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Updated: May 5, 2026
Induction and Assessment of Exertional Skeletal Muscle Damage in Humans
Published on: December 11, 2016
The Effects of a Phytochemical Supplement Blend on Markers of Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Randomised Controlled
Josh Thorley1,2, Kirsty M Reynolds1, Matt Nickels1
1School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK.
Background And Objectives:
This study examined the effects of a novel phytochemical supplement blend on markers of exercise-induced muscle damage.
Methods:
In a randomised, parallel group design, 24 healthy participants (14 males) consumed 300 mg of a phytochemical blend (calcium fructoborate, turmeric and pomegranate; PB) or inert placebo for 9 days (n = 12 per condition). On day 7, participants performed 150 drop jumps to induce muscle damage. Markers of neuromuscular function, muscle soreness/pain, perceived exhaustion and sleep quality, were measured pre-exercise and 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise; systemic markers of inflammation, muscle damage, and oxidative stress were measured on these days as well post-exercise and 2.5 h post-exercise.
Results:
There was an interaction effect for pressure pain threshold in the vastus lateralis (p = 0.041), which was ~21% higher in PB 72 h post-exercise (p = 0.074; ds = 0.767). Perceived sleep quality was greater 72 h post-exercise in PB (p = 0.049; rrb = 0.423) and those in the PB condition reported feeling more recovered and less mentally drained post-exercise (p ≤ 0.043). There were no statistically significant between-condition differences for any markers of neuromuscular function, inflammation, oxidative stress or muscle damage (p > 0.05).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a novel PB showed promise for attenuating muscle pain and perceived exhaustion, and improving sleep quality, in the days after muscle damaging exercise. The study protocol was pre-registered on the Open Science Framework Registry (registration number: qgw3a).
