Abstract
Background and objectives: Exercise-induced muscle injury, a consequence of intense physical activity, is characterized by subsequent inflammation. Sports massage frequently employs massage oils, such as jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis (Link.) C.K.Schneid., Simmondsiaceae) oil, which is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, this study investigated the potential of jojoba oil to alleviate exercise-induced muscle injury. Materials and Methods: Male hairless mice, aged eight weeks, were randomly allocated into one of four groups: a naïve control group, a sedentary group treated with jojoba oil (JO), an exercise group without oil application, and an exercise group treated with jojoba oil (JO + Ex). In the JO and JO + Ex groups, 4 μL of jojoba oil per gram of body weight was applied topically to the dorsal skin of the mice 30 min prior to treadmill exercise. Subsequently, plasma biochemical parameters, gene expression in various tissues, and plasma cytokine levels were evaluated. Results: Topical application of jojoba oil did not significantly impact plasma cytokine concentrations. However, it significantly decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (Il-1b and Il-6 in the soleus muscle; Il-1b in the gastrocnemius muscle). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sports massage with jojoba oil may aid in reducing exercise-induced muscle injury and inflammation.