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Aged garlic extract ameliorates physical fatigue.
Naoaki Morihara1, Mitsuyasu Ushijima, Naoki Kashimoto
1Healthcare Research Institute, Wakunaga Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Akitakata, Hiroshima, Japan. morihara_n@wakunaga.co.jp
Biological & Pharmaceutical Bulletin
|May 3, 2006
Summary
Aged garlic extract (AGE) effectively combats physical fatigue in rats by enhancing aerobic metabolism and reducing oxidative stress. This study reveals AGE
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Physical fatigue is a significant concern impacting performance and recovery.
- Aged garlic extract (AGE) shows promise as an anti-fatigue agent.
- Understanding AGE's mechanism in fatigue is crucial for its application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical mechanisms underlying AGE's anti-fatigue effects in rats.
- To determine how AGE influences key biomarkers of physical exertion and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Rats underwent 4 weeks of repeated treadmill exercise.
- Aged garlic extract (AGE) was administered before exercise sessions.
- Biomarkers including succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, and lactic acid were measured.
Main Results:
- AGE increased SDH activity by 40%, indicating enhanced aerobic metabolism.
- AGE maintained SOD activity, mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress.
- AGE doubled NO metabolite levels, suggesting improved oxygen supply via vasodilation.
- Lactic acid levels remained unchanged, showing no significant impact on anaerobic metabolism.
Conclusions:
- Aged garlic extract (AGE) ameliorates physical fatigue by supporting aerobic glucose metabolism and attenuating oxidative stress.
- AGE promotes oxygen supply through vasodilation, contributing to its anti-fatigue properties.
- These findings support AGE as a potential supplement for managing exercise-induced fatigue.