6-Week Supplementation with Tribulus terrestris L. to Trained Male CrossFit® Athletes on Muscle, Inflammation, and Antioxidant Biomarkers: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

2022-12-02
International journal of environmental research and public health 19(23)
- Diego Fernández-Lázaro
- Jesús Seco-Calvo
- Jorge Pascual-Fernández
- Carlos Domínguez-Ortega
- Miguel Del Valle Soto
- Juan Mielgo-Ayuso

PubMed: 36498228
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316158

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 30 trained male CrossFit® athletes
Methods: single-blind placebo-controlled trial, 6 weeks of 770 mg/day TT supplementation or placebo
Blinding: Single-blind
Duration: 6 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Tribulus terrestris L. (TT) ingredients have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but their effects on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) in trained athletes are uncertain. The purpose of this single-blind placebo-controlled trial, in accordance with CONSORT guidelines, was to examine the effect of 6 weeks of TT supplementation on muscle metabolism, inflammation biomarkers, and oxidant status. Thirty trained male CrossFit® athletes were randomly assigned to be supplemented with 770 mg/day of TT (intervention group (IG)) or receive a placebo daily (control group (CG)) for 6 weeks. Muscle damage enzymes, inflammation biomarkers, and Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) were assessed at baseline (T1), 21 days after baseline (T2), and after 42 days (T3). Grace, a Workout of the Day, was measured in T1 and T3. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between IG and CG in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), and TAS levels at the end of the follow-up. Furthermore, TAS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the IG, also LDH and CRP increased significantly (p < 0.05) at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the CG. No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes. TT supplementation could attenuate the CrossFit® training program-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and inflammation which could be due to the natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of TT.

Research Insights

Tribulus→Increased Antioxidant Enzyme Levels
TAS levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the IG, also LDH and CRP increased significantly (p < 0.05) at T2 and T3 relative to baseline in the CG.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day
Tribulus→Reduced C-Reactive Protein Levels
Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between IG and CG in ... C-reactive protein (CRP) ... at the end of the follow-up.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day
Tribulus→Reduced Inflammation Markers
No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day
Tribulus→Reduced Lactate Dehydrogenase Level
Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was found between IG and CG in Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) ... at the end of the follow-up.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day
Tribulus→Reduced Muscle Damage
No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day
Tribulus→Reduced Muscle Damage Biomarker Level
No significant (p > 0.05) decreases in muscle damage or inflammation biomarkers were observed, although a slight downward trend was observed after 6 weeks for supplemented athletes.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
770 mg/day