Stimulatory Effects ofPseudosasa japonicaLeaves on Exercise Performance

Abstract

The performance-enhancing effects of Pseudosasa japonica were investigated in mice using an adjustable-current water pool. Compared to the control group, a 1.5-fold increase in swimming time was observed in the mouse group administered an 80% ethanol extract (PJE) of the leaves of P. japonica. The blood lactate level, an important indicator of fatigue, was significantly lower (28%, P<0.05) in PJE group than in the control group. These results suggest that PJE possesses stimulatory effects that can enhance exercise endurance and reduce fatigue.

3,4-Dihydroxycinnamic Acid Attenuates the Fatigue and Improves Exercise Tolerance in Rats

“…6,7,17,18) Thus a reduction in ROS production, and the more oxidative and less glycolytic glucose metabolism in the groups receiving 3,4-DA is consistent with a reduced production of lactate and with the attenuation of fatigue during the progressive exercise protocol used in this study.…”

“…2) It is recognized that 3,4-DA has several pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, 3,4) anti-inflammatory, 5) and immunomodulatory 6) activities. At a concentration of 10 mM, 3,4-DA completely blocks the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human neutrophils and the xanthine oxidase system.…”

“…Considering that ROS are important fatigue inducers, 6,7) the use of natural antioxidants such as 3,4-DA may have applicability in reducing the levels of fatigue associated with acute and progressive physical exercise.…”

<i>Sasa borealis</i> Extract Efficiently Enhanced Swimming Capacity by Improving Energy Metabolism and the Antioxidant Defense System in Mice

“…This imbalance eventually damages biological molecules, key cellular components, and processes such as lipid peroxidation and enzyme inactivation, in addition to causing oxidative DNA damage (8), leading to deteriorated cellular function. Deteriorating function in skeletal muscle is tightly related to lower exercise capacity (9)(10)(11)(12). Exogenous antioxidants may prevent exercise-induced oxidative damages, since they are able to detoxify certain free radicals and peroxides with enhancing endogenous antioxidants (12)(13)(14).…”

“…Exogenous antioxidants may prevent exercise-induced oxidative damages, since they are able to detoxify certain free radicals and peroxides with enhancing endogenous antioxidants (12)(13)(14). In addition, antioxidants from plant-leaf may improve physiological conditions by promoting and interacting with endogenous antioxidants (3,10,12). Thus, antioxidants can be key elements to combat and reduce the degree of exhaustion.…”