The linkage between Qi and
mitochondria was investigated by exploring the effect of Traditional Chinese
Medicine (TCM) Qi-invigorating herbs on mitochondrial function at the
biochemical and molecular levels. Three Chinese herbs (Astragali radix, Herba cistanche, Panax
ginseng) were used to treat cultured mouse kidney cells and the
generation of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was measured. The Qi-invigorating
herb, Astragali radix,
was selected for further study using additional biological and molecular
parameters, including ATP, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial
membrane potential (MMP), mtDNA copies,
superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), cell growth, cell viability and
transcriptomes. We also chose two concentrations of Astragali radix to study the
hormetic effect. The results indicated that: 1) Qi-invigorating herbs have
significant effects on the function of mitochondria, with ATP production and
the antioxidant capacity being significantly enhanced, and ROS levels
being reduced, allowing for a more optimal oxidation environment. The effect of
the herbs followed a hormetic curve with a stimulating effect at lowerdoses but an inhibiting effect at high
doses; 2) The growth of the cells was notaffected
despite numerous biochemical changes associated with mitochondrialfunction, indicating the powerful ability
of mitochondria to maintain cellular homeostasis; 3) The up-regulation of NOCT
gene, related to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) synthesis, offers a
molecular basis for the ATP-promoting effect of the Qi-invigorating herbs. This
work provides additional insight into the efficacy of TCM herbs from a western
perspective.
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