Abstract

Modified SOUL-tang (MST) has been known to improve recovery of energy, regulation of body heat, and improvement of qi circulation, but the scientific evidence of MST has not been established. Here, we aimed to determine the energy-regulating effect of MST on performance in the forced swimming test (FST) and on RAW264.7 macrophage activity. MST was administered orally once a day for 28 days. On the 28 days, the immobility time in the FST was significantly decreased in the MST-fed group in comparison with the control group. MST induced a significant increase in serum interferon-γ, interlukin-2, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels compared with the control group. In vitro experiments demonstrated that MST significantly increased the expression of TNF-α, nitric oxide (NO), and inducible NO synthase in RAW264.7 macrophages. Furthermore, MST stimulation induced the phosphorylation of IκBα, subsequently promoting the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB. These results indicate that MST enhances energy by boosting immune function, suggesting its potential as an energizer for individuals with energy deficiency.