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PC-12

Protective effects of Anemarrhena asphodeloides extract on tissue wasting in

cancer cachexia

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Y u -Lin Chou, Lei Wan*

1 Graduate Institute of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404328,
Taiwan
* E-mail: leiwan@mail.cmu.edu.tw

Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a debilitating syndrome involving body weight loss, skeletal muscle
atrophy, and adipose tissue depletion, severely worsening patient outcomes and quality of life.
Currently, there is no effective pharmacological therapy, underscoring the urgent need for novel
complementary interventions. Anemarrhena asphodeloides, a traditional Chinese medicinal
herb with anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory properties, has shown potential in
modulating lipid metabolism and alleviating wasting conditions. This study aims to investigate
the protective effects of A. asphodeloides extract on adipose tissue preservation during cancer
cachexia. Preliminary evidence suggests that its bioactive constituents can attenuate lipolysis
and promote adipocyte survival. These effects may be mediated by anti-inflammatory and
metabolic regulatory pathways involved in energy homeostasis. Collectively, these insights
provide a strong rationale for future in vitro and in vivo studies to elucidate the molecular
mechanisms and evaluate its potential as a complementary therapeutic option for cachexia
management.

Keywords: Cancer cachexia; Adipose wasting; Anemarrhena asphodeloides extract; Traditional
Chinese medicine