Biotechnological Exploration of Plant- and Animal-Derived Bioactive Compounds for Therapeutic and Rehabilitation Applications

Abstract

Musculoskeletal injuries have continued to be a leading cause of long-term disability, which requires novel bioactive-based treatment options to increase tissue healing and functional outcome. This is an experimental study examining the regenerative and anti-inflammatory effects curcumin (plant-based polyphenol of Curcuma longa) and marine collagen peptides (animal-based bioactive proteins) on a rat skeletal muscle injury model. These two compounds were purified and biotechnologically extracted, and then the physicochemical characterization of the compounds was performed through HPLC and spectroscopy. The treatment effects were assessed during histological muscle fiber (or collagen deposition), the examination of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-a, IL-6), and the expression of myogenic markers (MyoD, Myogenin).

The pro-inflammatory level of cytokines and NF-kB activation were greatly inhibited by the administration of curcumin, which reflects good modulation of anti-inflammatory activities. Marine collagen peptides increased extra cellular matrix remodeling effects and a faster rate of myofibrillar regeneration by increasing collagen synthesis and promoting expression of myogenic regulatory factors. It was interesting to note that combined treatment had a synergistic effect on muscle fiber cross-sectional area and functional recovery measures.