Abstract
PURPOSE: Sudden and exhaustive exercise causes muscle damage accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. AmLexin contains a standardized blend of extracts from the heartwood of Acacia catechu and the root bark of Morus alba, and is known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of this proprietary blend supplementation on muscular pain and redox balance in healthy runners, in comparison to a placebo. METHODS: A double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out over 9 weeks in a single center. Thirty physically active male and female subjects within 18-70 years of age were randomized into AmLexin (mean age = 42.92 ± 2.48 and gender 7/5, male/female, respectively) and placebo (mean age = 41.15 ± 3.5 and gender 10/3, male/female, respectively) groups. Subjects were supplemented with 400 mg of AmLexin/day or a look-alike placebo during an 8-week training program, and for one week following a 13.1-mile half-marathon. Twenty-six subjects completed the 9-week supplementation trial. RESULTS: Results showed the AmLexin group experienced significantly lower levels of post-exercise pain on day 1-3 following the half-marathon compared to the placebo group. The AmLexin group also showed lower post-exercise oxidative stress and higher antioxidant capacity on days 1 and 6 following the half-marathon. These results demonstrated the rapid benefits of AmLexin on pain and oxidative stress within 1-6 days post-exercise. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that AmLexin could be a safe, effective botanical alternative for delayed onset muscle soreness.