The Effects of a Botanical Blend on Post-Exercise Mucosal Antimicrobial Proteins

Abstract

Exercise is a stressor that is known to in some cases suppress antimicrobial protein levels, particularly secretory immunoglobulin type A (IgA).  Athletes in the midst of in-season training often demonstrate declining levels of sIgA as well as increased risk for ailments such as upper respiratory tract infections.  Therefore, it is important to investigate natural supplements that may enhance post exercise mucosal immune function. Methods:  Twenty healthy college-aged males volunteered to participate in the present single blind, repeated measures study.  Three treatments were administered (botanical spray, botanical drops, placebo) at the onset of 30 minutes of 80% VO2 max cycle ergometer exercise.  Secretory IgA and Human Alpha Defensin were quantified in saliva samples 30 minutes and 90 minutes post exercise.  Results:  Analysis via repeated measures Anova revealed a significant treatment effect at 30 min (p=0.030) with post hoc testing revealing a difference between the botanical spray and placebo (p=0.027), but by 90 minutes there was no differences by treatment (p=0.758).  There was no difference by treatment observed at either 30 or 90 minutes for human alpha defensin concentrations. Conclusions:  Based upon these preliminary data, it appears that a single dose of the tested botanical blend delivered via mouth spray can increase sIgA, one of the primary anti-microbial proteins in the oral cavity, for a short time post exercise.