Effect of an herbal/botanical supplement on strength, balance, and muscle function following 12-weeks of resistance training: a placebo controlled study

Abstract

BackgroundStemSport (SS; StemTech International, Inc. San Clemente, CA) contains a proprietary blend of the botanical Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and several herbal antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. SS has been purported to accelerate tissue repair and restore muscle function following resistance exercise. Here, we examine the effects of SS supplementation on strength adaptations resulting from a 12-week resistance training program in healthy young adults.MethodsTwenty-four young adults (16 males, 8 females, mean age = 20.5 ± 1.9 years, mass = 70.9 ± 11.9 kg, stature = 176.6 ± 9.9 cm) completed the twelve week training program. The study design was a double-blind, placebo controlled parallel group trial. Subjects either received placebo or StemSport supplement (SS; mg/day) during the training. 1-RM bench press, 1-RM leg press, vertical jump height, balance (star excursion and center of mass excursion), isokinetic strength (elbow and knee flexion/extension) and perception of recovery were measured at baseline and following the 12-week training intervention.ResultsResistance training increased 1-RM strength (p < 0.008), vertical jump height (p < 0.03), and isokinetic strength (p < 0.05) in both SS and placebo groups. No significant group-by-time interactions were observed (all p-values >0.10).ConclusionsThese data suggest that compared to placebo, the SS herbal/botanical supplement did not enhance training induced adaptations to strength, balance, and muscle function above strength training alone.

Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Markers of Oxidative Stress and Muscle Damage after Strength Exercise: A Systematic Review

“…Regular physical exercise is associated with health benefits and decreased mortality [16,[36][37][38]. However, strenuous exercise generates oxidative stress and a pro-inflammatory state, among other negative consequences [1,[38][39][40].…”

An Overview of Physical Exercise and Antioxidant Supplementation Influences on Skeletal Muscle Oxidative Stress

“…During the RT, subjects were also given antioxidant supplements, a proprietary herbal/botanical combination (1575 mg, 2 times a day), and Aphanizomenon flos-aquae extract (1000 mg, 3 times daily). Finally, the researchers discovered no variations in the patients' balance, strength, or muscular function [64].…”

Effects of a 12-Week Resistance Training Program on Arterial Stiffness: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Current guidelines suggest that healthy adults participate in strength training activities for at least 2 days a week using moderate-to-high training intensities. These recommendations are based on findings that chronic resistance training improves indices for blood pressure (BP) (27,42), insulin sensitivity (3), body composition (51), balance (21), and bone and skeletal muscle strength (57). However, its impact on other markers for cardiovascular health remains unclear.…”