Rosa rugosa promotes muscle hypertrophy and prevents atrophy in C2C12 myoblasts

Skeletal muscle health is essential for both structural and metabolic functions, making muscle atrophy – the loss of muscle mass – a severe health concern. This study evaluates the potential of Rosa rugosa, an edible plant, to enhance muscle hypertrophy and mitigate muscle atrophy in C2C12 myoblasts. Treatment of Rosa rugosa extract (RRE) promoted myogenic differentiation, as evidenced by morphological changes and upregulation of key myogenic regulatory factors critical for muscle formation. Additionally, RRE activated protein synthesis pathways while suppressing protein degradation pathways. In an inflammatory cytokine-induced muscle atrophy model, RRE preserved myogenic differentiation and inhibited protein breakdown. These findings suggest that RRE fosters an anabolic environment conducive to muscle preservation, underscoring its promise as a functional food ingredient for supporting muscle health.