Effects of Resveratrol Supplementation on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness and Muscle Recovery: A Systematic Review

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and impaired muscle recovery significantly affect athletes and recreational exercisers, influencing their performance and training consistency. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, is thought to mitigate these effects, yet its effectiveness remains to be fully verified. This systematic review evaluates the impact of RES supplementation on muscle recovery in adults by examining its influence on DOMS, oxidative stress, and inflammation, along with its interactions with other supplements. Three electronic databases and one registry were searched in October 2023. A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a combined participant count of 238 (N=238). The review encompassed diverse participant populations, exercise types, and resveratrol dosages. The findings indicated that resveratrol potentially reduces markers of muscle damage, such as creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase, and alleviates DOMS symptoms to varying degrees. However, results varied based on exercise intensity, participant demographics, timing of supplementations and dosages. Synergistic interaction studies suggested that resveratrol, in combination with other compounds, could be more effective in exerting its effects. Despite promising findings, the research was limited by diverse study designs and the absence of long-term impact assessments. Further studies should standardise methods and explore resveratrol's long-term safety and effectiveness. Nevertheless, these results underscore resveratrol's potential as a beneficial supplement in exercise and sports medicine, meriting additional detailed exploration to refine its use.