Creatine for Fatigue? New Study Shows Promise

study PMID: 40744024

Quick Summary: A recent study found a substance from a plant called Millettia speciosa helped mice fight off fatigue during exercise. The substance, a type of sugar, seemed to boost energy and reduce signs of tiredness.

What The Research Found

Researchers looked at a sugar-like substance extracted from a plant. They gave it to mice and then tested their endurance. The mice that received the substance could swim and run for longer before getting tired. The substance also seemed to:

Reduce fatigue markers: Lowered levels of things in the blood that show tiredness.

Boost energy stores: Increased the amount of energy stored in muscles and the liver.

Fight oxidative stress: Increased levels of an antioxidant, which helps protect the body.

Study Details

Who was studied: Male mice

How long: 28 days

What they took: The mice were given different doses of the sugar-like substance daily.

What This Means For You

This study is promising, but it's important to remember it was done on mice. It suggests that this substance might help fight fatigue. However, more research is needed to see if it works the same way in humans.

If you're looking for ways to fight fatigue: Talk to your doctor about proven methods like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress.

This research is in its early stages: Don't start taking this substance based on this study alone.

Study Limitations

Only mice were studied: We don't know if the results would be the same in humans.

More research is needed: The study didn't fully explain how the substance works.

No long-term safety data: The study didn't look at the long-term effects of taking the substance.

Key Findings

The study identified a polysaccharide-rich fraction from Millettia speciosa Champ (MSCP) with significant anti-fatigue properties. MSCP comprised glucose, arabinose, and galactose in a 90.0:5.2:4.8 ratio and exhibited two molecular weight peaks (19,544 and 13,166 Da). In mice, MSCP (400 mg/kg) increased exhaustive swimming time by 58.3% (p < 0.01) and running time by 42.1% (p < 0.01) versus controls. It significantly reduced fatigue biomarkers: blood urea nitrogen (BUN) by 28.7%, blood lactic acid by 33.5%, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) by 24.2%, creatine kinase (CK) by 31.8%, and malondialdehyde (MDA) by 26.4% (p < 0.01 for all). Concurrently, it elevated muscle glycogen (41.2%), hepatic glycogen (38.6%), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (29.3%) (p < 0.01). Gut microbiota modulation (e.g., increased Lactobacillus) was observed, suggesting a potential mechanism for anti-fatigue effects.

Study Design

This was a preclinical in vivo study using 40 male Kunming mice (20–22 g) divided into five groups (n = 8/group): control, model (fatigue-inducing stress), and three MSCP doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg). Two fatigue models were employed: exercise-induced (swimming/running tests) and combined stress (swimming + restraint). Mice received daily oral administration for 28 days, followed by fatigue induction and biomarker assessment.

Dosage & Administration

MSCP was administered via oral gavage at 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. The vehicle control group received saline, while the model group underwent fatigue protocols without MSCP. Dosing was based on preliminary toxicity screening.

Results & Efficacy

MSCP demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy, with 400 mg/kg yielding maximal effects. Swimming time increased from 18.2 ± 1.4 min (control) to 28.8 ± 2.1 min (p < 0.01); running time rose from 15.3 ± 1.2 min to 21.7 ± 1.8 min (p < 0.01). All biomarker improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.01), with effect sizes ranging from 24–42% for reductions in fatigue markers and 29–41% for increases in energy reserves/antioxidants. Gut microbiota shifts correlated with efficacy (p < 0.05 for key taxa).

Limitations

Key limitations include: (1) exclusive use of male mice, ignoring sex-based differences; (2) absence of human data, limiting translational relevance; (3) mechanistic gaps—gut microbiota changes were correlative, not causally proven; (4) single administration route (oral gavage), which may not reflect real-world supplement use; (5) no long-term safety assessment. Future research should validate mechanisms in humans and explore optimal dosing regimens.

Clinical Relevance

This study provides preliminary evidence that MSCP may enhance fatigue resistance by improving energy metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. However, as an animal study, it does not support direct human supplementation recommendations. For supplement users, MSCP represents a theoretical candidate for functional foods targeting fatigue, but human trials are essential before practical application. Current anti-fatigue strategies should prioritize evidence-based approaches (e.g., balanced nutrition, sleep hygiene), as MSCP’s efficacy and safety in humans remain unverified.