Maytenus ilicifolia Extract Increases Oxygen Uptake without Changes in Neuromuscular Fatigue Development during a High-Intensity Interval Exercise

Abstract

Objective We investigated the effects of acute ingestion of Maytenus ilicifolia extract on metabolic and cardiopulmonary responses during a high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE), and its consequence on neuromuscular fatigue. Methods Ten healthy men underwent a HIIE (4 x 4 min, 3 min recovery) one hour after ingesting 400 mg of Maytenus ilicifolia extract (MIE) or placebo. Oxygen uptake (O2), dioxide carbon production (CO2), ventilation (E) and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the HIIE. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), voluntary activation (VA), and evoked 1, 10 and 100 Hz force twitch were measured before supplementation (baseline), and before (pre-HIIE) and after the HIIE (post-HIIE). Results The O2, E, E/O2 ratio and HR increased progressively throughout the HIIE under both conditions (p < 0.05). MIE increased HR, however, at bouts 1 and 2 and mean O2 during HIIE. The mean respiratory exchange ratio during recovery was also reduced with MIE (p < 0.05). MVC and evoked force at 1, 10 and 100 Hz declined similarly after HIIE, regardless of the condition (MIE: −18 ± 17%, −50 ± 15%, −61 ± 13% and −34 ± 10% vs. placebo: −19 ± 15%, −48 ± 16%, −58 ± 12 and −29 ± 11%, respectively, p < 0.05). There was no effect of exercise or MIE on VA (p > 0.05). Conclusion MIE increases heart rate in the first bouts and mean oxygen uptake during HIIE without changes in neuromuscular fatigue development.