Vigeo Blend Fights Muscle Atrophy - 2024 Study

study PMID: 39203823

Quick Summary: A 2024 study found that a fermented blend called Vigeo (containing Eleuthero, among other plants) helped protect against muscle loss in mice. It did this by affecting certain pathways involved in muscle growth and breakdown.

What The Research Found

The research looked at a blend called Vigeo, which includes Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng). The study showed that Vigeo:

Helped muscle cells grow in the lab.

Protected against muscle loss in mice that were given a drug to cause muscle wasting.

Worked by influencing pathways in the body that control muscle growth and breakdown.

Study Details

Who was studied: Mouse muscle cells in a lab and mice.

How long: The mice were studied for 7 days.

What they took: Mice were given Vigeo by mouth. The exact amount of Eleuthero in the blend wasn't specified.

What This Means For You

This study suggests that the Vigeo blend might help with muscle health. However:

It's important to remember that this study used a blend, not just Eleuthero.

The study was done on mice, so we don't know if it would have the same effect on humans.

More research is needed to see if Eleuthero alone has similar benefits.

Study Limitations

The study used a blend of plants, so we can't be sure if Eleuthero alone is responsible for the effects.

The study was done on mice, not people.

The study used a drug to cause muscle loss, which may not be the same as natural muscle loss.

The exact amount of Eleuthero in the blend wasn't specified.

Key Findings

This study investigated Vigeo (a nuruk-fermented blend of Eleutherococcus senticosus [Eleuthero], Schisandra chinensis, and Acanthopanax sessiliflorus), not isolated Eleuthero. Key results showed Vigeo:
1. Promoted myotube differentiation in C2C12 murine skeletal muscle cells in vitro.
2. Protected against dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy in vivo (mice) by:
- Reducing expression of atrophy markers MuRF1 and MAFbx (p < 0.05).
- Activating the AKT/mTOR pathway (increasing p-AKT, p-mTOR; p < 0.05).
- Modulating AMPK/Sirt-1/PGC1α signaling (elevating Sirt-1/PGC1α; p < 0.05).
3. Preserved muscle fiber cross-sectional area in atrophied mice (p < 0.01 vs. dexamethasone-only group).
Note: Effects are attributed to the Vigeo blend; Eleuthero’s individual contribution was not isolated.

Study Design

Type: In vitro (C2C12 mouse myoblasts) and in vivo (C57BL/6 mice).
Methodology:
In vitro: Myotube differentiation assays; dexamethasone-induced atrophy models.
In vivo: Mice treated with dexamethasone (1 mg/kg/day, 7 days) ± Vigeo. Muscle mass/histology analyzed.
Sample Size: Not specified in the provided summary (typical for PubMed abstracts).
Duration: Acute in vivo model (7 days); in vitro assays spanned differentiation/atrophy induction periods.

Dosage & Administration

Vigeo dose: 100 mg/kg/day administered orally to mice.
In vitro: 10–100 μg/mL Vigeo applied to cell cultures.
Critical note: Vigeo is a fermented multi-plant extract; exact Eleuthero concentration within the blend was not detailed.

Results & Efficacy

Muscle atrophy protection: Vigeo significantly attenuated dexamethasone-induced reduction in tibialis anterior muscle mass (p < 0.05).
Molecular effects:
↓ MuRF1 and MAFbx mRNA by ~40–50% vs. atrophy group (p < 0.05).
↑ Phosphorylated AKT/mTOR by 1.5–2.0-fold (p < 0.05).
↑ Sirt-1 and PGC1α protein levels by ~30% (p < 0.05).
Histology: Vigeo preserved muscle fiber size (p < 0.01), reducing atrophy severity.

Limitations

Multi-ingredient confounder: Effects cannot be attributed solely to Eleuthero; synergy with Schisandra/Acanthopanax is likely.
Model limitations: Dexamethasone-induced atrophy does not fully replicate age-related sarcopenia.
Lack of human data: Findings limited to murine cells/mice; clinical relevance unconfirmed.
Dosage ambiguity: Eleuthero content in Vigeo unspecified; human-equivalent dosing unclear.
Short duration: 7-day in vivo model insufficient to assess long-term efficacy/safety.

Clinical Relevance

Not directly applicable to standalone Eleuthero supplements: Results reflect a specific fermented blend (Vigeo), not isolated Eleuthero.
Potential for sarcopenia support: Suggests fermented botanical blends may combat muscle wasting via AKT/mTOR and AMPK pathways, but human trials are needed.
Practical caution: Consumers should not extrapolate these findings to commercial Eleuthero products. Future research must isolate Eleuthero’s role and validate effects in aging humans.
Research implication: Highlights fermented multi-plant extracts as a promising avenue for muscle health, warranting clinical investigation.

Vigeo Blend Fights Muscle Atrophy - 2024 Study