Effect of Rhodiola Rosea Supplement on Exhaustive Swimming Test and Physical Fatigue in Male Institute of Cancer Research Mice

Abstract

Background Fatigue decreases exercise performance, and affects work capacity and quality of life. Functional supplement use is one of the common methods to alleviate fatigue. Rhodiola rosea (RHR) exerts antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects due to its rich glycosides and has the potential to resist fatigue. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effects of the RHR supplement on physical fatigue induced by exhaustive swimming exercise. Methods Forty institute of cancer research (ICR) mice were divided and assigned to one of four treatment groups (0, 600, 1200, and 3000 mg/kg body weight), with 10 animals in each group. After four weeks of RHR supplement intervention, swimming tests were conducted to assess exercise endurance, the accumulation of blood fatigue markers, and tissue glycogen storage. Results The results showed that after four weeks of the RHR supplement intervention, the exhaustive swimming time significantly increased in three treatment groups with a dose-dependence effect. The accumulation of blood fatigue substances (lactate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatine kinase (CK) was significantly decreased, and glycogen content in the liver and muscle was elevated. Conclusion RHR supplements possess the capacity to enhance exercise performance and prevent exercise-induced fatigue. It is suitable to develop an RHR supplement as a dietary supplement for anti-fatigue.