6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Abstract

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but their effects on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in trained athletes are uncertain. The purpose of this single-blind placebo-controlled trial, in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was to examine the effect of 6 weeks of TT supplementation on muscle metabolism, inflammation biomarkers, and oxidant status. Thirty trained male CrossFit® athletes were randomly assigned to be supplemented with 770 mg/day of TT (intervention group (IG)) or receive a placebo daily (control group (CG)) for 6 weeks. Muscle damage enzymes, inflammation biomarkers, and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) were assessed at baseline (T1), 21 days after baseline (T2), and after 42 days (T3). Grace, a Workout of the Day, was measured in T1 and T3. Statistical significance (p< 0.05) was found between IG and CG in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and TAS levels at the end of the follow-up. Furthermore, TAS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the IG, also LDH and CRP increased significantly (p < 0.05) at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the CG. No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes. TT supplementation could attenuate the CrossFit® training program-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation which could be due to the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of TT.

Tribulus terrestris and Sport Performance: A Quantitative and Qualitative Evaluation of Its Advertisement and Availability via Online Shopping in Six Different Countries

“…They should also be informed about potential contamination with banned substances as, even if the consumption of these substances does not extend to a sanction by the WADA [60], it may cause serious adverse effects to their health [41]. For this reason, certified doping-free supplements should always be recommended [65].…”

Effect of Black Maca Supplementation on Inflammatory Markers and Physical Fitness in Male Elite Athletes

“…Extracts of maca contain saponins, phenols, and flavonoids and also have antioxidant activity (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma) [ 21 ]. This antioxidant activity is also associated with lactic acid [ 22 ] and CRP [ 23 ]. Various endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms exist, and antioxidant nutrients are consumed in the diet, which provide protection against the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) [ 24 ].…”

Impact of Melatonin Supplementation on Sports Performance and Circulating Biomarkers in Highly Trained Athletes: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Melatonin modulates inflammation by inhibiting the activation of the NF-κB, JAK/STAT, and MAPK signaling pathways [85,86]. Interestingly, inhibition of the NF-κB pathway is the target of other sports supplements such as N-acetylcysteine [21], curcumin [20], probiotics [13], the antioxidants ascorbate (vitamin C), and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) [87], and Tribulus terrestris [88]. Thus, according to the results described in this systematic review, melatonin supplementation would modulate the inflammatory response in athletes through different protocols [41,42,55].…”