A review of the role of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant medicinal plants in exercise and recovery

[1] Tang Y, Li J, Gao C, Xu Y, Li Y, Yu X, et al. Hepatoprotective effect of quercetin on endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation after intense exercise in mice through phosphoinositide 3-kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2016:8696587.

[2] Powers SK, Nelson WB, Hudson MB. Exercise-induced oxidative stress in humans: cause and consequences. Free Radical Biology and Medicine. 2011;51(5):942-50.

[3] J Mehrabani OK. The effect of acute Glutamine supplementation on inflammation caused by intense physical exercise in young male athletes. Metabolism and sports activity. 2016;6(2):153-64.

[4] Magherini F, Fiaschi T, Marzocchini R, Mannelli M, Gamberi T, Modesti PA, et al. Oxidative stress in exercise training: The involvement of inflammation and peripheral signals. Free radical research. 2019;53(11-12):1155-65.

[5] Lushchak VI. Free radicals, reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress and its classification. Chemico-biological interactions. 2014;224:164-75.

[6] Van Acker H, Coenye T. The role of reactive oxygen species in antibiotic-mediated killing of bacteria. Trends in microbiology. 2017;25(6):456-66.

[7] Tauler P, Sureda A, Cases N, Aguiló A, Rodríguez-Marroyo JA, Villa G, et al. Increased lymphocyte antioxidant defences in response to exhaustive exercise do not prevent oxidative damage. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2006;17(10):665-71.

[8] Valado A, Pereira L, Paula C. Effect of the intense anaerobic exercise on nitric oxide and malondialdehyde in studies of oxidative stress. International Journal of Biology and Biomedical Engineering. 2007;1(1):32-26.

[9] Mousavirad, Tahereh S, Khoshnavaz. Investigating the role of exercise on nervous pressure, mental and physical health and presenting an exercise program from the perspective of professors and students of Alborz University. 2019;1(1):25-47.

[10] Brancaccio M, Mennitti C, Cesaro A, Fimiani F, Moscarella E, Caiazza M, et al. Dietary thiols: A potential supporting strategy against oxidative stress in heart failure and muscular damage during sports activity. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020;17(24):9424.

[11] Pingitore A, Lima GPP, Mastorci F, Quinones A, Iervasi G, Vassalle C. Exercise and oxidative stress: Potential effects of antioxidant dietary strategies in sports. Nutrition. 2015;31(7-8):916-22.

[12]       Atashak S. A review of the antioxidant effects of medicinal plants in athletes. Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2015;14(54):1-14.

[13]       Peeling P, Binnie MJ, Goods PS, Sim M, Burke LM. Evidence-based supplements for the enhancement of athletic performance. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2018;28(2):178-87.

[14]       Prasanth MI, Sivamaruthi BS, Chaiyasut C, Tencomnao T. A review of the role of green tea (Camellia sinensis) in antiphotoaging, stress resistance, neuroprotection, and autophagy. Nutrients. 2019;11(2):474.

[15]       Peluso I, Serafini M. Antioxidants from black and green tea: From dietary modulation of oxidative stress to pharmacological mechanisms. British journal of pharmacology. 2017;174(11):1195-208.

[16]       Bagheri R, Rashidlamir A, Ashtary-Larky D, Wong A, Grubbs B, Motevalli MS, et al. Effects of green tea extract supplementation and endurance training on irisin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and adiponectin concentrations in overweight middle-aged men. European journal of applied physiology. 2020;120:915-23.

17. Nobari H, Saedmocheshi S, Chung LH, Suzuki K, Maynar-Mariño M, Pérez-Gómez J. An overview on how exercise with green tea consumption can prevent the production of reactive oxygen species and improve sports performance. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021;19(1):218.

[18]       Chacko SM, Thambi PT, Kuttan R, Nishigaki I. Beneficial effects of green tea: a literature review. Chinese medicine. 2010;5(1):1-9.

[19]       Rojano-Ortega D. Regular, but not acute, green tea supplementation increases total antioxidant status and reduces exercise-induced oxidative stress: a systematic review. Nutrition Research. 2021;94:34-43.

[20]       Roberts JD, Willmott AG, Beasley L, Boal M, Davies R, Martin L, et al. The impact of decaffeinated green tea extract on fat oxidation, body composition and cardio-metabolic health in overweight, recreationally active individuals. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):764.

[21]       Bagheri R, Rashidlamir A, Ashtary‐Larky D, Wong A, Alipour M, Motevalli MS, et al. Does green tea extract enhance the anti‐inflammatory effects of exercise on fat loss? British journal of clinical pharmacology. 2020;86(4):753-62.

[22]       Braschi A, Lo Presti R, Abrignani MG, Abrignani V, Traina M. Effects of green tea catechins and exercise training on body composition parameters. International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 2022:1-19.

[23]       Molina N, Bolin A, Otton R. Green tea polyphenols change the profile of inflammatory cytokine release from lymphocytes of obese and lean rats and protect against oxidative damage. International immunopharmacology. 2015;28(2):985-96.

[24]       Jówko E, Długołęcka B, Makaruk B, Cieśliński I. The effect of green tea extract supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress parameters in male sprinters. European journal of nutrition. 2015;54:783-91.

[25]       Suzuki K, Takahashi M, Li C-Y, Lin S-P, Tomari M, Shing CM, et al. The acute effects of green tea and carbohydrate coingestion on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress during sprint cycling. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 2015;40(10):997-1003.

[26]       Rahimi MR, Zereh-Tan Lhoni S. Green tea polyphenols attenuate resistance exercise-induced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines in obese men. Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk. 2023;3(1):8-14.

[27]       Fox CD, Garner CT, Mumford PW, Beck DT, Roberts MD. Higher doses of a green tea-based supplement increase post-exercise blood flow following an acute resistance exercise bout in recreationally resistance-trained college-aged men. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2020;17(1):27.

[28]       Aggarwal BB, Kumar A, Bharti AC. Anticancer potential of curcumin: preclinical and clinical studies. Anticancer research. 2003;23(1/A):363-98.

[29]       Jagetia GC, Aggarwal BB. “Spicing up” of the immune system by curcumin. Journal of clinical immunology. 2007;27:19-35.

[30]       Inadera H. The usefulness of circulating adipokine levels for the assessment of obesity-related health problems. International journal of medical sciences. 2008;5(5):248.

[31]       Henrotin Y, Clutterbuck A, Allaway D, Lodwig E, Harris P, Mathy-Hartert M, et al. Biological actions of curcumin on articular chondrocytes. Osteoarthritis and cartilage. 2010;18(2):141-9.

[32]       Salehi M, Mashhadi NS, Esfahani PS, Feizi A, Hadi A, Askari G. The effects of curcumin supplementation on muscle damage, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers in healthy females with moderate physical activity: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. International journal of preventive medicine. 2021;12.

[33]       Hewlings SJ, Kalman DS. Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. Foods. 2017;6(10):92.

[34]       Afshin Rahbarghazi MS. The effect of swimming training and curcumin supplementation on antioxidant indices inactive young men 2021;64(2):2753-62.

[35]       Nosrati‐Oskouie M, Aghili‐Moghaddam NS, Tavakoli‐Rouzbehani OM, Jamialahmadi T, Johnston TP, Sahebkar A. Curcumin: A dietary phytochemical for boosting exercise performance and recovery. Food Science & Nutrition. 2022;10(11):3531-43.

[36]       Saeed Ilbeigi MS, Maliheh Behmadi The effect of two weeks of curcumin supplementation on serum levels of malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase after one session of intense intermittent training in overweight and obese girls. 2023;11(26):30-41.

[37] Ahmadzadeh A PGA, Afroundeh R. The Effect of Eight Weeks of Resistance Training-Cold Water Immersion and Curcumin Supplementation on Muscle Injury and Inflammatory Response Following Acute Strength Activity in Futsal Players Men. Journal of Ardabil University of Medical Sciences. 2020;20:533-50.

[38]       Drobnic F, Riera J, Appendino G, Togni S, Franceschi F, Valle X, et al. Reduction of delayed onset muscle soreness by a novel curcumin delivery system (Meriva®): a randomised, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2014;11(1):31.

[39]       Masopor M, Rezazadeh MV, Mohammaddoost O. Evaluation of the Effects of Six Weeks of TRX Exercise and Curcumin on Muscle Injury Indicators in Female Athletes. Health Research Journal. 2021;6(3):253-61.

[40] Fernández-Lázaro D, Mielgo-Ayuso J, Seco Calvo J, Córdova Martínez A, Caballero García A, Fernandez-Lazaro CI. Modulation of exercise-induced muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative markers by curcumin supplementation in a physically active population: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2020;12(2):501.

[41]       Ayubi N, Kusnanik NW, Herawati L, Komaini A, Cholik T. Effects of Curcumin on Inflammatory Response During Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage (Literature Review). inflammation. 2022;27(2069-5837):30.

[42]       Jäger R, Purpura M, Kerksick CM. Eight weeks of a high dose of curcumin supplementation may attenuate performance decrements following muscle-damaging exercise. Nutrients. 2019;11(7):1692.

[43]       M. Helalizadeh MRLH, H. Rohani,, R. Hajiaghaee EH. Meta-Analysis of the Effectiveness of Saffron Supplementation on Enzymatic Antioxidant Defense Biomarkers in Exercise. Sport Physiology. 2020;12(45):129-52.

[44]       Akbari‐Fakhrabadi M, Najafi M, Mortazavian S, Rasouli M, Memari AH, Shidfar F. Effect of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and endurance training on mitochondrial biogenesis, endurance capacity, inflammation, antioxidant, and metabolic biomarkers in Wistar rats. Journal of food biochemistry. 2019;43(8):e12946.

[45]       Poma A, Fontecchio G, Carlucci G, Chichiricco G. Anti-inflammatory properties of drugs from saffron crocus. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry (Formerly Current Medicinal Chemistry-Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Allergy Agents). 2012;11(1):37-51.

[46]       Herbold NH, Visconti BK, Frates S, Bandini L. Traditional and nontraditional supplement use by collegiate female varsity athletes. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism. 2004;14(5):586-93.

[47]       Hooshmand Moghadam B, Rashidlamir A, Attarzadeh Hosseini SR, Gaeini AA, Kaviani M. The effects of saffron (Crocus sativus L.) in conjunction with concurrent training on body composition, glycaemic status, and inflammatory markers in obese men with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 2022;88(7):3256-71.

[48]       Omidali F, Rasoulian B, Choobineh S. The effects of Short-Term aqueous Saffron extracts consumption on malondialdehyde and anti-oxidant system content of liver of young male rats following an acute bout of exhaustive exercise. Yafte. 2017;19(1):20-30.

[49]       Golpasasndi Shadi AS, Golpasandi Hadi High-intensity interval training combined with saffron supplementation modulates stress-inflammatory markers in obese women with type 2 diabetes. Research in Exercise Nutrition. 2022;1(1):61-55.

[50]       Khosravi A, Khosravi P, Daneshyar S, Valipour Dehnou V. Effect of aerobic exercise combined with saffron extract supplementation on serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and C-reactive protein in rats following an aerobic exercise until exhaustion. complementary Medicine Journal. 2022;11(4):358-71.

[51]       Hosseinzadeh M, TaheriChadorneshin H, Ajam-Zibad M, Abtahi-Eivary S-H. Pre-supplementation of Crocus sativus Linn (saffron) attenuates inflammatory and lipid peroxidation markers induced by intensive exercise in sedentary women. Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science. 2017;7(5):147-51.

[52]       Błaszczyk N, Rosiak A, Kałużna-Czaplińska J. The potential role of cinnamon in human health. Forests. 2021;12(5):648.

[53]       Shang C, Lin H, Fang X, Wang Y, Jiang Z, Qu Y, et al. Beneficial effects of cinnamon and its extracts in the management of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Food & Function. 2021;12(24):12194-220.

[54]       Nakhaee H, Nazarali P, Hanachi P, Hedayati M. The effect of Aerobic Training and Cinnamon Zeylanicum Intake on Total Antioxidant Capacity in Active Women. Internal Medicine Today. 2018;24(2):88-95.

[55]       Durak A, Gawlik-Dziki U, Pecio Ł. Coffee with cinnamon–Impact of phytochemicals interactions on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in vitro activity. Food chemistry. 2014;162:81-8.

[56]       Pagliari S, Forcella M, Lonati E, Sacco G, Romaniello F, Rovellini P, et al. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) Bark Extract after In Vitro Digestion Simulation. Foods. 2023;12(3):452.

[57]       Bayat H. Interactive effect of a period of high-intensity interval training and cinnamon supplementation on the levels of some inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in overweight men. Research in Exercise Nutrition. 2022;1(2):35-42.

[58]       Hassan Moradi mKJ, Mohsen Salesi            Effect of Cinnamon on Immune Responses to an Exhaustive Exercise Session in Active Males. 2023;15(2):17-29.

[59]       Bahri S, Adnyana IK, Hasan MF, Apriantono T, Juniarsyah AD. The Effect of Cinnamon Extract on Recovery and Performance of Weightlifting Athletes. Sport Mont. 2022;20(2):57-61.

[60]       Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Feizi A, Hariri M, Darvishi L, et al. Influence of ginger and cinnamon intake on inflammation and muscle soreness endued by exercise in Iranian female athletes. International journal of preventive medicine. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S11.

[61]       soori r, choopani s, falahian n, ramezankhani a. Comparison of Endurance Training and Endurance Training Combined with Taking Garlic Supplement on Serum Homocysteine Levels, Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Sedentary Women. Iranian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2016;17(6):440-7.

[62]       Tsuneyoshi T. BACH1 mediates the antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2020;19(2):1500-3.

[63]       Ban JO, Oh JH, Kim TM, Kim DJ, Jeong H-S, Han SB, et al. Anti-inflammatory and arthritic effects of thiacremonone, a novel sulfurcompound isolated from garlic via inhibition of NF-κB. Arthritis research & therapy. 2009;11(5):1-13.

64. Wilson EA, Demmig‐Adams B. Antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties of garlic and onions. Nutrition & food science. 2007;37(3):178-83.

[65]       Tsao J-P, Bernard JR, Tu T-H, Hsu H-C, Chang C-C, Liao S-F, et al. Garlic supplementation attenuates cycling exercise-induced oxidative inflammation but fails to improve time trial performance in healthy adults. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2023;20(1):2206809.

[66]       A. Sadeghi MG. The Impact of Short-Term Garlic Supplements on Serum Total Antioxidant Capacity and Malondialdehyde in Active Men after Eccentric Exercise. 2017;15:57-64.

[67].      Khoobkhahi N, Delavar R, Nayebifar S. The combinatory effects of combined training (endurance–resistance) and garlic supplementation on oxidative stress and antioxidant adaptations in untrained boys. Science & Sports. 2019;34(6):410. e1-. e7.

[68]       Ghyasi R, Moslehi A, Naderi R. Combination effect of voluntary exercise and Garlic (Allium sativum) on oxidative stress biomarkers and lipid profile in healthy rats. Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019;25(3):268-73.

[69]       Lee DY, Li H, Lim HJ, Lee HJ, Jeon R, Ryu J-H. Anti-inflammatory activity of sulfur-containing compounds from garlic. Journal of medicinal food. 2012;15(11):992-9.

[70]       Damirchi A, Zareei AS, Sariri R. Salivary antioxidants of male athletes after aerobic exercise and garlic supplementation on: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research. 2015;5(3):146-52.

[71]       Mbaveng A, Kuete V. Zingiber officinale.  Medicinal Spices and Vegetables from Africa: Elsevier; 2017. p. 627-39.

[72]       Mashhadi NS, Ghiasvand R, Askari G, Hariri M, Darvishi L, Mofid MR. Anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ginger in health and physical activity: review of current evidence. International journal of preventive medicine. 2013;4(Suppl 1):S36.

[73]       Afshan S RV. Comparing the effect of two resistance training with and without supplement ginger on inflammatory markers. Research in Medicine 2016; 40 (3) :118-124. Research in Medicine. 2016;40(3):118-24.

[74]       Helalizadeh M HE, Labbafi M, Rohani H, Hajiaghaee R. Effect of ginger supplement on lipid peroxidation induced by exercise- A meta-analysis study. J. Med. Plants 2020; 19 (74) :25-38. 2020;19(74):25-38.

[75]       Helalizadeh M, Hatami E, Labbafi M, Rohani H, Hajiaghaee R. Effect of ginger supplement on lipid peroxidation induced by exercise-A meta-analysis study. Journal of Medicinal Plants. 2020;19(74):25-38.

[76]       Pirollahi Milad KH, Mohse Akbarpourbani. The effect of ginger supplementation on creatine kinase and plasma uric acid of young cyclists after an endurance training session. 2018;11(3):46-56.

[77]       Atashak S, Peeri M, Azarbayjani MA, Stannard SR. Effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) supplementation and resistance training on some blood oxidative stress markers in obese men. Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness. 2014;12(1):26-30.

[78]       Matsumura MD, Zavorsky GS, Smoliga JM. The effects of pre‐exercise ginger supplementation on muscle damage and delayed onset muscle soreness. Phytotherapy Research. 2015;29(6):887-93.

[79]         Black CD, O'Connor PJ. Acute effects of dietary ginger on muscle pain induced by eccentric exercise. Phytotherapy research. 2010;24(11):1620-6.