Zanthoxylum schinifolium Leaf Attenuates Muscle Atrophy via the AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway

Abstract Muscles are essential for moving and protecting the body from an external impact. However, when muscle mass decreases due to aging, lack of exercise, or nutritional deficiency, muscle atrophy occurs. Persistent muscle atrophy leads to physical limitations, fatigue, and serious health issues, ultimately decreasing the quality of life. Muscle atrophy is actively treated; however, no commercially available treatments exist. Therefore, preventing muscle atrophy through high-protein foods rich in amino acids, such as leucine, proline, and glutamic acid, along with regular exercise is crucial. This study identified a natural substance rich in proline and glutamic acid and evaluated its effects on the muscle atrophy. Zanthoxylum schinifolium leaf (ZSL) increased the early myoblast differentiation factors MyoD and Myf-5 and promoted myogenin and Myf-6 expression. ZSL reduced MuRF-1, FoXO3a, myostatin, and atrogin-1 expression, thus inhibiting the reduction in the myotube diameter. ZSL is a promising natural material that may prevent muscle loss and support healthy aging.