Effects of allicin supplementation on plasma markers of exercise-induced muscle damage, IL-6 and antioxidant capacity

Eur J Appl Physiol. 2008 Jun;103(3):275-83. doi: 10.1007/s00421-008-0699-5. Epub 2008 Feb 28.

Abstract

To investigate the effects of allicin supplementation on exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and antioxidative capacity, a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted in well-trained athletes. Subjects were randomly assigned to an allicin supplementation group (AS group) and a control group, and received either allicin or placebo for 14 days before and 2 days after a downhill treadmill run. Plasma creatine kinase (CK), muscle-specific creatine kinase (CK-MM), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), IL-6, superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidative capacity (TAC), and perceived muscle soreness were measured pre and post exercise. AS group had significantly lower plasma levels of CK, CK-MM and IL-6, and reduced perceived muscle soreness after exercise, when compared with the control group. AS group also demonstrated a trend toward reducing plasma concentration of LDH after exercise (P = 0.08), although not statistically significant. Allicin supplementation induced a higher value of TAC at rest, and this higher value was maintained 48 h after exercise, however, there was no difference in SOD values after exercise between the two groups. The results suggested that allicin might be a potential agent to reduce EIMD. Further studies concerning anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of allicin on EIMD are needed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage*
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Capsules
  • Creatine Kinase / blood
  • Creatine Kinase, MM Form / blood
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Disulfides
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / blood
  • Male
  • Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects*
  • Muscle, Skeletal / enzymology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Pain / metabolism
  • Pain / prevention & control
  • Pain Measurement
  • Running
  • Sulfinic Acids / administration & dosage*
  • Superoxide Dismutase / blood
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Biomarkers
  • Capsules
  • Disulfides
  • Interleukin-6
  • Sulfinic Acids
  • allicin
  • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
  • Superoxide Dismutase
  • Creatine Kinase
  • Creatine Kinase, MM Form