Formulation and Evaluation of an Adaptogenic Formula to Improve Performance of Athletes Practicing Anaerobic Exercises

摘要

Background and Objectives: The increased physical performance, delayed muscular fatigue, reduced recovery time and improved endurance is the ultimate aim of mostly all athletes. An adaptogenic formula was prepared for athletes of anaerobic exercises for achieving these goals. Materials and Methods: Fifteen healthy male taekwondo athletes of age 20.29±0.81 years participated in this program. The formula is composed of whey protein concentrate, L-arginine, root extract of Korean red Panax ginseng and cocoa powder. Participants continued on the program of the adaptogenic formula for 4 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, medical and mood states assessment and physical performance were evaluated. Biochemical evaluation including serum lactate dehydrogenase-5 (LDH-5), creatine kinase (CK), cortisol, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney functions were followed before and after enrolling in the program. Results: There was a highly significant improvement in recovery time and physical performance that reflects the efficiency of the formula to remove or combat undesirable metabolic by-products of the anaerobic oxidation. Biochemical evaluation revealed a significant reduction in LDH-5, CK, cortisol, a non-significant decrease in MDA, a significant increase in NO and a non-significant rise in TAC, while there was no change in CBC, liver and kidney functions indicating that the prepared formula was safe and could direct the metabolism towards clearance of by-products due to anaerobic oxidation that cause fatigue and cell degradation. Conclusion: It can be concluded that using this formula by athletes of anaerobic exercises leads to getting rid of anaerobic by-products thus helps to combat muscular fatigue, enhance recovery time and improve athletic performance provided that it can be used for longer time.