Abstract
In this study, the antifatigue and sports performance enhancement effects of safflower extracts were evaluated in mice. Antifatigue effect of mice was judged by determining Blood Lactate Concentration (BLA) after a rolling stick and forced swimming exercise. Sports performance was evaluated by calculation of swimming endurance time and hypoxia tolerance time. BLA in test groups (weather low dose or high dose) was significantly lower than that of control groups (p < 0.05) after forced swimming and rolling stick exercise. The swimming endurance time in the test groups was significantly prolonged (p < 0.05) relative to the control groups. Furthermore, the hypoxia tolerance time in low-dose group was significantly longer (p < 0.05) as compared to the control group. Safflower extracts detectably relieve exercise-induced fatigue; as well as significantly increase the exercise endurance capacity and hypoxia tolerance in mice. Key words: Anti-fatigue, safflower, sports performance, swimming exercise, hypoxiatolerance, blood lactate concentration.
Highlights
Exercise-induced fatigue refers to the listless condition resulting from excessive exertion (“over-exercise”), leading to diminished bodily and mental functions (Wu et al, 2003; Chen et al, 2004; Gao and Chen, 2003)
Antifatigue effect of mice was judged by determining Blood Lactate Concentration (BLA) after a rolling stick and forced swimming exercise
The results suggested that safflower extracts may inhibit the production of blood lactate during exercise and relive the exercise-induced fatigue
Summary
Exercise-induced fatigue refers to the listless condition resulting from excessive exertion (“over-exercise”), leading to diminished bodily and mental functions (Wu et al, 2003; Chen et al, 2004; Gao and Chen, 2003). Free radicals cause metabolic disturbance, which is the major factor in exercise-induced fatigue (Guo and Wu, 2007). Both normal and exhaustive exercises can cause an increase in free radicals in hepatic tissues and cause liver cell damage (Voces et al, 1999; Gul et al, 2006). The herb has a faint aroma and is slightly bitter (Zheng, 1999) Safflower is both an edible and medicinal plant issued by Ministry of Health in China and consumed safely (Guan et al, 1999). This study evaluated the antifatigue and sport enhancement activity of safflower, assessed by forced swimming and rolling stick exercises, and hypoxia tolerance in mice. The results obtained from this study may offer further information for application of safflower in sports dietetics and nutrition
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