Standardized astragalus extract for attenuation of the immunosuppression induced by strenuous physical exercise: randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background This paper aimed to verify how a supplementation of rower’s diet with Astragalus Membranaceus Root (AMR) modulated their immune system response to maximal physical exertion. Methods The doubleblind study included 18 members of the Polish Rowing Team assigned to the supplemented group (n = 10), and the placebo group (n = 8). The participants performed a 2000 m test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the sixweek of intensive training camp during which the supplemented group received 500 mg of AMR. Blood samples were obtained prior to, one minute after completing, and 24 hours after the exertion test. The levels of interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin 10 (IL10), interferon ɤ (IFNɣ), and lactate acid were determined. Subpopulations of T regulatory lymphocytes [CD4+/CD25+/CD127−] (Treg), cytotoxic lymphocytes [CD8+/TCRαβ+] (CTL), natural killer cells [CD3−/CD16+/CD56+] (NK), and TCRδγpositive cells (Tδγ) were determined with flow cytometry. Results After the camp, the initial NK and Treg levels sustained at the baseline, while Tδγ counts increased by about x [y z] % relative to the levels in the placebo group. In the supplemented subgroup, a change in IL2 level in reaction to maximal exertion clearly decreased (x [y x]%), while the change in IL2/IL10 level induced by the recovery after this exertion clearly increased (x[y z] %), relative to the changes in the placebo group. Conclusions AMR restored the immunological balance through a stabilization of NK and Treg cells with a positive trend in Tδγ towards Th1 response during restitution by cytokine IL2 modulation.

An integrated network pharmacology and metabolomics approach to reveal the immunomodulatory mechanism of Brassica rapa L. (Tibetan Turnip) in fatigue mice

“…astragalus) with anti-fatigue effects could attenuate strenuous physical exercise-induced immunosuppression based on exercise immunology. 40 The drug-containing serum of BE probably demonstrated immunomodulatory effects via increasing cell viability (Fig. 7A) and suppressing the phenotype transformations to pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage (Fig.…”

“…astragalus) with anti-fatigue effects could attenuate strenuous physical exercise-induced immunosuppression based on exercise immunology. 40 The drug-containing serum of BE probably demonstrated immuno-…”