Curcumin reduce creatine kinase (CK) levels without decreasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of curcumin on serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) after 24 hours of high-intensity physical exercise. This experimental study used a pre and post-control group design. A total of 18 healthy men with an average age of 23 years participated in this study. Subjects were selected using a random sampling technique and then the subjects were divided into 2 groups, namely the group given a placebo and the group given curcumin at a dose of 400 mg. On the first day, all subjects took data on the characteristics of the research subjects, and then the subjects did the high-intensity physical exercise in the form of squad and leg press exercises with an intensity of 80-90% of maximum ability. On the second day, after 24 hours, all subjects took pre-test data samples to measure serum CK and MDA levels, then the intervention was given based on their respective groups. On the third day, after 24 hours, all subjects took post-test blood samples to measure CK and MDA serum levels. Blood samples were analyzed in the laboratory using the ELISA method. The results of this study reported that the group given a placebo did not significantly reduce serum CK levels, while the group with curcumin at a dose of 400 mg could significantly reduce CK levels (p<0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant decrease in serum MDA levels in the placebo group or the curcumin group (p>0.05). It can be concluded that the administration of curcumin after 24 hours after high-intensity weight training was able to reduce serum CK levels without a decrease in MDA serum levels. Since the decrease in serum CK levels is an essential part of recovery during muscle damage. Therefore, curcumin is recommended to be taken after 24 hours after exercise to speed up recovery. Keywords: Curcumin; creatine kinase; malondialdehyde; muscle damage; free radicals; physical training