Sybille Buchwald-Werner^1,*, Ioanna Naka¹, Dirk Dressler², Claudia Reule², Christiane Schön²
*Corresponding author
1. Vital Solutions GmbH, Langenfeld, Germany
2. Biotesys GmbH, Esslingen, Germany

Abstract

Aloysia citriodora (L.) leaves are used as food and food supplements. A proprietary standardized Aloysia citriodora leaf extract was investigated for its anti-inflammatory effects by inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX). Two isozymes were tested, ovine COX-1 isozyme and human recombinant COX-2 isozyme. Aloysia citriodora leaf extract showed significant dose-dependent effects to inhibit cyclooxygenases, demonstrating anti-inflammatory activity. Results may indicate beneficial effects for sports nutrition to prevent muscle soreness, muscle damage, and to improve recovery after physical exercise.

INTRODUCTION

Muscle soreness is a common result of physical activity that stresses the muscle tissue beyond normal activity. For some it is normal housework, for others high intensity exercise that leads to muscle damage and so called delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS). Physically, this muscle fatigue and pain is linked to inflammation and disruption of the myofibril structure and connective tissue caused by multiple reasons. For example, lack of energy (ATP), creatine phosphate, glycogen or calcium that should stimulate actin and myosin to contract, causes reduced force generating capacity of contractile elements (1).
One important factor is the acute inflammatory response to exercise. Structural muscle damage leads to inflammation and increased levels of signaling proteins stimulating the production of arachidonic acid. Consequently, arachidonic acid increases the levels of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Both may trigger muscle soreness by direct interaction with pain receptors (2). Although there is an increasing demand for natural sports nutrition products preventing muscle soreness and damage caused by inflammation, there are not man ...