Effect of Humic Acids from Lowland Peat on Endurance of Rats in Forced Swim Test in Relation to Serum Lactate and Corticosterone

The study substantiated the possibility of using peat humic acids for improving endurance during extreme physical exertion. The mature outbred Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g (n=40) were subjected to forced swim test until complete exhaustion. The humic acids (1%) were administered intragastrically (0.5 ml/100 g body weight) 30 min prior to the test. Chronic administration of peat humic acids for 5 days increased physical capacity and endurance of rats in exhaustive forced swim test without the changes in serum lactate and corticosterone.