SMAD family member 2, in the muscle and SC. Overall, treatment improved motor function, prevented motor neuron death, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in the skeletal muscle and SC of ALS mouse models. These results suggest that could serve as a promising multitarget therapeutic agent for systemic and multipathological diseases.