Haematococcus pluvialis extract YHC-T-2414 mitigates exercise- induced fatigue by promoting antioxidant defense and mitochondrial biogenesis.

Algae have long been used for nutritional and health-promoting purposes in several cultures. Haematococcus pluvialis, a microalga widely recognized as a natural source of astaxanthin, has attracted growing interest as a functional bioresource with potential to improve physical performance and alleviate fatigue; however, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of H. pluvialis extract (YHC-T-2414) and its underlying mechanisms. The effects of YHC-T-2414 on cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) activities were evaluated in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced C2C12 myoblasts. Its antioxidant effect was assessed by measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Mice were administered YHC-T-2414 for 3 weeks and subjected to an exhaustive swimming test. Subsequently, fatigue-related biochemical parameters, including lactate, LDH, CK, malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in serum and muscle tissues. YHC-T-2414 attenuated H2O2-induced reductions in cell viability, and reduced LDH and CK activities and ROS generation in H2O2-treated C2C12 myoblasts. Furthermore, it significantly increased swimming time in the forced swimming mouse model while reducing lactate, LDH, CK, MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6. Notably, the anti-fatigue effects of YHC-T-2414 may be associated with regulation of the AMPK-NRF2-KEAP1 and AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1α signaling pathways. Overall, YHC-T-2414 may alleviate fatigue by enhancing antioxidant responses and supporting mitochondrial biogenesis-related signaling pathways.