Gynostemma Pentaphyllum Increases Exercise Performance and Alters Mitochondrial Respiration and AMPK in Healthy Males

This research aimed to determine the effects of Gynostemma pentaphyllum () on exercise performance, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and mitochondrial signaling in human muscle. This randomized double-blind placebo control crossover study provided placebo or 450 mg of dried leaf extract equivalent to 2.25 g of dry leaf per day for four weeks to 16 healthy untrained young males, separated by four weeks wash-out. Following 4-week supplementation with participants had significantly lower leptin and blood glucose levels and improved time trial performance over 20 km, which corresponded with a higher muscle oxygen flux compared to placebo. Muscle AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation significantly increased after 60 min exercise following supplementation. AMPK Thr172 phosphorylation levels relative to total AMPK increased earlier following exercise with compared to placebo. Total ACC-α was lower following supplementation compared to placebo. While further research is warranted, supplementation improved exercise performance in healthy untrained males, which corresponded with improved mitochondrial respiration, altered AMPK and ACC, and decreased plasma leptin and glucose levels.