Maca could improve endurance capacity possibly by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis pathways and antioxidant response in exercised rats.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to shed light on the effect of a novel Lepidium peruvianum (Maca) blend on anti-fatigue capacities in exercised rats. Twenty-eight male albino rats were allocated into four groups (n=7) at random: (i) Control (vehicle), (ii) Maca: (40 mg/kg/BW), (iii) WL-FST: weight-loaded forced swimming test group, and (iv) WL-FST + Maca group. Maca supplementation increased swimming time to exhaustion (p < .01), while decreased serum lactate and liver glycogen concentrations. Maca addition resulted in lower levels of serum, liver, and muscle MDA (p < .05). Muscle GPx activity increased in both Maca groups (p < .001). Moreover, NF-κB levels were less in the WL-FST + Maca compared to the WL-FST group (p < .001). Nrf1, Nrf2, PGC-1α, SIRT1, and TFAM levels were augmented in the WL-FST + Maca compared to the WL-FST (p < .05). Consequently, our Maca blend increased endurance capacity and prevented exercise-induced oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The brassica species Lepidium peruvianum (maca) has been consumed in Peru for centuries to enhance mood, libido, and energy. Although the positive effects of this plant on energy metabolism are accredited, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects have not been sufficiently elucidated. The current study's findings suggest that this innovative, exclusive maca powder blend can boost endurance while preventing oxidative stress and lactic acid buildup during acute exercise. The mechanism of this efficacy is thought to be caused by maca's regulatory properties on energy metabolism signaling receptors and strong antioxidant scavenging effects on the free radicals that are produced by prolonged exhaustive exercise periods.