Abstract
Korean mistletoe has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions and may be a useful training supplement. We investigated the effect of Korean mistletoe extract (KME) on inflammatory markers after high-intensity exercise by 20 university male rowers (KME group vs. CON group) consuming 110 mL KME/dose (2 times a day over 8 weeks). Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum cytokine levels at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were used as markers for inflammation. After supplementation, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were significantly lowered in the KME group than in the CON group at baseline, immediately after exercise, and following 30 minutes of recovery. KME can reduce high-strength exercise-induced increases in the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in active individuals and improve anti-inflammatory functions.
Highlights
Exercise promotes health, prevents disease, increases life expectancy, and is considered to some to be a medicine
During the 2,000 m rowing ergometer trial test, there was no difference in heart rate between groups and periods (KME group before: 173:33 ± 12:26 bpm, after: 178:29 ± 16:43 bpm, t = −1:032, p = 0:329; CON group before: 174:39 ± 13:95 bpm, after: 178:91 ± 8:52 bpm, t = −1:514, p = 0:164)
There was no significant difference in performance for the 2,000 m rowing test between the Korean mistletoe extract (KME) group (418:25 ± 14:03 s) and the CON group (420:98 ± 16:64 s) prior to the experiment (t = −:397, p = 0:696)
Summary
Prevents disease, increases life expectancy, and is considered to some to be a medicine. Arduous conditions during exercise activate neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages It can increase levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and amplify different aspects of inflammation through cytokine action [5]. These factors impede exercise performance and increase interactions between serum inflammatory cytokines and other organ systems, resulting in signs and symptoms of inflammation [1, 6]. IL-6 levels change significantly in response to exercise It is mostly activated during skeletal muscle contraction and plays crucial roles in the control of immune and metabolic functions [9]. Inflammatory proteins, enzymes, and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been used as biomarkers in medicine to assess levels of inflammation, infection, and injury [12]
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