Dillapiole, a Phenylpropanoid from Piper aduncum and Dill Weed, Attenuates H2O2-Induced Muscle Atrophy in C2C12 Myotubes

Skeletal muscle atrophy is closely associated with oxidative stress-induced inflammatory responses, which lead to the activation of catabolic pathways and the loss of myotube integrity. Dillapiole, a phenylpropanoid compound derived from several aromatic plants, has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting its potential benefits in conditions characterized by muscle wasting. This study aimed to investigate whether dillapiole attenuates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced muscle atrophy in C2C12 myotubes and to elucidate its regulatory effects on key atrogenes. C2C12 myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes and then exposed to H₂O₂ to induce oxidative stress-mediated atrophy in the presence or absence of dillapiole. These findings indicate that dillapiole protects C2C12 myotubes against H₂O₂-induced muscle atrophy primarily by attenuating oxidative stress–associated inflammatory responses and suppressing the expression of Atrogin-1 and MuRF1.