Effects of Yogic Practice on Metabolism and Antioxidant–Redox Status of Physically Active Males

Abstract

Regular yogic practice can improve resting metabolism and redox status of the practitioner.

Biological markers for the effects of yoga as a complementary and alternative medicine

“…In another study conducted on physically active males from Indian Air Force, activity of glutathione Stransferase increased significantly (p<0.001), while GPx activity decreased significantly (p<0.001). GR activity also increased significantly (p<0.05) following 3 months yogic practice [17].…”

“…Vitamin C and vitamin E both are potent components of an antioxidant defense system. The levels of vitamin C and vitamin E were increased significantly (p<0.001) following yogic practices [17].…”

“…Level of glutathione (GSH) is a major non-enzymatic intracellular marker of antioxidant status [4]. The level of Glutathione increased significantly from 235.3 + 16.9 nmol/L to 331.7 + 37.6 nmol/L among male volunteers of Indian navy who practiced yoga [17]. A Pilot study among pre-diabetics showed no significant difference between the baseline value 7.8 ± 2.5 and the final value 8.2 ± 2.4 after 3-months of yoga practice [18].…”

“…GSH can be oxidized to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) with the action of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in response to oxidative stress and Glutathione reductase (GR) recycle GSSG to its reduced state using reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) as hydrogen donor. The ratio of GSH/GSSG, also known as the glutathione redox ratio (GRR) is a sensitive indicator of oxidative stress and has been shown to increase significantly (p<0.001) after 3 months of yoga practice (Yogasana, pranayama, and meditation) [17,20].…”

“…Superoxide radical (O 2 −• ) is highly active oxidant however, SOD detoxifies superoxide radical (O 2 −• ) by converting it to hydrogen peroxide and O 2 ; further, catalase and GSH detoxifies hydrogen peroxide into water and alcohol [21]. The activity of SOD increases significantly after following 3 months yoga practice among healthy individuals [17] whereas, Hegde et al documented significant decrease in SOD activity (unit/gmHb) after 3 months of yogic practices (Yogasana, shavasana and pranayama) 4721.0 ± 1263.0 (3992.0-5450) vs. 4340.0 ± 978.0 (3776.0-4905.0) among pre-diabetes patients [18]. There was significant 4.65% increase in SOD activity and 0.09% in catalase among patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis who practiced hatha yoga for 4-months [22].…”