The effectiveness of natural supplements on prevention and treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness and markers of muscle damage: a review of literature

Bert H. Jacobson,Brandie C. Cheshier

doi:10.14712/23366052.2021.4

Abstract

Objective. Unaccustomed or high-intensity eccentric exercise often leads to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that presents as pain, soreness, or swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are often used to treat DOMS. Due to the potential adverse effects of NSAIDs, commerically available supplements have been suggested as a potential alternative treatment of DOMS. The purpose of this review is to examine the effects of commerically available supplements on DOMS and markers of muscle damage and inflammation. Method. Existing publications were examined and summarized regarding the effects of supplements such as curcumin, green tea extract, ginseng, ginger, branch chain amino acids, anatabine, pomegranate juice, and protease on DOMS and markers of both muscle damage and inflammation following eccentric exercise. Results. Consuming branched chain amino acids (BCAA), pomegranate, and curcumin appear to have the greatest effect in preventing and treating DOMS. Anatabine and ginseng do not appear to decrease markers of muscle damage, inflammation, or DOMS. Conclusion. Consuming supplements before or after exercise with anti-inflammatory and analgesia properties may be just as effective as NSAIDs in treating and preventing DOMS. Further studies should be conducted to determine the long-term effects of commerically available supplements and the safest dosage that can be consumed for maximal benefits.

Highlights

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is an overuse injury that occurs after unaccustomed or high-intensity eccentric exercise (Cheung, Hume, & Maxwell, 2003), and can occur in novice and elite athletes alike
Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) presents itself as pain, muscle soreness, swelling, and stiffness 8 to 24 hours post-exercise and peaks 24–48 hr following an unaccustomed bout of eccentric exercise and resolves within 10 days following exercise (Manimmanakorn et al, 2016; Mchugh, Connolly, Eston, & Gleim, 1999; Meamarbashi, 2017)
Most researchers agree that DOMS is caused by muscle damage and inflammation (Amalraj, Divya, & Gopi, 2020; Hoseinzadeh, Daryanoosh, Baghdasar, & Alizadeh, 2015) (Figure 1)

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is an overuse injury that occurs after unaccustomed or high-intensity eccentric exercise (Cheung, Hume, & Maxwell, 2003), and can occur in novice and elite athletes alike. Nicol, Rowlands, Fazakerly and Kellett (2015) examined the effects of curcumin on DOMS, sport performance, and markers of muscle damage and inflammation They discovered that when moderately trained men consumed 2.5 g of curcumin twice a day for five days (two days prior and three days post exercise), curcumin decreased DOMS and increased jump height 24 hr and 48 hr after exercise. Da Silva, Machado, Souza, Mello-Carpes, & Carpes (2018) examined the effects of 500 mg green tea extract over the course of 15 days post eccentric exercise They found green tea extract did not improve markers of muscle damage (CK, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)) or decrease oxidative stress (ROS, or ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)). To gain a better insight in the potential post exercise benefits of protease, again, more research should be conducted (Table 8)

DISCUSSION

Findings

Design