Black Garlic Supplementation's Effect on Exercise-Induced Increase of Oxidative Stress

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of black garlic (BG) supplementation on exercise-induced increase of oxidative stress (EIOS) and recovery of muscle function. 20 healthy males were assigned to either a BG group (n=11, GG) or placebo group (n=9, PG), during a 14-day-study. Before and after eccentric exercise of elbow flexors, we measured muscle function, blood and urinary biochemistries. Maximal voluntary contraction strength decreased by 35% immediately post exercise in both groups. Recovery of circumference of biceps brachii in GG was significantly faster than in PG during 3-7 days post-exercise. reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) level was lower in GG than in PG during 1-3 days post-exercise, but no significant difference in anti oxidative potential (BAP) was observed between groups. Exercise induced leukocytosis and monocytes, lymphocytes and neutrophils all exhibited significant time effects. A significantly greater creatine kinase level was found on day 3 post-exercise in PG than in GG. Lipid peroxide concentration was lower during 3-7 days post exercise in GG than in PG and the 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α level was significantly greater in PG than in GG at every post-exercise point. These results suggest that BG supplementation had certain effects on suppression of EIOS and might promote the recovery of edema in injured tissue.