• Gushukang Granule-containing serum alleviates dexamethasone-induced C2C12 myotube atrophy by restoring mitochondrial homeostasis and modulating autophagy.
• In vivo, Gushukang Granule improves muscle fiber structure and upregulates mitochondrial function and autophagy-related genes in a rat model of dexamethasone-induced muscle atrophy.
• In vitro, Gushukang-containing serum reduces reactive oxygen species levels, increases cell viability, and restores mitochondrial morphology and function in dexamethasone-treated C2C12 myotubes.
• The therapeutic mechanism involves upregulation of TOMM20, HSP60, and SIRT1, and normalization of LC3 and Beclin-1 expression, suggesting a multi-target approach.