Effect of Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation on Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Markers: A Pilot Study.

2022-09-08
Journal of dietary supplements 20(6)
- Leila Ataei
- Christoforos D Giannaki
- Christos Petrou
- George Aphamis

PubMed: 36073362
DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2022.2120147

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: thirteen healthy men
Methods: randomized, double-blind, crossover design study, received either a daily supplement of Tribulus terrestris L. or a placebo for 4 weeks (2-week wash-out period between trials)
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 4 weeks

Tribulus terrestris L. contains compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but its effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses are unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation can attenuate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses to acute aerobic exercise and improve DOMS. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design study, thirteen healthy men received either a daily supplement of Tribulus terrestris L. or a placebo for 4 weeks (2-week wash-out period between trials). Before and after the supplementation periods, participants performed an exercise test to exhaustion (75% VO₂max). DOMS, thigh girth, and knee joint range of motion (KJRM) were assessed before and after the exercise (2, 24, and 48 h). Blood samples were analyzed for reduced (GSH) and oxidized (GSSG) glutathione, GSH/GSSG ratio, protein carbonyls, total antioxidant capacity, creatine kinase activity, white blood cell count, and TBARS. Acute exercise to exhaustion induced inflammatory responses and changed the blood redox status in both Tribulus and Placebo groups (p < 0.050). Tribulus terrestris L. improved GSH fall (p = 0.005), GSSG rise (p = 0.001) and maintained a higher level of GSH/GSSG ratio at the 2 h point (p = 0.034). TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050). Tribulus terrestris L. administration did not affect DOMS, thigh girth, or KJRM (p > 0.050). 4-weeks of Tribulus terrestris L. supplementation effectively attenuates oxidative stress responses but cannot improve DOMS.

Research Insights

Tribulus→Improved Glutathione Level
Tribulus terrestris L. improved GSH fall (p = 0.005), GSSG rise (p = 0.001) and maintained a higher level of GSH/GSSG ratio at the 2 h point (p = 0.034).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tribulus→Reduced Creatine Kinase Activity
TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tribulus→Reduced Lipid Peroxidation
TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tribulus→Reduced Protein Carbonyl Level
TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tribulus→Reduced White Blood Cell Count
TBARS were lowered, protein carbonyls, creatine kinase activity, and white blood cell count elevation diminished significantly (p < 0.050).
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Tribulus→Unchanged Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Tribulus terrestris L. administration did not affect DOMS, thigh girth, or KJRM (p > 0.050).
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small